Job Title: Director Study Operations
Location: Durham NC
Introduction to role
Are you ready to lead and inspire a team dedicated to delivering life-changing medicines As the Director of Study Operations youll be at the forefront of developing and guiding Study Management personnel to ensure the successful delivery of both drug and non-drug projects. Your leadership will be pivotal in resourcing study teams embedding consistent practices across locations and building capabilities within Study Management. Youll empower your direct reports with the skills needed to lead clinical trials effectively and drive the implementation of global strategies in BioPharmaceuticals Clinical Operations. Are you prepared to make a difference
Accountabilities
Line management of Study Management Late staff
Recruit Retain & Develop personnel
Demonstrate AZ values
Provide skills and capability training to personnel to support their development
Ensure personnel have been trained and work within compliance of ethics company policies and standard procedures
Role model and embed a performance-driven culture and coach staff for optimum performance
Develop and nurture capabilities of our present and future AZ leaders
Manage performance including feedback and rewards
Provide expertise and direction to support direct reports with proactive problem/risk identification solution building and issue resolution to facilitate achievement of objectives on time and to appropriate quality
Timely assignment of capable Study Management resources to meet the clinical study team demands in collaboration with other members of Study Management Leadership team and the Capacity Management Team
Study Management
Participate in setting and responsible for implementing the vision & strategy for the Study Management aligned with BioPharmaceuticals Clinical Vision & Strategy
Contribute to business strategy and streamline processes for drug/non-drug projects or departmental activities
Lead and support change by encouraging diversity of solutions and implementing process changes consistently across Study Management
Act as a change Agent with local and global impact to ensure adoption of global initiatives
Promote and encourage innovation and creativity
Work within Study Management to achieve accurate resource forecasting and develop solutions to efficiently and flexibly resource study teams
Promote and encourage communication within and across Study
Management and BioPharmaceuticals Clinical
Ensure quality and compliance to External Regulations and AZ Standards
Work across the locations to develop global efficient ways-of-working
Provide expert input into functional and cross-functional global processes
Foster the sharing of study delivery knowledge information and best practice
Essential Skills/Experience
Bachelors degree required preferably in medical or biological science or related subject or equivalent qualification or experience.
10 or more years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry
Comprehensive experience of clinical and Drug Development process within a pharmaceutical or clinical background
Proven leadership and ability to promote motivation and empower others in order to accomplish individual team and organizational objectives
Thorough knowledge of Study Management processes in both local regulation and global environment
An understanding of the therapeutic areas related to AstraZenecas products
Strong leadership problem solving stakeholder management and conflict resolution skills
Ability to lead change with a positive approach to the challenges of change for self team and the business. Sees change as an opportunity to improve performance and add value to the business
Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities resources performance targets and project initiatives in a global and regional environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills negotiation collaboration and interpersonal skills
Desirable Skills/Experience
Advanced degree in a scientific discipline
Line management experience
Expert reputation within the business and industry
Extensive knowledge of the latest technical information
Ability to look for and champion more efficient and effective methods/processes of delivering quality clinical trials with reduced budget and in less time.
When we put unexpected teams in the same room we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing -person working gives us the platform we need to connect work at pace and challenge perceptions. Thats why we work on average a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesnt mean were not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
At AstraZeneca we are driven by our passion for science. Our commitment to exploring innovative solutions empowers us to treat prevent modify and even cure some of the worlds most complex diseases. We fuse data with scientific innovation to achieve breakthroughs that redefine healthcare. Our inclusive environment fosters collaboration across academia biotechs and industry partners. Here curiosity thrives as we push boundaries to deliver life-changing medicines that impact billions worldwide.
Ready to make an impact Apply now to join our team!
**Please provide a Cover Letter with your job application.
Date Posted
11-Dec-2025Closing Date
07-Jan-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and furtherance of that mission we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation please complete the corresponding section in the application form.
Required Experience:
Director
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, ... View more