Director, Country Operations Management

Director, Country Operations Management

Company: Pfizer Location: UK Contract: Permanent Seniority: Executive Industry: Healthcare

About the Role

Pfizer is seeking an experienced Director of Country Operations Management to provide managerial oversight and strategic leadership to Country (Study) Operations Managers (CsOMs) within their assigned region and therapeutic area. This role is crucial for ensuring the successful delivery of clinical trials by developing talent, upholding Pfizer's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and driving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Talent Development & Management:
  • Provide line management and direct supervision for a team of 6-12 Country Study Operations Managers.
  • Actively develop and retain talent through focused career development, performance management, and fostering an inclusive culture.
  • Ensure all direct reports are appropriately trained and equipped to deliver on study objectives.
  • Build and ensure functional area expertise and technical operations management expertise within the team through recruitment and talent development strategies.
• Operational Oversight & Process Improvement:
  • Ensure CsOMs deliver according to agreed plans and proactively escalate risks and deviations.
  • Implement and maintain consistent, harmonized processes and high-quality clinical trial deliverables.
  • Foster a culture of high quality and customer service, utilizing tools for communication, transparency, and workload balance.
  • Continuously evaluate and evolve the CsOM role to add value and efficiency to internal study management.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve study processes, including site selection, recruitment, retention, and quality event management.
  • Leverage performance data and operational metrics to drive business decisions and support oversight.
• Subject Matter Expertise & Stakeholder Management:
  • Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Global Country Operations processes.
  • Facilitate the sharing of therapeutic/functional area expertise and best practices within the team and across the organization.
  • Lead or represent Global Country Operations on cross-functional initiatives that influence senior management and business direction.
  • Interface with various internal stakeholders (e.g., Asset DSMs, Clinical Study Group Leads, DCSOs) and external partners (e.g., Functional Service Providers, CROs) to ensure issue resolution and maintain strong relationships.
  • Liaise with Functional Service Provider Line Managers to ensure accountability and performance of CsOMs.
  • May assume asset-level responsibilities for study delivery within an assigned portfolio.
  • May have regional responsibilities including resourcing, escalation pathways, and liaison with DCSOs.

Requirements

• Extensive global clinical trial/study management experience.
• Working knowledge of Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), monitoring, and clinical/regulatory operations.
• Bachelor's degree (BS) or Master's/PhD with significant relevant experience.
• Proven experience in the management and direct supervision of internal resources.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working in multidisciplinary, matrix team environments.
• Direct study management expertise.
• Experience in resource management (staff and financial).
• Evidence of Clinical Development and pharmaceutical study execution experience.
• Ability to understand and assimilate high-level data, operational metrics, and trends.
• Strategic thinking and targeted problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships and understand customer requirements.
• Creativity and ability to implement innovative approaches in clinical development.

What We Offer

Pfizer is a patient-centric company driven by values of courage, joy, equity, and excellence. We foster a breakthrough culture dedicated to transforming millions of lives through digital transformation and innovative solutions. We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace that encourages work-life harmony and empowers employees to be their best.

Pfizer is committed to diversity and inclusion, celebrating all forms of diversity to be as diverse as the patients and communities we serve. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, offering reasonable adjustments as necessary.