Director, Project Management – EDS

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Responsible for the performance and growth of a team of Clinical Research Project Managers overseeing clinical studies and observational research programs.

• Report directly to the Executive Director of Evidence Development Solutions.

• Develop and maintain a high-performing team that meets scope, schedule, budget, quality, client satisfaction, and operational KPI objectives.

• Manage Clinical Project Managers directly, which includes hiring, onboarding, coaching, conducting performance reviews, career development, and succession planning.

• Establish performance expectations in line with KPIs, including milestones, budget, quality, client satisfaction/NPS, revenue generation, utilization, and retention.

• Ensure adherence to process discipline, SOP compliance, and consistent utilization of Planisware, CTMS, and financial tracking tools.

• Lead performance improvement initiatives and disciplinary actions in collaboration with HR when necessary.

• Develop resource allocation strategies that align project manager availability with portfolio demands.

• Maintain team utilization within target ranges while balancing billability with training, mentoring, and business development efforts.

• Oversee contingency planning for leave coverage, attrition, and portfolio increases.

• Promote the adoption of SOPs, RACI, governance frameworks, and alignment with enterprise QMS.

• Engage in Project Review processes to identify risks, coach project managers, reinforce standards, and implement corrective actions.

• Ensure timely updates to Planisware milestones, baselines, and financial forecasts.

• Advocate for inspection readiness and monitor portfolio health.

• Collaborate with Quality Assurance on CAPA execution, audit responses, and SOP enhancements.

• Represent UBC in governance meetings, business reviews, and escalation calls as necessary.

• Provide executive-ready communications and status reports for clients and internal leadership.

• Work with leaders in Data Management, Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Medical Writing, Regulatory, and Site Management to address resourcing, quality, and delivery challenges.

• Partner with HR, Finance, and Segment leadership on organizational design, compensation strategies, and capacity forecasting.

• Directly supervise typically 10 to 15 reports, including Senior Project Managers and Project Managers.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a life science, health science, or a related field is required.

• An advanced degree (MS, PharmD, PhD, MBA) is preferred.

• A minimum of 10 years of clinical project management experience in a CRO, pharmaceutical, or biotech environment.

• At least 5 years of direct experience in people management.

• Proven track record of leading teams that deliver full-service clinical trials and/or post-authorization safety studies (PASS), registries, and Real-World Evidence (RWE) programs.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams responsible for revenue generation, margin management, and change order execution across a portfolio.

• Extensive knowledge of project management methodology, resource planning, risk management, and contingency planning.

• Strong proficiency in enterprise delivery systems (Planisware, CTMS, financial forecasting tools) and productivity platforms (SharePoint, Teams, Excel, Copilot).

• Experience in regulatory inspection readiness (FDA, EMA, Health Canada) and adherence to GCP/ICH standards.

• Exceptional executive-level written and verbal communication skills; capable of distilling complex issues into clear decisions and recommendations.

• Proven ability to hold teams accountable to KPIs while fostering talent development and maintaining engagement.

• Comfortable operating within a matrixed, global environment across US and European teams.

• PMP or equivalent certification is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health insurance plans.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

• Flexible work arrangements and a supportive work environment.

• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.