Executive Director, Clinical Operations – Program Management

AstraZeneca

. Define and implement short- and long-term clinical operations strategies across cell therapy franchises .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeGaithersburg • California • United StatesLead💰 $270,189 - $405,283 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in clinical operations strategy and execution within the cell therapy domain, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, budget management, and team leadership across global functions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Clinical Operations StrategyDrug Development ExperienceLine Management ExpertiseStakeholder ManagementBudget Planning

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Clinical Development PlansRegulatory SubmissionsOperational ReviewsPerformance ManagementRisk ManagementSupplier ManagementData ManagementBudget ManagementChange LeadershipContinuous Improvement

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationTeamworkCross-Functional CollaborationCultural AwarenessInfluencing Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeAdvanced Degree (M.S., MBA, PhD)

Industry Keywords

Cell TherapyPharmaceuticalBiotechClinical StudiesGlobal Team Leadership

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and implement short- and long-term clinical operations strategies across cell therapy franchises
Develop therapeutic operating models, country footprints, site strategies, and operational clinical development plans
Provide strategic oversight of global cell therapy clinical studies, delivering on time and cost while meeting quality and regulatory standards
Participate in enterprise cell therapy governance and provide Protocol Review Committee sign-off for clinical operations
Conduct operational reviews ahead of key decision bodies, including DRC and ESPC/LSPC
Establish and communicate delivery strategies, portfolio priorities, and key metrics to leadership
Partner with planning leaders on slot forecasting and prioritization decisions
Ensure preparation for regulatory submissions and sustained inspection readiness
Build, inspire, and lead a capable global team across program leadership roles
Set vision and strategy, elevate performance, and develop capabilities at scale
Lead financial cycle planning, including MTP, LTP, phased budgets, training, onboarding, and functional budget management
Build partnerships with Data Management, Vendor Management, Lab Management, Logistics, and Manufacturing functions
Engage industry leaders to bring innovation into clinical operations practice
Lead large transformational workstreams within and beyond the function
Serve as a key leadership team member shaping the forward plan and standardizing delivery across programs
Scale and align a 50+ person global team across five countries and shared functions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
12+ years of proven Drug Development experience, including direct clinical operations experience
Line management expertise and performance management experience of Senior Director-level staff in a large pharmaceutical or biotech setting, with teams of 20+
Demonstrated development of others and capability-building experience
Experience contributing meaningfully to Clinical Operations functional improvement initiatives
Experience managing resourcing, budget planning, and functional-level activities
Professional achievement and willingness to encourage high performance in others
Change leadership with a positive approach
Influencing and stakeholder management skills
Supplier/Partnership Management experience
Excellent communication skills
Ability to set and manage priorities, resources, performance targets, and project initiatives in a global environment
Creative and innovative approach to continuous improvement
Output/delivery focus and commitment to AstraZeneca values, policies, and employment principles
Cultural awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences
Teamwork and cross-functional collaboration skills
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
Advanced degree (M.S., MBA, PhD) desirable
15+ years of clinical and pharmaceutical drug development processes desirable
Experience working internationally and resolving international issues desirable
Business planning skills desirable
Risk and crisis management experience desirable
Experience leading global teams across multiple countries desirable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
Eligibility to participate in equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)
Qualified retirement program (401(k) plan)
Paid vacation and holidays
Paid leaves
Medical coverage
Prescription drug coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Flexible working arrangements while working an average minimum of three days per week from the office