Vice President (Global Head) Site Management and Monitoring

Job Title Head, Site Management and Monitoring

Location: Boston, MA

Introduction to role  

This role leads the global Site Management and Monitoring organisation for the Biopharma portfolio, setting the direction for how clinical trials are delivered across more than 30 countries. The remit spans country-level trial delivery, from feasibility and site selection through to close-out, ensuring high quality data, timely recruitment and strong alignment with Biopharma and Oncology R&D strategies. Therapeutic expertise in areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, inflammation and autoimmune disease is vital to guide where studies are placed and how they are executed. The position combines strategic leadership, operational excellence, and people management, working closely with country leadership, Program and Study Management teams to embed robust country insights into operational plans. As a key escalation point for issues in new and ongoing studies, the role also owns recruitment, retention, capability building and performance management for SMM staff in direct line, as well as quality and compliance with ICH GCP and local regulations. As a member of both the Biopharma Clinical Operations Leadership Team and Development Operations Leadership Team, the role drives a unified “One SMM” mindset in partnership with the Oncology SMM Head.

Accountabilities  

• Lead the global SMM function for Biopharma, driving operational excellence across all clinical trial activities, including planning, feasibility, site and country selection, monitoring, risk management and oversight of timely, efficient, quality and compliant study delivery from start-up through to closure.  
• Shape and implement an agile, future-oriented site management strategy that meets the needs of Biopharma and Oncology R&D, using external intelligence and competitor insights to refine ways of working and benchmark performance against top-quartile industry metrics.  
• Champion and support the implementation of AstraZeneca’s digital strategy within SMM, embedding data, technology and digital tools into trial delivery.  
• Ensure appropriate resourcing and capabilities across all SMM roles to deliver the portfolio, including robust forecasting and staffing models at country level.
• Build and strengthen collaborations between global stakeholders and market-level functions such as Business Units, Regulatory, Payor and government institutions to secure input into, and delivery of, all internally delivered clinical trials.  
• Develop and execute a strong people agenda so that SMM teams are trained, high performing and ready to support evolving therapeutic area strategies.  
• Create performance and talent management plans that attract, develop and retain a highly skilled, agile workforce able to respond quickly to changing portfolio needs.  
• Oversee outsourcing strategies and sourcing models with CROs and other partners to deliver optimal time, cost and quality outcomes, including selection, governance and performance management through clear metrics and MSAs.  
• Communicate business priorities and vision in a clear, compelling way that enables staff to translate strategy into action and deliver as one global organisation.  
• Act as an active member of the Global Development Operations Leadership Team and Biopharma Clinical Operations Leadership Team, contributing to cross-functional strategy and decision-making.  
• Develop trusting, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including country and regional medical and commercial teams, to align trial delivery with broader business objectives.  
• Ensure excellence in the development and implementation of processes, templates, guidelines, SOPs, tools and systems that underpin successful clinical trial conduct.  
• Own clinical trial budget creation, management, forecasting and updates (internal and external costs), ensuring adherence to financial reporting procedures.  
• Lead the design and use of metrics dashboards with Development Operations and Biopharma/Oncology leaders to track quality, speed and cost performance.  
• Ensure full compliance with ICH/GCP, CFR and other applicable regulations and requirements across all countries in direct line responsibility.

Essential Skills/Experience  

• Bachelor degree in scientific discipline or relevant subject area  
• Mastery of Clinical Development area with 10 years+ relevant experience and multi-disciplinary experience (cross-functional or functional)  
• Previous experience of working in a site management organisation at a country, regional or global level  
• Strong technical and TA extensive Biopharma Clinical Operations expertise  
• Proven line management expertise; experience of line management of associate director level staff (experience of managing Director level staff desirable but not essential)  
• Ability to effectively influence and communicate Ability to engage, influence and collaborate across boundaries with a problem solving and delivery focus  
• Ability to assimilate complex information and identify key issues and message  
• Functional management experience, managing resourcing, budget planning and functional level activities  

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Post graduate degree is an advantage  

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.

Pay transparency 

The annual base pay for this position ranges from 347,452 - 521,178 USD Annual. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where science leads every decision, data and technology are embedded in daily work, and diverse teams come together to tackle some of the world’s most complex diseases. Here curiosity is encouraged, bold questions are welcomed, setbacks are treated as learning opportunities, and leaders empower teams to explore new approaches that can transform patient outcomes at scale. With access to a broad pipeline, cross-therapy area collaboration and continuous learning opportunities, this is a place to build a meaningful career while helping shape the future of healthcare!

Ready to lead global site management to new levels of impact? Apply now to join AstraZeneca as Head, Site Management and Monitoring.

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.