Director, Study Operations

Job Title: Director, Study Operations Location: Durham, NC Introduction to role Are you ready to lead and inspire a team dedicated to delivering life-changing medicines? As the Director of Study Operations, you'll be at the forefront of developing and guiding Study Management personnel to ensure the successful delivery of both drug and non-drug projects. Your leadership will be pivotal in resourcing study teams, embedding consistent practices across locations, and building capabilities within Study Management. You'll empower your direct reports with the skills needed to lead clinical trials effectively and drive the implementation of global strategies in BioPharmaceuticals Clinical Operations. Are you prepared to make a difference? Accountabilities Line management of Study Management Late staff Recruit, Retain & Develop personnel Demonstrate AZ values Provide skills and capability training to personnel to support their development Ensure personnel have been trained and work within compliance of ethics, company policies and standard procedures Role model and embed a performance-driven culture and coach staff for optimum performance Develop and nurture capabilities of our present and future AZ leaders Manage performance including feedback and rewards Provide expertise and direction to support direct reports with proactive problem/risk identification, solution building, and issue resolution to facilitate achievement of objectives on time and to appropriate quality Timely assignment of capable Study Management resources to meet the clinical study team demands, in collaboration with other members of Study Management Leadership team, and the Capacity Management Team Study Management Participate in setting, and responsible for implementing, the vision & strategy for the Study Management, aligned with BioPharmaceuticals Clinical Vision & Strategy Contribute to business strategy and streamline processes for drug/non-drug projects or departmental activities Lead and support change by encouraging diversity of solutions and implementing process changes consistently across Study Management Act as a change Agent, with local and global impact, to ensure adoption of global initiatives Promote and encourage innovation and creativity Work within Study Management to achieve accurate resource forecasting and develop solutions to efficiently and flexibly resource study teams Promote and encourage communication within and across Study Management and BioPharmaceuticals Clinical Ensure quality and compliance to External Regulations and AZ Standards Work across the locations to develop global efficient ways-of-working Provide expert input into functional and cross-functional global processes Foster the sharing of study delivery knowledge, information, and best practice Essential Skills/Experience Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in medical or biological science, or related subject or equivalent qualification or experience. 10 or more years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry Comprehensive experience of clinical and Drug Development process within a pharmaceutical or clinical background Proven leadership and ability to promote motivation and empower others in order to accomplish individual, team, and organizational objectives Thorough knowledge of Study Management processes in both local regulation and global environment An understanding of the therapeutic areas related to AstraZeneca’s products Strong leadership, problem solving, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution skills Ability to lead change with a positive approach to the challenges of change for self, team, and the business. Sees change as an opportunity to improve performance and add value to the business Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, resources, performance targets, and project initiatives in a global and regional environment Excellent written and verbal communication skills, negotiation, collaboration, and interpersonal skills Desirable Skills/Experience Advanced degree in a scientific discipline Line management experience Expert reputation within the business and industry Extensive knowledge of the latest technical information Ability to look for and champion more efficient and effective methods/processes of delivering quality clinical trials with reduced budget and in less time. When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace, and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world. At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our passion for science. Our commitment to exploring innovative solutions empowers us to treat, prevent, modify, and even cure some of the world's most complex diseases. We fuse data with scientific innovation to achieve breakthroughs that redefine healthcare. Our inclusive environment fosters collaboration across academia, biotechs, and industry partners. Here, curiosity thrives as we push boundaries to deliver life-changing medicines that impact billions worldwide. Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our team! Date Posted 10-Dec-2025 Closing Date 06-Jan-2026 Our 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. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.