• We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team in Africa as aSenior Director of Clinical Operations. In this role, you will direct a team of clinical staff across a designated group/country/region, driving operational excellence, aligning strategic goals with senior management priorities, and expanding organizational capacity to fuel regional growth. This position will play a critical role in advancing our clinical operations strategy while fostering key partnerships with external organizations and the scientific community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for clinical staff within the assigned region, ensuring alignment with organizational goals,with a focus on driving forward our regional growth strategy.
• Oversee the allocation of staff and fiscal resources for optimal operational efficiency.
• Manage staff in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations, including planning, assigning, and evaluating work; guiding professional development; and addressing employee relations issues.
• Collaborate with senior management to set targets for recruitment and retention, and oversee effective onboarding and training processes for new staff.
• Monitor and evaluate clinical workload, quality, and budget metrics to identify opportunities for improvement. Collaborate with leadership to enhance operational efficiencies and project outcomes.
• Act as a mentor and coach to junior staff, fostering growth and professional development.
• Analyse clinical study budgets and guide line managers in managing variances and implementing corrective action plans as needed.
• Lead corporate or departmental quality or process improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in driving initiatives aligned with South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework, contributing to sustainable economic transformation and delivering measurable impact within the healthcare sector.
• Serve as a sponsor/client liaison, maintaining exemplary customer service standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or healthcare-related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of clinical trials experience, with at least 5 years in a management or leadership capacity.
• Advanced knowledge of GCP/ICH guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in clinical research financial parameters and budget management.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor diverse teams in a complex, multi-layered corporate environment.
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong command of English.
• Growth mindset with the ability to identify, create, and seize opportunities for expansion and innovation.
• Resilience, tenacity, and adeptness at navigating corporate approval processes.