Fortrea logo

Executive Director, Project Management – RWE & Phase IV Studies

Fortrea

Maidenhead
Full-time
10+ years experience
Hybrid

Key Skills

Project Management
RWE
Phase IV Studies
Financial Acumen
P&L Management
Strategic Planning
Clinical Research
ICH GCP
Team Leadership
Budget Development
Risk Management
Client Satisfaction
Business Development
Operational Delivery
Portfolio Management
Staff Development

Job Description

The Executive Director, Project Management (RWE & Phase IV Studies) leads a global team of project management professionals and is accountable for the operational delivery, financial performance, quality outcomes, and client satisfaction of the RWE and Phase IV project management portfolio. Reporting to the VP of RWE and Phase IV Studies, this role drives business growth, portfolio profitability, delivery excellence, strategic resourcing, and cross-functional collaboration while developing a high-performing project management organization.


Job Overview:

  • Reporting to the VP of RWE and Phase IV Studies, this Executive Director of project manager role is responsible for the operational, financial and quality aspects of a global RWE and Phase IV studies delivery portfolio assuring alignment with company’s long-term goals and objectives.
  • Is responsible for the RWE and Phase IV project management P&L and achievement of financial objectives including profitable growth and market expansion. 
  • All aspects of research operations performance against standard client satisfaction, quality and financial KPIs.
  • Drives competitive pricing through excellence in right fit resourcing models for RWE and Ph IV programs.  Partners with Proposals, Commercial and Finance leadership to inform refinement of budget tools, critically review bids and pricing,  and optimize resourcing, and delivery strategies that drive increased win rates, competitive positioning, and margin optimization.
  • Builds and develops a high-performing leadership team, driving talent development, succession planning, financial and commercial acumen, organizational effectiveness, and future leadership readiness.
  • Promotes a culture where project managers embrace a CEO/CFO mindset, and demonstrate  a deep understanding of their role, and drives financial stewardship and budget management, forecasting and delivery excellence.
  • Partners with senior cross-functional leaders in Clinical Operations, Commercial, Finance, Quality, etc. to drive enterprise objectives, seamless end-to-end delivery and business performance.
  • Success in the role is demonstrated through sustained business growth, exceptional delivery performance, strong quality management and financial results, high client satisfaction, and the development of a scalable leadership organization.

Summary of Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for achievement of financial and quality management targets.
  • Oversees the quality, performance and success of all projects across their portfolio, ensuring operational rigor and consistent delivery across all project management teams.
  • Embed risk management culture and implement project tools, templates and reporting for performance measurement.
  • Exhibit and instill the mindset for high client satisfaction, repeat business and an expanding portfolio.
  • Identify and direct department and company initiatives.
  • Commercial acumen and ability to partner with BD and operational leaders to support bid defenses, portfolio planning and strategic accounts.

 

Qualifications (Minimum Required):

  • High financial acumen and demonstrated financial stewardship success at a P&L (preferred) or portfolio level.
  • RWE and Ph IV delivery resourcing models and budget development.
  • Proven team leadership and staff development.
  • Exceptional presentation skills for all levels including for executive leadership.
  • Experienced with strategic planning activities.
  • Extensive knowledge of the clinical development spectrum and ICH GCP, and especially RWE and Ph IV.
  • Advanced proficiency in organizational and time management skills.
  • Demonstrates sound judgment in high-stakes or ambiguous situations.
  • Fluent in English, both written and verbal.

Experience (Minimum Required):  

  • University/college degree in life sciences, Masters preferred.
  • Minimum of twelve (12) years relevant clinical research experience in a pharmaceutical company/CRO including at least eight (8) years of full project management responsibility.
  • Minimum of six (6) years supervisory experience.  
  • In lieu of above experience requirement, a combination of other relevant and equivalent experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications Include:

  • PMP or certified in clinical research

Physical Demands:

  • Frequently stationary for 6-8 hours per day.
  • Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
  • Occasional crouching, stooping, with frequent bending and twisting of upper body and neck.
  • Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off the-shelf.
  • Light to moderate lifting and carrying, or moving of objects, including luggage and laptop computer with a maximum lift of 15-20 lbs.
  • Regular and consistent attendance.
  • Varied hours may be required.

Work Environment:

  • Work is performed in a home office environment with exposure to electrical office equipment.
  • Occasional drives to site locations with occasional travel both domestic and international.

Travel:

  • May travel 20% - 30% of the time to fulfill client needs, attend meetings, visit sites andcompany businesses and for training needs.

Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.

Core Responsibilities

The Executive Director is responsible for the operational, financial, and quality delivery of the global RWE and Phase IV project management portfolio. They lead a high-performing team, drive business growth, and ensure alignment with enterprise objectives through cross-functional collaboration.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least twelve years of clinical research experience, including eight years in project management and six years in a supervisory role. A university degree in life sciences is required, with a master's degree preferred, alongside strong financial and strategic leadership capabilities.

About Fortrea

Industry: Biotechnology Research

Company size: 10,001+ employees

Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) is a leading global clinical research organization (CRO) dedicated to providing innovative clinical development solutions to the life sciences industry. With over 30 years of clinical research experience, Fortrea has evolved from Covance and Labcorp into a pureplay CRO built for biotech, biopharma, medical device and diagnostic innovators. Fortrea collaborates with both emerging and established companies to deliver agile, fit-for-purpose full service (FSO), functional service (FSP) and hybrid solutions. Fortrea provides comprehensive Phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology, and consulting services, backed by deep experience in more than 20 therapeutic areas. Operating in approximately 100 countries, our diverse and talented team brings scientific rigor, operational excellence, and a strong investigator site network to every trial. By combining the best of our legacy experience with forward-thinking innovation, Fortrea brings predictability to clinical trial execution and helps transform aspirations into outcomes. Together, exceptional is possible. Learn more at Fortrea.com

Added Today