Pfizer

Head, Clinical Development & Operations Quality

Pfizer$300K — $500K+*
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 12+ years in scientific, medical, pharmacy, regulatory or quality fields, or equivalent experience.
  • Extensive leadership experience in GCP quality or clinical operations within a global organization.
  • Deep knowledge in global clinical trials across Phase I-IV and GCP requirements.
  • Accountability for enterprise quality strategy and regulatory inspections.
  • Ability to influence executives on significant risks to data integrity and compliance.
  • Success in transforming organizations while maintaining quality standards.
  • Experience in governance and decision-making across complex global teams.

Responsibilities

  • Set and execute GCP quality and compliance strategies aligned with Pfizer's portfolio.
  • Design a risk-based governance model with clear decision-making mechanisms.
  • Provide strategic oversight to identify and mitigate quality risks across trial phases.
  • Ensure inspection readiness for trials and significant regulatory engagements.
  • Lead modernization of quality practices through AI and digital technologies.
  • Embed proactive risk management in clinical operations and strategy.
  • Establish quality frameworks for external partners and integrations.

Benefits

  • Leadership position in a globally distributed organization.
  • Opportunity to influence Pfizer's clinical operations and quality strategies.
  • Engagement with senior leaders and regulatory authorities.
  • Focus on innovation and AI in clinical quality management.
  • Build a culture of integrity, transparency, and continuous learning.
Full Job Description

SUMMARY

The Head, Clinical Development & Operations (CD&O) Quality is the senior leader accountable for defining and leading the global GCP quality, compliance and integrity strategy across Clinical Development & Operations. Reporting to the Head of Clinical Development & Operations and serving as a member of the CD&O Leadership Team, this leader provides independent, authoritative advice on the quality and regulatory risks associated with Pfizer's global clinical-development portfolio, operating model, technology strategy, external partnerships and organizational transformation.

The role holds enterprise accountability for the effectiveness and continued evolution of the GCP quality-management framework across clinical development, from first-in-human studies through post-approval commitments. The leader establishes the governance, standards, decision frameworks and management insights required to protect clinical-trial participants, preserve data integrity, maintain regulatory compliance and support reliable portfolio delivery across therapeutic areas, regions and operating models.

The Head of CD&O Quality advises CD&O and R&D leadership on material quality risks and their implications for portfolio priorities, investment decisions, clinical-trial design and conduct, vendor and partner strategies, acquisitions and integrations, and the deployment of AI and digital capabilities. The role has authority to escalate significant risks, require appropriate mitigation and challenge or recommend changes to business decisions when quality, compliance, participant protection or data integrity may be compromised.

This leader represents CD&O in senior quality, compliance and risk-governance forums and maintains critical relationships with Regulatory Quality Assurance, Legal, Corporate Compliance, Digital, clinical-development leaders, health authorities and external partners. The role builds a culture in which quality is embedded in business decisions and owned at every level, positioning quality as an enabler of innovation, speed and sustainable clinical-development performance rather than as a downstream control.

The role leads a globally distributed organization of senior quality professionals and leaders, setting the long-term capability, talent, technology, resource and operating-model strategy required for a future-ready, data-driven and AI-enabled quality organization.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Enterprise GCP Quality Strategy and State of Control

  • Set and execute the long-term GCP quality, compliance and integrity strategy for CD&O, aligned with Pfizer portfolio strategy, regulatory obligations, the Purpose Blueprint and the evolving clinical-development model.
  • Own the enterprise framework through which CD&O assesses, understands and communicates its state of GCP quality, integrating leading and lagging indicators, emerging regulatory expectations, operational data, audit and inspection outcomes, and quality-event trends.
  • Translate quality intelligence into strategic recommendations for CD&O and R&D leadership, including implications for portfolio priorities, operating-model design, capability investment, resourcing and risk acceptance.
  • Executive Quality Governance and Decision Authority
  • Design and lead an integrated, risk-based GCP quality-governance model with clear decision rights, escalation thresholds, accountability and interfaces across CD&O, R&D, Regulatory Quality Assurance, Legal, Corporate Compliance, Digital and other quality pillars.
  • Chair the GCP Quality Oversight Committee and ensure material quality risks, systemic trends and remediation priorities are elevated to the appropriate executive governance bodies with clear recommendations and accountable decisions.
  • Exercise independent judgment and constructive challenge when clinical-development, portfolio, financial, technology or operating-model decisions may create unacceptable risk to participants, data integrity, regulatory compliance or Pfizer's ability to defend its clinical evidence.
  • Portfolio Quality and Regulatory Risk Leadership
  • Provide strategic quality oversight across the global Phase I-IV portfolio, focusing leadership attention and resources on the assets, studies, partners and processes presenting the greatest participant, data-integrity, regulatory or business risk.
  • Ensure inspection readiness for pivotal trials, submissions and major regulatory interactions, and act as the senior CD&O quality representative in significant sponsor inspections, regulatory engagements and executive remediation decisions.
  • Ensure significant quality issues are identified early, investigated rigorously, remediated sustainably and used to drive portfolio-wide learning and prevention.

