Associate Director, Clinical Operations (Study Startup)

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for an Associate Director, Clinical Operations (Study Startup) in Canada.

This senior leadership role sits at the center of clinical trial execution, focusing on driving high-quality and efficient study startup activities across global clinical research programs. You will oversee end-to-end startup operations, ensuring studies progress smoothly from feasibility through site activation while meeting regulatory, quality, and timeline expectations. Acting as a subject matter expert, you will partner closely with sponsors, project teams, and functional stakeholders to shape startup strategies that directly impact trial success and patient access. The role combines operational leadership, client engagement, and strategic oversight within a fast-paced, high-growth clinical research environment. You will also lead and mentor startup teams, ensuring strong performance, compliance, and continuous improvement across processes and deliverables. With significant exposure to sponsor interactions, audits, and governance activities, this position plays a key role in strengthening client relationships and operational excellence. It is an opportunity to influence global clinical development programs while building scalable, high-performing startup operations.

Accountabilities

* Lead and oversee clinical study startup teams to ensure timely, high-quality, and compliant execution of all startup activities

* Drive end-to-end startup operations including feasibility, site identification, site selection, regulatory submissions, contracts, and site activation

* Collaborate with Clinical Operations Leads, Project Managers, sponsors, and cross-functional teams to design and execute effective startup strategies

* Monitor startup timelines, KPIs, and operational metrics while identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies

* Ensure accuracy and completeness of startup deliverables, including regulatory documentation, essential documents, and study trackers

* Oversee site contract and budget negotiations to ensure timely execution and alignment with study objectives

* Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management for startup teams, including hiring, training, and career development

* Lead process improvement initiatives, SOP development, and adoption of tools and technologies to enhance operational efficiency

* Participate in sponsor meetings, bid defenses, and governance discussions as a startup subject matter expert

* Support audit readiness and ensure compliance with ICH-GCP, regulatory standards, and internal quality frameworks

Requirements

* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in life sciences, health sciences, or related field

* 14+ years of clinical research experience, preferably within a CRO environment

* Strong experience in clinical operations leadership, study startup, and operational management

* Proven ability to lead teams and drive performance in a fast-paced clinical research setting

* Deep knowledge of clinical trial startup processes, including feasibility, site selection, regulatory, and contract management

* Strong understanding of ICH-GCP guidelines, regulatory requirements, and clinical quality standards

* Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills across internal teams and external sponsors

* Experience in process optimization, operational strategy, and continuous improvement initiatives

* Strong business acumen with the ability to manage client relationships and contribute to commercial growth

* Willingness to travel approximately 20-50% as required

Benefits

* Competitive annual salary ranging from $165,000 - $210,000 USD

* Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage

* Life, AD&D, and disability insurance (short- and long-term)

* Retirement and pension plan support

* Generous paid time off and sick leave policies

* Tuition and fitness reimbursement programs

* Employee assistance and wellness support programs

* Performance-based bonus eligibility

* Career development opportunities within a global clinical research environment.

How Jobgether Works

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

Why Apply Through Jobgether?

Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.