At Emerald Clinical Trials, we are a global, full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) with a rich heritage in the Asia-Pacific region. We are dedicated to advancing clinical research through scientific expertise and operational excellence, supporting biopharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic customers across all trial phases, from registration to post-marketing.

Our therapeutic expertise spans renal, cardiometabolic, and oncology—areas where we make a significant impact on improving global health.

At the heart of our success is our ability to combine global reach with local knowledge. Our on-the-ground teams work closely with local communities, building trust and ensuring diverse, representative patient recruitment. By prioritizing people, we deliver better engagement, more accurate data, and faster results—bringing therapies to patients in need.

About the Role

The Director of Project Delivery Early Phase is a senior leadership role responsible for the line management, development, and performance of the Early Phase Project Management team at Emerald Clinical. This includes oversight of Project Directors, Project Managers, and Project Specialists. The role focuses on team leadership, resource planning, project oversight, continuous improvement, and client engagement.

The Director will ensure the successful delivery of Early Phase clinical projects through effective people management, operational excellence, and process innovation. This includes providing coaching, mentoring, and strategic guidance to team members, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards, and supporting business development efforts through contributions to proposals, bid defences, and client presentations.

The Director may also assume a billable Project Director role when required, particularly during periods of high workload, resourcing constraints, high demand or on strategically important projects. When doing so, the Director will be accountable for the full scope of PD responsibilities, including project oversight, client engagement, financial performance, and team leadership for assigned projects.

Your Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Line Management

• Lead and develop a high-performing Early Phase Project Management team.

• Recruit, onboard, coach and retain skilled project management professionals.

• Manage performance and development through regular feedback, reviews, and clear career pathways.

• Maintain up-to-date training and development plans for all direct reports.

• Create a supportive and collaborative team culture aligned with Emerald Clinical values.

• Allocate resources effectively based on project needs, staff development, and business priorities.

• Monitor and report on team performance metrics, workload, and development goals.

Project Oversight & Resource Allocation

• Oversee the delivery of all Early Phase projects, ensuring quality, budget, timelines, and compliance standards are consistently met.

• Support transition from contract award to delivery, ensuring effective initiation and handover to operational teams.

• Assist project teams in identifying and resolving delivery challenges.

• Ensure the appropriate allocation of internal and external resources to maximise efficiency and delivery success.

• Provide strategic oversight and act as escalation point for complex or high-risk projects.

• Where required, temporarily assume the role of Project Director for assigned Early Phase projects. This includes full accountability for project delivery, sponsor engagement, financial management, and coordination of cross-functional teams.

Project Director

• Lead the operational delivery of assigned projects across their full lifecycle.
• Serve as the main client contact and escalation point.
• Ensure effective financial, operational, and timeline management across assigned studies.
• Lead cross-functional team coordination and sponsor communications.
• Identify risks and manage mitigation plans.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable SOPs, GCP guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

Client Engagement & Escalation Management

• Act as a senior contact point for clients across the Early Phase portfolio.

• Manage escalations effectively, ensuring client satisfaction and timely resolution of issues.

• Participate in client governance meetings, operational reviews, and executive steering committees as required.

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients to encourage long-term collaboration and repeat business.

Business Development Support

• Work closely with the Business Development team to contribute to RFPs, budget estimates, proposals, and bid defences.

• Support strategic planning for new projects, resourcing, and delivery models.

• Represent Emerald Clinical in meetings with prospective clients as a subject matter expert for project delivery.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead or participate in cross-functional initiatives to drive operational improvement and efficiency.

• Contribute to the development, standardisation, and implementation of best practices, SOPs, templates, and tools.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability within the team.

• Ensure consistent application of project management methodology across the Early Phase portfolio.

Compliance & Quality Management

• Ensure team adherence to ICH-GCP, regulatory requirements, Emerald Clinical SOPs, and client-specific procedures.

• Collaborate with Clinical Operations and Quality teams to address and resolve audit findings.

• Support risk management strategies and promote a proactive approach to quality and compliance.

• Maintain audit-readiness across all project delivery activities.

Financial Oversight & Reporting

• Support department-level financial planning and budget management.

• Work with Project Directors and Managers to manage project financials, track scope changes, and maintain profitability.

• Review project forecasts, revenue, margins, and utilisation regularly.

• Ensure accurate financial reporting and timely escalation of risks or deviations.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in life sciences, healthcare, or a related field.

• Minimum 10 years' experience in clinical research, with significant exposure to Early Phase trials.

• Demonstrated experience in both healthy volunteer studies and oncology Phase 1 clinical trials.

• Knowledge of Australian research ethics and regulatory submissions (e.g. HREC, TGA).

• At least 5 years in a senior project management or line management role within a CRO or sponsor organisation.

• Strong knowledge of clinical trial regulations and guidelines, including ICH-GCP and Australian regulatory requirements.

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop cross-functional teams.

• Solid financial acumen and experience with project budgeting and forecasting.

• Excellent communication, problem-solving and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and clinical trial management systems (CTMS).

Why Join Us?

At our core, Emerald Clinical Trials is committed to transforming clinical research by putting people first—both patients and our employees. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a global network of passionate professionals working together to deliver better research and outcomes for millions worldwide.

Here’s what makes us stand out:

• Purpose-Driven Work: You’ll contribute to clinical trials that genuinely improve lives, with a focus on therapies in renal, cardiometabolic, and oncology.

• Global Reach, Local Expertise: Our teams connect with local communities, building trust and meaningful engagement for every trial.

• Collaboration and Innovation: Work in a culture that values diverse perspectives and creative solutions to solve global health challenges.

What We Offer

We understand that great work happens when people feel valued and supported. That’s why we provide:

• Competitive Compensation: A tailored salary and benefits package to reflect your skills and experience.

• Flexibility: Enjoy hybrid or remote working arrangements, depending on your location and role.

• Career Growth: Access to a wealth of learning opportunities and a global network of scientific leaders to help you grow and develop in your role.

• Employee Wellbeing: Participate in programs and initiatives designed to promote work-life balance, health, and team connection, including global engagement surveys, recognition programs, and team-building events.

• Global Opportunities: Be part of a company with international reach, offering you exposure to diverse projects and clients.

Interested? Apply now and help us achieve our mission to improve the health of millions worldwide.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.