Enigma Search

Director Clinical Operations

Enigma Search  •  South San Francisco, CA (Onsite)  •  7 days ago
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Job Description

We are seeking a seasoned, strategic Director of Clinical Operations to lead global clinical trial execution with a focus on Phase III programs. This role combines enterprise-level thinking with operational excellence, providing leadership across multiple studies or a full development program. The Director will drive global study delivery, ensure cross-functional alignment, oversee CRO and vendor partnerships, and elevate operational performance to support successful regulatory outcomes.

Core Responsibilities

Program & Study Leadership

  • Provide strategic leadership for global Phase II–III clinical programs, with direct oversight of Phase III trial execution from protocol development through CSR and regulatory submission support
  • Lead global enrollment strategy, forecasting, feasibility, and country/site optimization to ensure timely delivery
  • Serve as a key member of cross-functional program teams, influencing clinical development strategy and lifecycle planning
  • Partner with Clinical Science to support KOL engagement, advisory boards, and external collaborations

Global CRO, Vendor & Site Oversight

  • Provide executive oversight of global CROs, functional service providers, and critical vendors
  • Lead vendor selection, governance structures, and contract/budget negotiations for large-scale global trials
  • Establish and monitor KPIs, quality metrics, and escalation pathways to ensure performance and accountability across regions
  • Ensure high-performing site networks and strong site relationships globally

Financial & Resource Leadership

  • Oversee and optimize multi-million-dollar global clinical program budgets
  • Drive accurate forecasting, resource planning, and financial governance across programs
  • Partner with Finance to ensure alignment with corporate goals and timelines

Quality, Compliance & Inspection Readiness

  • Ensure full compliance with ICH-GCP, FDA, EMA, and global regulatory requirements
  • Champion data integrity, audit readiness, and inspection preparedness at the program level
  • Partner with QA to lead global inspection readiness strategies and manage regulatory interactions

Operational Excellence & Innovation

  • Drive implementation of scalable processes, SOPs, and best practices across clinical operations
  • Champion adoption of clinical technologies (eTMF, CTMS, RBM) and data-driven approaches
  • Evaluate and implement innovative solutions (e.g., AI/ML, advanced analytics, decentralized trial components) to improve trial efficiency

Cross-Functional & Executive Collaboration

  • Collaborate closely with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Data Science, Biometrics, CMC, and Supply Chain
  • Provide operational insights to inform program-level decision-making and portfolio strategy
  • Present program updates, risks, and mitigation strategies to senior leadership

Leadership & Team Development

  • Build, lead, and mentor high-performing Clinical Operations teams
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Develop talent pipelines and provide coaching to Associate Directors and Clinical Trial Leads
Enigma Search

About Enigma Search

Enigma Search is recruiting firm that specializes in building talent acquisition programs for life science and biotech companies.

Our experienced talent advisors formally served as recruiting leaders at major life science and biotech companies, developing deep networks in the Drug Discovery, Clinical Development, and CMC Manufacturing categories.

We offer tailored solutions for each of our client's needs, ensuring sustainable long-term headcount growth and real time strategic requisition fulfillment.

Our consulting services cater to clients looking to develop an entire talent acquisition program sustainable for long term headcount growth, or simply looking to hire talent for strategic requisitions.

The companies we serve and that are currently in our active portfolio are:

* Venture Capital backed startups

* Midsized, publicly traded biotechs

* Contract Research Organizations / Clinical Development & Manufacturing Organizations

For inquiries or to learn more about our different recruitment models, please contact:

info@enigmarecruiters.com

Industry
HR & Recruiting
Company Size
1-10 employees
Headquarters
San Francisco , CA
Year Founded
2010
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