Associate Director Country Operations Management

AstraZeneca - Wilmington, DE

Full-time - Senior

Wilmington, DE

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Associate Director Country Operations Management (AD COM) is responsible for the day-to-day management of a dedicated functional group within Country Operations. This role involves planning and utilizing staff resources, setting objectives, and developing performance. The AD COM ensures that direct reports meet study expectations and may contribute to regional or global initiatives as delegated. In some cases, the AD COM may also take on additional responsibilities such as Project Manager Country Operations (PMCO) as agreed with the Head of Country Operations (HCO).

Responsibilities

• Lead a dedicated functional group within Country Operations.
• Ensure adequate resources for assigned studies and optimize workload of direct reports.
• Assign projects appropriately and timely by liaising with stakeholders.
• Develop and manage performance of direct reports, including training and coaching.
• Prepare salary and bonus proposals for direct reports based on performance.
• Manage interviews, hiring, and onboarding processes for full-time and in-sourced staff.
• Ensure compliance with local policies and code of ethics for study activities.
• Contribute to country feasibility analysis for new clinical trials as applicable.
• Support HCO and in-Country COM activities, including Site Oversight Visit reports review.
• Contribute to quality improvement of study processes and procedures.
• Support inspection readiness activities at site and country level.
• Collaborate with local Medical Affairs team and other stakeholders.
• Plan and conduct regular visits with CRAs and support them in managing site issues.
• Maintain tools to document and track clinical monitoring activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline, preferably in life science, or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Development Operations (CRA/Sr. CRA/Project management) or related fields.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, proactivity, and assertiveness.
• Ability to manage change positively for self, team, and business.
• Strong organizational, analytical, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Ability for national and international travel.
• Integrity and high ethical standards.

Nice-to-haves

• Line management experience and good resource management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of the Monitoring Process.
• Good understanding of the Study Drug Handling Process and Data Management Process.
• Ability to work in an environment of remote collaborators.
• Excellent decision-making skills.
• Good conflict management skills and ability to handle crises.
• Excellent team building skills in cross-functional teams.
• Good intercultural awareness.

Benefits

• Diversity and equality of opportunity commitment.
• Inclusive and diverse team representation.