Director, clinical project management (adelaide)

Adelaide, Australia | Full time | Hybrid | R1537704

We are seeking an experienced Director, Clinical Project Management to lead and develop a high-performing team responsible for delivering complex global clinical studies and programs.

This role provides strategic and operational oversight across active and pipeline studies, ensuring delivery excellence in timeline, quality, and financial performance. Acting as a senior escalation point for sponsors and internal stakeholders, you will drive resourcing strategy, risk management, governance, and sponsor engagement across key biotech accounts. You will play a critical leadership role in talent development, client satisfaction, and business growth, including bid defence support and study award transitions.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Clinical Project Management professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Manage performance, career development, and succession planning aligned to organisational goals.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent within a global setting.
• Provide ongoing mentoring in project planning, risk management, and problem-solving.
• Oversee execution of multiple complex clinical studies/programs to ensure delivery on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Act as primary escalation point for sponsors and internal stakeholders.
• Drive portfolio-level governance, ensuring robust oversight of risk, issues, and financial performance.
• Lead resourcing strategy across Project Manager (PM) and Clinical Trial Manager (CTM) teams.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, GCP/ICH guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accountability for study budgets, forecasting (EAC), and change control processes.
• Review project performance dashboards and ensure accuracy of reporting systems.
• Drive strong financial outcomes and proactively manage risks to profitability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key biotech sponsors.
• Support business development activities, including bid defence and proposal development.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and confidence across all engagements.
• Navigate complex stakeholder discussions and negotiate effective solutions.
• Identify and manage risks across projects, resources, and teams.
• Oversee quality issues and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and organisational standards.
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional initiatives and process improvements.
• Act as a change agent within the organisation, driving adoption of tools and best practices.
• Collaborate across global teams, ensuring alignment and knowledge sharing.

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related discipline.
• 12+ years of relevant experience, including significant clinical project management and leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in managing global clinical trial teams and complex programs.

• Deep knowledge of clinical trial processes and regulatory frameworks (GCP, ICH).
• Strong understanding of the clinical research industry and operating environments.
• Proven ability to lead through others in a matrixed, global environment.
• Strong coaching, mentoring, and team development capabilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage high-stakes client relationships and complex discussions.
• Strong financial management capabilities (budgeting, forecasting, change control).
• High level of organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively across cultures and geographies.
• Proficiency in MS Office and clinical project management systems.