Senior Global Clinical Operations Program Director

Job Title: Senior Global Clinical Operations Program Director

Location: Barcelona

Hybrid Working Model: 3 days per week from office

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to steer global cell therapy programs that turn bold science into meaningful outcomes for patients? Do you see yourself converting Target Product Profiles into operational reality at speed and scale while raising the bar for delivery? In this senior leadership role, you will shape and execute the clinical development plan for a high-impact cell therapy portfolio. Partnering closely with the Global Product Team and leading the Clinical Program Team, you will bring strategic clarity, operational excellence, and innovative delivery models to complex, multinational programs. Your leadership will ensure each study in the program delivers to scope, time, cost, quality, and risk parameters—building the evidence that advances regulatory submissions and post-approval value.

Accountabilities:

- Program Leadership: Own end-to-end operational delivery of the agreed clinical development plan for cell therapy programs, translating strategy into actionable program roadmaps and ensuring timely escalation and decision-making with the Global Product Team.

- Clinical Strategy and Design: Provide operational input to clinical strategy, study design, feasibility, and country selection; optimize delivery models and risk management to accelerate start-up and execution without compromising quality.

- Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with clinical and biometrics leadership to align goals, clarify priorities, and enable high-performing, outcome-focused Clinical Program Team execution.

- CPT Leadership and Ways of Working: Establish team structure, governance rhythms, and clear accountability to drive efficient, effective program management across multiple studies and geographies.

- Line Management: Lead and develop global study and program leaders, setting a high-performance bar and coaching for impact, growth, and collaborative excellence.

- Regulatory Delivery: Accountable for clinical operations components of regulatory submissions, supporting regulatory interactions, inspection readiness, and post-registration product maintenance activities.

- External Partnerships: Serve as the program-level operational interface and decision-maker with CROs, academic partners, alliances, and other vendors; negotiate delivery commitments and manage performance.

- Governance and Compliance: Ensure rigorous adherence to company-wide governance controls, including financial oversight, continuous assurance, and clinical trial disclosure; maintain accurate program planning in business reporting systems.

- Budget and Resource Management: Lead forecasting and control across cost, FTEs, and timelines; build compelling business cases and dynamically manage resources to deliver against program priorities.

- Change Leadership and Innovation: Be an early adopter and ambassador for new ways of working, piloting innovative approaches and embedding improvements that enhance efficiency and outcomes. - Functional Impact: Lead non-drug project work and cross-functional improvement initiatives; contribute as a subject matter expert to shape standards, tools, and capabilities.

- Talent Development and Networking: Mentor and coach colleagues across functions; actively share best practices internally and externally to strengthen delivery and scientific relevance.

Essential Skills/Experience:

- Bachelor of Science/Master of Science degree in a related discipline, or equivalent work experience; advanced degree preferred.

- Extensive global drug development leadership or equivalent leadership experience demonstrated across a variety of roles.

- Extensive experience across the product life cycle, with experience in cell therapy development and ideally across multiple therapeutic areas.

- Clinical operations knowledge with a strong track record of delivery.

- Comprehensive knowledge of the clinical and pharmaceutical drug development process.

- Proven ability to develop programs to meet business goals and to assess business risk versus potential value; ability to understand global business requirements.

- Significant experience of program management and use of project management techniques in complex projects, including resourcing, financial management, and business case development.

- Proven ability to develop successful collaborations with internal stakeholders and external partners. - Strong strategic influencing skills and ability to influence broadly within and outside the organization.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Proven teamwork and ability to work collaboratively across a wide range of disciplines.

- Track record of planning, prioritisation, and delivery success.

- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

- Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement and/or functional work.

- Experience of implementing changes in ways of working that focus on increasing efficiency.

- Previous success of working in Japan and China to ensure delivery of global programs to meet business needs.

- Proven experience in leading teams through change.

- Experience of and insight into the clinical environment to be able to drive major improvement programs.

- Experience in line management of leadership roles.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

- Cell therapy study management experience in a pharma/biotech setting.

- Regulatory submission experience.

- Deep experience building and managing alliances and external collaborations across global sites.

- Evidence of delivering complex, multi-study programs under accelerated timelines.

- Comfort operating within matrixed organizations and across time zones.

Why AstraZeneca:

If you are driven to lead global programs that redefine what’s possible for patients and teams, step forward and help us deliver the next wave of cell therapy breakthroughs!

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.