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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$150K - $258K *

Champion operational excellence by leading cross-functional initiatives, driving strategic governance, and enhancing project delivery in Medical and Scientific Affairs. Collaborate with senior leaders...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $258K *

Lead and innovate in process and operations management within Medical and Scientific Affairs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic portfolio governance, enhance operational excel...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $258K *

Shape the future of medical affairs by leading strategic portfolio management, enhancing operational excellence, and driving cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful healthcare solutions...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing financial operations for cancer clinical trials, overseeing contracts and budgets. Collaborate across teams to enhance research resource management and ensure compliance wi...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$213K - $280K *

Drive clinical operations for early development programs, ensuring first-in-human study readiness and global execution. Collaborate across teams to develop plans, manage vendors, and mitigate risks, d...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $316K *

Elevate patient support program effectiveness by leading analytics, performance measurement, and development initiatives. Collaborate across functions to ensure quality and compliance while driving in...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $111K *

Elevate clinical outcomes by leading program development and training initiatives. Collaborate with teams to implement best practices, ensure compliance, and drive performance metrics while fostering...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K *

Take ownership of clinical leadership, mentoring, and support while maintaining a manageable caseload. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance client outcomes and foster a positive clinical cultu...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$210K - $250K *

Drive growth and innovation in clinical development, leading cross-functional teams to enhance therapeutic portfolios, particularly in cell and gene therapy, while ensuring medical oversight and strat...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$210K - $250K *

Drive the growth of a therapeutic portfolio by leveraging medical expertise and overseeing clinical trials. Collaborate across teams to shape strategies in cell and gene therapy, ensuring innovative...

Covington, KYRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$136K - $171K *

Oversee the operational planning, execution, and oversight of clinical trials. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance with regulations and SOPs while mentoring junior team members for suc...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $348K *

Transform clinical research through expert medical management and support. Collaborate with teams to ensure protocol integrity, provide training, and contribute to business development while maintaini...

Durham, NCRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Transform nursing operations by leading high-quality, patient-centered care, managing personnel, and driving departmental goals in a collaborative, safety-focused environment that prioritizes innovati...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$110K - $130K *

Manage a dynamic project management team, ensuring strategic delivery of high-impact programs while fostering team growth and adherence to PMO standards. Drive successful project outcomes through effe...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in strategic program management, overseeing project delivery and team development. Drive successful outcomes through effective staffing, risk management, and stakeholder collaboration...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$105K - $125K *

Lead the charge in overseeing clinical operations in the North Atlantic region, managing a dynamic team while fostering collaboration on project execution and enhancing site functionality to ensure ex...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$223K - $305K *

Elevate your career by leading Clinical QA strategy and operations, ensuring GCP compliance across clinical development. Drive quality culture, manage audits, and provide strategic oversight to enhanc...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in enhancing patient care through effective case management strategies. Oversee department operations, ensure compliance, and collaborate with healthcare teams to promote quality outco...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that leads case management services to enhance patient care, ensuring compliance and high standards. Oversee the development of strategies for effective utilization and care coordination w...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $110K *

Drive clinical excellence by overseeing operations and leading a dedicated team. Manage patient care while fostering a supportive environment for clinicians. Transform lives through evidence-based tre...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $150K *

Drive operational excellence by overseeing fiscal success and strategy for multiple ambulatory clinics, ensuring compliance and delivering exceptional patient care while managing a dynamic team toward...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$275K - $330K *

Champion the strategic oversight of global clinical operations, ensuring timely execution and compliance of clinical trials. Lead and mentor a high-performing team while managing relationships with CR...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$70K - $125K *

Unlock potential by leading data operations, enhancing reporting strategies, and driving automation. Collaborate with teams to develop dashboards and ensure data quality, while mentoring junior staff...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$178K - $215K *

Elevate clinical data management by providing strategic leadership and operational oversight. Drive data integrity, compliance, and quality assurance throughout the research lifecycle while collaborat...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$178K - $215K *

Drive your career with strategic leadership in clinical data management, overseeing data integrity and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data quality and operational effic...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Clinical Operations do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Browse current listings on Ladders and compare job responsibilities, qualifications, work arrangements, and compensation to find roles that match your experience and career goals.