Associate Director, Operations - Clinical Assessment Technologies CAT)
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Associate Director, Operations – Clinical Assessment Technologies (CAT) based in Spain.
This is a senior operational leadership role at the intersection of clinical trial execution, strategic oversight, and cross-functional coordination within a global clinical research environment. You will be responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of clinical assessment technology operations across multiple studies, from study start-up through close-out. The role combines hands-on operational leadership with strategic input into process improvement, resource planning, and vendor coordination. You will act as a key subject matter expert, supporting both internal teams and external stakeholders while ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards. Operating in a fast-paced, international setting, you will help optimize study performance, strengthen operational excellence, and contribute to business growth initiatives. This position is ideal for an experienced clinical operations leader who thrives in complex, high-impact environments.
Accountabilities:
- Provide end-to-end operational oversight of Clinical Assessment Technologies (CAT) study activities from launch through close-out, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for CAT operations, guiding best practices and supporting internal teams on technical and operational matters.
- Lead resource planning and allocation for CAT study projects, ensuring appropriate staffing and workload distribution across global teams.
- Identify operational needs, risks, and performance gaps, and proactively implement mitigation and improvement strategies.
- Coordinate and contribute to process improvement initiatives, including development and refinement of operational and quality management documentation (QMDs).
- Collaborate closely with Project Management, Contracts, and Vendor Management teams on budgets, scope changes, and vendor performance oversight.
- Oversee study-level financial tracking, including budget utilization and revenue recognition in partnership with operational leaders.
- Support business development activities, including proposal development, bid defense preparation, and strategic client engagement.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including GCP, ICH guidelines, and relevant clinical trial standards.
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field required; Master’s degree, MBA, or PMP certification preferred.
- Minimum 7+ years of clinical trial experience, including at least 4+ years in global clinical trial environments.
- Proven leadership experience managing teams or complex clinical operations functions (5+ years preferred).
- Strong understanding of clinical trial processes, rater reliability, and operational best practices in global studies.
- Solid knowledge of clinical development lifecycle, regulatory frameworks (CFR, GCP, ICH), and industry standards.
- Experience managing vendors, budgets, and cross-functional project delivery in a clinical research setting.
- Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills with the ability to perform under pressure and meet tight timelines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders in a global, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to identify risks proactively, escalate issues appropriately, and drive operational improvements.
- Exposure to CNS or psychiatry therapeutic areas is a plus.
- Competitive compensation package aligned with senior leadership responsibilities in clinical operations.
- Opportunity to work in a global, mission-driven clinical research environment focused on improving patient outcomes.
- Career development and learning opportunities within a growing international organization.
- Exposure to complex, high-impact clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas.
- Collaborative and inclusive workplace culture emphasizing innovation, diversity, and professional growth.
- Opportunity to contribute to strategic initiatives, process innovation, and operational excellence at scale.
Requirements:
Benefits:
Operations pay context
Based on 4,528 disclosed Operations salaries on RoleSuite, the role pays a median of $112K/year, with most offers between $83K and $147K (10th–90th percentile: $63K–$187K).
See the full Operations salary breakdown →