AI, Digital and Data-Enabled Quality

  • Define the GCP quality and compliance framework for the responsible design, validation, deployment, oversight and lifecycle management of AI-enabled and digital capabilities used in clinical development.
  • Partner with Digital, Data, Legal, Compliance and business leaders to ensure AI innovation incorporates appropriate human accountability, explainability, data integrity, risk controls and regulatory readiness from design through sustained use.
  • Sponsor modernization of quality intelligence through integrated data, predictive indicators, automation and AI-enabled insights, with measurable improvement in risk detection, decision quality, inspection readiness and operational performance.
  • Determine when existing processes, controls and governance must be redesigned rather than merely automated, ensuring technology reduces complexity instead of embedding it.

Quality by Design and Business Enablement

  • Embed quality by design and proactive risk management into portfolio planning, protocol and operational strategy, study execution, vendor models and technology transformation.
  • Establish pragmatic, risk-proportionate frameworks that enable innovation and speed while maintaining participant protection, data integrity and regulatory compliance.
  • Build quality ownership across CD&O so operational teams retain accountability for the quality of their work, supported by expert guidance, independent oversight and clear escalation pathways.

External Partner, Acquisition and Ecosystem Quality

  • Set the enterprise quality strategy and risk framework for CROs, vendors, site organizations, strategic partners, licensed partners and other third parties supporting clinical development.
  • Ensure risk-based due diligence, contracting expectations, oversight, performance intelligence and escalation are proportionate to the criticality and complexity of externally performed work.
  • Establish the GCP quality approach for acquisitions, integrations and new operating models, ensuring quality risks are understood before decisions are finalized and post-close obligations are governed through completion.
  • Represent Pfizer externally with regulators, industry bodies and strategic partners to anticipate regulatory change and help shape the evolution of quality practice in clinical research.

Enterprise Remediation and Organizational Learning

  • Provide executive leadership for systemic quality remediation, ensuring root causes are addressed across process, technology, capability, governance and culture rather than through isolated corrective actions.
  • Establish mechanisms to translate quality events, audits, inspections and near misses into enterprise learning, preventive action and measurable improvements in clinical-trial execution.
  • Ensure transparent accountability for remediation commitments, including appropriate challenge of timelines, resources, evidence of effectiveness and residual risk.

Organization, Talent and Resource Leadership

  • Lead and develop a globally distributed organization of senior quality leaders and professionals, establishing clear strategic ownership, decision authority and accountability at every level.
  • Own the long-term organizational, skills, succession, workforce, technology and sourcing strategy for CD&O Quality, ensuring the organization has the capabilities required for evolving regulations, operating models, data and AI.
  • Set resource and investment priorities across the quality portfolio, directing expertise and capacity toward the areas of highest enterprise risk and strategic value.
  • Create a culture of integrity, inclusion, transparency, constructive challenge, continuous learning and accountable delivery.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Basic Qualifications

  • 12+ years of advanced scientific, medical, pharmacy, regulatory, quality or related degree, or equivalent depth of relevant professional experience.
  • Extensive progressive leadership experience across GCP quality, clinical development, clinical operations, regulatory compliance or related disciplines, including significant experience leading senior leaders in a complex global organization.
  • Deep, first-hand expertise in global clinical-trial conduct across Phase I-IV and in the interpretation and application of GCP requirements across major regulatory jurisdictions.
  • Demonstrated accountability for enterprise quality strategy, clinical quality systems, portfolio risk management, regulatory inspections and complex remediation.
  • Proven ability to advise and influence executive leaders on decisions involving significant regulatory, participant, data-integrity, reputational and business risk.
  • Demonstrated success leading organizational or operating-model transformation while sustaining quality, compliance and business continuity.
  • Experience establishing governance, decision rights and accountability across complex global matrix organizations and external partner networks.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity, challenge constructively, make enterprise trade-offs and convert complex quality information into clear executive decision.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience engaging directly with major global health authorities on inspections, significant quality matters or evolving GCP expectations.
  • Experience shaping quality strategy for AI, digital technologies, advanced analytics, decentralized or novel trial approaches.
  • Experience with acquisitions, integrations, alliances or other business models that introduce complex GCP quality and third-party risk.
  • External industry leadership through professional bodies, regulatory forums, standards development or recognized thought leadership in clinical quality.
  • Track record of building global leadership teams, succession pipelines and future-facing quality capabilities.
  • Strong business and financial acumen, including resource prioritization and investment decisions in a global portfolio environment.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

