Director, Country Operations Management at AstraZeneca

Location: Boston, Seaport Hybrid: 60% onsite  The Director Country Operations Management (DCOM) will lead a local execution team, fully accountable for all study deliverables and quality for programs in their country).  The DCOM is accountable for execution of all assigned operational trial deliverables, for assigned programs completed according to timelines, operational procedures, quality standards, SOPs and guidelines. Focus is on high quality delivery in a timely and cost-effective manner, in accordance with local regulations and ICH/GCP guidelines, and as aligned with country level ways of working.The DCOM is a key contributor in the overall deliverables for the country, including early planning, feasibility, site selection, study start-up, enrollment, data deliverables, and close-out, and works in partnership with global study team, SDHCO, Dir SSU and Site Partnership, and RHCO to define those deliverables.DCOM is accountable for leading, managing, training, and developing a dedicated team of direct reports, and is responsible for planning and optimization of reporting resources including objective setting, performance follow-up, and contributes to shaping processes to standardize ways of working country level and managing change .The DCOM will play a central role in maintaining oversight and effective management of vendors including CROs and will create an effective communication pathway with other stakeholders within their country e.g. Local Medical Affairs and Legal (where applicable).You will be responsible for:Leads local execution team for assigned programs consistent with country level ways of workingUtilize available technology proficiently to manage local study delivery and identify opportunity for operational optimizationDirecting country execution team to achieve quality and timeliness of all study deliverables (site identification, feasibility, start up, recruitment, data deliverables).Ensuring resource optimization of assigned team to deliver to committed clinical program targets.Development and performance management of direct reports and ensuring each direct report has development and training plans according to company policy and people plans. Hands-on support and coaching direct line reports on a regular basis to address challenges and needsParticipate in succession planning and talent development discussionsPrepares salary and bonus proposals for direct reports based on their performance, in close consultation with SDHCO and local HRBPs.Contributing to transformation initiatives, shaping processes to standardize ways of working country level, and manages change to ensure contribution to effective COM organizationAccountable for monitoring metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across all studiesEnsuring cross-functional collaboration of team and PMCOs through proactive communication with global study team members (Global Study Directors, Global Study Associate Directors, Global Study Managers), and other local study team members (Study Start-up Managers, Site Contract Associate Directors, Site Alliance Lead, Site Solutions Manager, CRAs, and ADCOM) to raise and resolve study specific blockers quicklyPartnering with Development Country Quality and Medical Advisor Pipeline to ensure quality mindset, and Inspection Readiness, and management of site engagement, respectively.Contributes to high quality re/feasibility work, using data driven approach balanced with local intelligence and site insights to develop credible plans and country commitments for assigned projects, and in accordance with country goals.Overseeing local team member interactions with IRB/Ethics CommitteesApproving site selections for each studyEnsure timely completeness a of the eTMFEnsuring that a post-trial access plan is in place as part of study completionCompliance of local study team and contract workers (including FSP) with Alexion SOPsProactively connecting with other Country leaders to share issues and learnings to ensure overall success of COM organizationManaging internal and external stakeholders, and supporting local strategies within country and working in collaboration with local Medical Affairs, Regulatory, and AZ SMM colleaguesEffectively manages risks, issues, decisions at the country and local study level; escalates to SD HCO appropriatelyDeveloping expertise in analyzing and resolving issues relating to study execution and compliance in fast evolving clinical trial landscapeEnsuring that respective execution teams are appropriately qualified and trained for the roles they undertakeDriving continuous improvement and team performance monitored via global, regional and country performance metrics ensuring high quality deliveryIdentifying performance issues and/or areas of opportunity for continuous improvementQualifications:Minimum 7 years of clinical research experience with experience in the development & management of a clinical operations function and management of staff in a pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology environmentExperience with internal delivery of global clinical trials. Proven excellence in operational delivery of clinical operations activities across multiple projectsPrevious line management experience (direct lines)Experience leading, developing and implementing functional and cross-functional teams, SOPs and processesDeep knowledge of global regulatory requirements and ICH/GCP guidelinesDemonstrated proficiency in the implementation, monitoring and management of clinical trialsDeep knowledge of respective TA operational delivery, country environment for clinical trials, and rare disease landscapeDemonstrated ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and manage competing priorities and changing demandsDemonstrated ability to build, coach, mentor, motivate and supervise a high performing team in a dynamic company, including ability to clarify roles and responsibilitiesAbility to establish excellent internal and external relationships, including alliance partners and vendorsStrong planning and budgeting skillsSuperior written, oral and presentation skillsAbility to lead in a matrix environmentExcellent project management and administrative skillsExcellent interpersonal skills across countries, cultures and organizational functions.  Well-developed problem solving, organizational, and negotiating skills.Available for domestic and international travel up to 25%, dependent on progress of programsBachelor’s level degree required.Preferred Qualifications:Previous field CRA experienceExperience running clinical studies for ultra-rare diseases and capability to develop and implement innovative solutions for optimizing the conduct of ultra-rare disease studies.Experience of adult and pediatric clinical research in various therapeutic areas in the US.Masters or Doctoral degree or equivalent in a scientific disciplineThe annual base pay for this position ranges from $162,566.40 to $243,849.60. 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 Posted29-Jun-2026Closing Date26-Jul-2026Our 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.SummaryLocation: US - Boston - MAType: Full time