The External Partnership Director develops and executes the engagement strategy for high impactcollaborations with external partners to support clinical trial delivery. The role oversees the full partnership lifecycle—from strategic planning to operational execution—ensuringstrong performance,best-in-classrelationships, and cross functionalalignment. Key responsibilities includeidentifyingopportunities to expand collaboration, managing partner interfaces for clinical trials, and coordinating across clinical, legal, medical affairs, and other internal teams.
Partnership StrategyDefine and implement an external partnership strategy aligned with portfolio priorities, including governance structures and performance metrics.
Relationship ManagementServe as the primary Clinical Operations contact for key partners. Establish governance, lead businessplanningand performance reviews, manage issue escalation, and provide executive-level updates.
Cross FunctionalOrchestrationCollaborate with stakeholders such as Feasibility, Clinical Operations, Legal, Contracts, and Medical Affairs to align priorities,optimizestudy and site placement, and ensure effective communication between partners, vendors, and AstraZeneca.
PerformanceManagementEstablishKPIs and dashboards (e.g., enrollment, cycle times, data quality). Lead review cadences,monitorcompliance with agreements, and implement corrective or preventive actions.
Maximizeenrollment and experienceIdentifyand execute opportunities to accelerate enrollment while improvingthe clinicaltrial and customer experience.
Scientific and regional insightApply scientific and regional knowledge to support feasibility assessments, strategic site allocation, and portfolio planning. Leverage oncology strategy maps to ensure alignment with evolving treatment landscapes and site priorities
Barrier removal and issue escalationPartner with internal teams to resolve operational barriers. Serve as the escalation point for performance issues for both internally and externally led studies.
Operational excellence and standardizationDevelop and implement partnership frameworks and operating models that promote standardization and best practices.
Environmental surveillance and strategyMonitorregulatory and operational trends to inform leadership of emerging risks, site landscape changes, and innovative engagement models
Technology: Drive the integration of digital and centralized solutions (e.g.,eReg, remote SIVs,EMR basedidentification)
Continuous ImprovementBenchmark partner performance, refine playbooks, and share insights and lessons learned
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, preferably life sciences, or equivalent qualification.
Minimum of 8 years’ experience in Clinical Operations or related fields.
Proven experience inpartnership focusedroles.
Strong understanding of ICHGCP and applicable local regulations.
Strong strategic influence and persuasive communication skills.
Skilledin client relationship management andcross functionalcollaboration.
Proficiencyin digital solutions, interest in emerging technologies and knowledge of industry trends and research.
Strong analytical thinking with the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and KPIs.
Effective negotiation,problem solving, andconflict resolutioncapabilities.
Ability to champion process improvements thatoptimizespeed, quality, and cost in clinical trial delivery.
Change leadership capability, including guiding teams through transformation and ambiguity.
Experience working across multiple studies, indications, and stakeholder groups.
High integrity and adherence to ethical standards.
Ability to travel domestically asrequired
Understanding ofmedical knowledge and ability to learn relevant AZ Therapeutic Areas.
Experience across early and late-stagedevelopment programs.
Understanding ofthe drug development process and clinical study operations, including monitoring, data management, and study drug handling.
Ability to operate effectively in complex, high-visibility, and high-pressure environments.
Awareness of evolving regulatory expectations and technical advancements.
Experience in oncology.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $171K to $257K. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted
04-Jun-2026
Closing Date
18-Jun-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In 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.
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