Executive Director, Innovation & Transformation

Role overview

This leadership opportunity is for an Executive Director, Innovation & Transformation located in the United States. Applications and subsequent hiring steps are handled by a partner organization.

The role is centered on driving large-scale change across clinical operations within a global R&D environment. It combines strategic leadership, technology adoption, enterprise program oversight, and operational excellence in a heavily regulated life sciences setting.

You will be accountable for accelerating clinical trial delivery worldwide by embedding digital capabilities, automation, and advanced analytics into core development workflows. The position also includes responsibility for governance, portfolio management, executive alignment, and team leadership.

This is a high-impact role for someone who can shape operating models, lead PMO functions, and deliver measurable transformation outcomes while building a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Key accountabilities

• Direct enterprise-wide innovation and transformation efforts across clinical operations, including updates to processes, workflows, and operating models.
• Guide major strategic programs such as ACT FAST, ensuring coordination across global development, technology, AI, and R&D stakeholders.
• Promote the use of AI, automation, and digital tools to increase efficiency, scalability, and the quality of decision-making in clinical trials.
• Set up and run PMO structures that support portfolio governance, prioritization, progress monitoring, and delivery oversight.
• Manage cross-functional transformation programs while keeping timelines, budgets, dependencies, and strategic goals aligned.
• Run executive governance meetings and support leadership with decision-making, status tracking, and strategic communication.
• Lead change management and capability-building initiatives that support long-term operational excellence.
• Work with internal and external partners to assess emerging technologies and identify innovation opportunities, including integrations and partnerships.

Requirements

• At least 12 years of experience in clinical operations, program management, transformation, or a related biopharmaceutical function, with a bachelor’s degree level background or higher.
• Strong track record of leading large enterprise transformation efforts in complex matrixed organizations.
• Substantial experience in clinical development or clinical operations, preferably in biopharma or life sciences.
• Proven ability to establish or lead PMO operations, including governance, portfolio tracking, and execution control.
• Hands-on experience implementing AI, digital, automation, or advanced analytics solutions in regulated environments.
• Solid understanding of clinical trial processes, operational workflows, and broader industry transformation trends.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence global and cross-functional teams.
• Strategic mindset with strong execution ability and a record of achieving measurable business and operational impact.
• Experience in organizational change management, operating model design, and enterprise capability development is preferred.

Benefits and compensation

• Estimated annual pay of about $252,000 to $341,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with meaningful employer contributions.
• Annual bonus opportunity and long-term stock-based incentives.
• Flexible work arrangements, subject to role needs.
• Generous paid time off, company shutdown periods, and parental leave support.
• Access to professional development in a global, innovation-focused environment.
• Strong emphasis on wellbeing, inclusion, and long-term career growth.

Application and privacy information

The employer of record is a partner company, and that partner manages all applications and next steps. A shortlist of top-fitting candidates is created through an AI-assisted matching process and then shared with the hiring company, which handles interviews, assessments, and final hiring decisions.

By applying, candidates acknowledge that personal data may be processed to evaluate candidacy and shared with the employer as part of the recruitment process. The processing is described as being based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual steps under applicable data protection laws, including GDPR. Applicants may exercise rights such as access, correction, deletion, and objection.

Artificial intelligence tools may be used to support application review, resume analysis, response assessment, and inconsistency checks. These tools assist recruiters but do not replace human judgment, and final hiring decisions are made by people.