  • Head of Clinical Development & Operations and the CD&O Leadership Team.
  • R&D executive leadership and enterprise quality, compliance and risk-governance bodies.
  • Clinical Development, Global Site & Study Operations, Clinical Data & Information Sciences, Global Clinical Supply, Medical Writing and other CD&O functions.
  • Regulatory Quality Assurance, Global Regulatory Sciences, Safety, Legal, Corporate Compliance and the Chief Quality Officer organization.
  • Digital, Data, AI, Cybersecurity, Finance, Business Development and People Experience organizations.
  • Global health authorities, CROs, strategic providers, technology partners, site organizations, licensed partners, industry consortia and professional associations.

RESOURCES MANAGED

  • Global organization of quality leaders and professionals across multiple geographies, including leadership of leaders, senior individual contributors and externally sourced capabilities.
  • Matrix leadership across therapeutic-area, portfolio, regional and functional quality networks.
  • Accountability for organizational operating budget and external-service expenditure within assigned authority.
  • Prioritization of quality technology, analytics, AI, inspection-readiness and remediation investments.
  • Allocation of quality expertise and capacity based on portfolio risk, regulatory priorities and organizational capability needs.
  • Enterprise influence over quality strategy and risk oversight across the global CD&O portfolio and external partner network.

About Pfizer

Hospira, Inc. is the provider of injectable drugs and infusion technologies. Through its broad, integrated portfolio, Hospira is uniquely positioned to Advance Wellness™ by improving patient and caregiver safety while reducing healthcare costs. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., and has approximately 16,000 employees.

Pfizer Careers

Joining Pfizer’s global team offers more than just job opportunities; it’s a chance to be a part of a company that leads with science and innovates for better health. As a leading biopharmaceutical company, Pfizer is at the forefront of transforming lives through innovation, leadership, and diversity. Work You’ll Do At Pfizer, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, engaging in work that enhances global health and saves lives. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, professional growth, and inclusivity, making every day a learning opportunity. Here, your skills will be honed, your professional acumen will be expanded, and you will be part of a team that values the power of diverse insights to drive success. Pfizer’s Leadership and Growth Lead and innovate with Pfizer, where we value the growth of each employee. Our leadership is committed to providing employees with the training and resources needed to excel in their careers. Pfizer offers a variety of career paths, including roles in research, marketing, finance, technology, and more, each offering a unique blend of challenges and rewards. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career with Pfizer through our internship programs or dive straight into a full-time position. We are hiring individuals who are passionate about healthcare and who seek to make a difference in the world. Our internships provide invaluable industry experience, networking opportunities, and a potential pathway to full-time employment. Benefits and Culture Pfizer is dedicated to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued and can achieve their full potential. We offer competitive benefits packages that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. At Pfizer, you’ll find a culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Join Our Team Explore the numerous job opportunities at Pfizer by searching open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for driven, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to advance their careers in a transformative company. Stay Connected Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Pfizer. Interview and Resume Tips Prepare for your future with Pfizer by utilizing our resources for resume building and interview preparation. We provide guidance on how to effectively showcase your skills and experiences to align with the needs of a position at Pfizer. Our goal is to help you succeed in securing a role that suits your professional goals and personal growth aspirations. Pfizer: A Place Where You Can Make a Difference Every position at Pfizer contributes to our mission of making the world a healthier place. Whether through direct patient care, research innovation, or corporate roles that support our operations, your work will have global impact. Join us in our journey to change lives—explore Pfizer careers today.
Learn more about Pfizer
Size
79,000 employees
Market Cap
$285.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$9.6 billion
Founded
1849
5 Year Trend
+9%
Revenue
$41.9 billion
NASDAQ

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