Director, Clinical Operations Jobs

Explore Director, Clinical Operations opportunities for experienced leaders who guide the planning and delivery of clinical research. These roles oversee teams, processes, budgets, and vendor relationships to help clinical trials run efficiently while meeting quality, regulatory, and business goals. Ladders features vetted professional jobs with salaries of $100,000 or more.

What Does a Director of Clinical Operations Do?

Directors of Clinical Operations shape operational strategy across clinical programs and studies. They may lead study planning and execution, manage clinical operations teams, monitor timelines and budgets, oversee CRO and site partnerships, and establish processes for consistent trial delivery. The scope varies by employer, therapeutic area, and organization size.

Qualifications and Skills

Employers commonly seek substantial clinical research experience, a record of leading teams or complex studies, and a strong understanding of clinical trial operations and applicable regulations. Relevant strengths can include project and portfolio management, budget oversight, risk assessment, vendor management, communication, and the ability to collaborate across clinical, medical, regulatory, data, and quality teams. Requirements differ by role; some positions prefer an advanced degree or therapeutic-area expertise.

Career Opportunities and Work Settings

Director-level clinical operations professionals work at biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, medical device firms, and other research organizations. Depending on the role, responsibilities may span a single study, a regional team, or a broad clinical development portfolio. Search current openings to compare leadership scope, work arrangements, and employer needs.

Find Director, Clinical Operations Jobs on Ladders

Use Ladders to discover vetted Director, Clinical Operations jobs paying $100,000 or more. Review role requirements and compensation details, then identify opportunities aligned with your clinical research leadership experience and career goals.

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Director, Clinical Operations Jobs

Average Salary: $125,967

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Top companies hiring for Director, Clinical Operations

Elevance Health Harrison and Star HCA Healthcare United Surgical Partners International, Inc Merck & Co, Inc Eventus WholeHealth Biogen AbbVie Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc UHS Select Physical Therapy McKesson CenterWell Primary Care Syneos Health Careers Eli Lilly

Top similar job titles to Director, Clinical Operations

Clinical Manager jobs Director of Nursing jobs Program Director jobs Medical Director jobs Executive Director jobs Senior Medical Director jobs Practice Manager jobs Oncologist jobs Physician jobs Senior Operations Manager jobs Senior Project Manager jobs Director jobs Operations Manager jobs Physical Therapist jobs Project Manager jobs

Top cities hiring for Director, Clinical Operations

New York, NY jobs Boston, MA jobs Cambridge, MA jobs San Diego, CA jobs Waltham, MA jobs San Francisco, CA jobs Redwood City, CA jobs South San Francisco, CA jobs Chicago, IL jobs Indianapolis, IN jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a Director of Clinical Operations do?
A Director of Clinical Operations leads the planning and execution of clinical research operations. Responsibilities may include managing teams, study timelines and budgets, site and vendor relationships, operational processes, and compliance with applicable requirements.
What qualifications are typically required for Director, Clinical Operations jobs?
Employers generally look for significant clinical research experience and demonstrated leadership in clinical trial operations. Knowledge of trial regulations, project management, budgeting, vendor oversight, and cross-functional collaboration is often valuable. Specific education and experience requirements vary.
Where do Directors of Clinical Operations work?
They may work for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, medical device firms, and other organizations conducting clinical research.
How much do Director, Clinical Operations jobs pay?
Compensation varies by employer, location, experience, and role scope. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more; check each listing for its stated compensation and details.
How can I find Director, Clinical Operations jobs?
Browse current listings on Ladders and compare job responsibilities, qualifications, work arrangements, and compensation to find roles that match your experience and career goals.