Executive Director, Global Trial Optimization

MSD

. Provide vision, leadership, oversight, mentoring and coaching of senior GTO staff in producing GTO deliverables .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $255,800 - $402,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in clinical research within the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong focus on strategic planning, operational excellence, and compliance with regulatory guidelines. Proven ability to lead teams, optimize processes, and drive data-driven decision-making in complex environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Clinical Research ExperienceGCP/ICH Regulatory KnowledgeProject ManagementData AnalysisStrategic Planning

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Clinical Trials OperationsCRO ManagementData Modelling SoftwareProcess ManagementResource AllocationRisk-Based Decision-MakingTraining and Curriculum DevelopmentDigital ProficiencyPresentation SkillsAccountability

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsCritical ThinkingFlexible/Agile MindsetInfluencePeople Leadership

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft WordMicrosoft ExcelAnalytics SoftwareAutomation-Enabled CapabilitiesAI-Enabled Capabilities

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical IndustryClinical DevelopmentPatient-CentricityTrial ExecutionSite PartnershipEnterprise Relationship ManagementMergers and AcquisitionsRegulatory CompliancePerformance MetricsCross-Cultural Awareness

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Google Cloud Platform

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide vision, leadership, oversight, mentoring and coaching of senior GTO staff in producing GTO deliverables
Optimize organizational design, resources, key processes, talent and succession management, operating budget, and high-priority programs and studies
Ensure deliverables meet regulatory, business and patient-centricity standards
Implement forward-thinking approaches to improve quality and ease of compliance
Lead data-driven feasibility and recruitment and retention strategies
Communicate progress, status updates, mitigation plans and escalations to senior management
Coach and manage the GTO leadership team and ensure quality program/trial feasibility, allocation, recruitment strategies, plans and tactics
Ensure use of Real World Data in trial execution simulations
Identify portfolio-level risks and implement mitigation strategies
Support trial execution through streamlined enterprise-level vendors and standardized digital presence
Drive compliance with the GCTO Country footprint strategy and evolve processes as business conditions change
Oversee Trial Engagement and Site Partnership organization and strategies for investigator/site relationships, site experience, screening, enrollment, retention and execution
Partner with GCTO members on end-to-end clinical trial execution innovations
Collaborate with CSSM, CQM, Country Operations, GPAM, Clinical Directors, Legal and other stakeholders
Determine resource needs based on clinical development activities
Monitor pharmaceutical industry best practices, regulatory requirements and corporate strategies
Drive continuous improvement and optimize deliverable predictability and accuracy
Establish and monitor performance metrics
Lead operational components of mergers and acquisitions when needed
Lead or implement process improvement and strategic initiatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Required: Bachelor of Science/Arts; advanced degree preferred
Minimum of 15 years clinical research experience in pharmaceutical industry (US and exUS)
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Strong communication skills, including written and verbal communication and ability to influence and represent the organization at senior regional and global levels
Digital proficiency with enterprise-level digital, analytics, automation-enabled and approved AI-enabled capabilities
Risk-based decision-making and leadership
Critical thinking in complex and ambiguous situations
Flexible/agile mindset
Accountability and decision rights within governance frameworks
Entrepreneurship and deep knowledge of pipeline, patient and investigator landscape, health systems and external environment
Strategic planning and execution excellence
Enterprise relationship management and partnerships
Project Management or Site Ready support knowledge and experience
Knowledge and ability to apply GCP/ICH and applicable regulatory guidelines
Superior presentation skills
Training and curriculum development
Computer skills, including data analysis and presentation software, Microsoft Word and Excel
Preferred: proficiency with data modelling software, process management, international collaboration, Sigma training
Required skills include Clinical Research Organizations (CRO) Management, Clinical Trials Operations, Cross-Cultural Awareness, Influence, People Leadership, Resource Allocation, Results-Oriented, and Strategic Thinking
VISA Sponsorship: Yes

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable
Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate and sick days
Relocation: Domestic/International
VISA Sponsorship: Yes
Hybrid flexible work arrangement