Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team in Africa as a Senior Director of Clinical Operations. In this role, you will direct a team of clinical staff across a designated group/country/region, driving operational excellence, aligning strategic goals with senior management priorities, and expanding organizational capacity to fuel regional growth. This position will play a critical role in advancing our clinical operations strategy while fostering key partnerships with external organizations and the scientific community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for clinical staff within the assigned region, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, with a focus on driving forward our regional growth strategy.
• Oversee the allocation of staff and fiscal resources for optimal operational efficiency.
• Manage staff in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations, including planning, assigning, and evaluating work; guiding professional development; and addressing employee relations issues.
• Collaborate with senior management to set targets for recruitment and retention, and oversee effective onboarding and training processes for new staff.
• Monitor and evaluate clinical workload, quality, and budget metrics to identify opportunities for improvement. Collaborate with leadership to enhance operational efficiencies and project outcomes.
• Act as a mentor and coach to junior staff, fostering growth and professional development.
• Analyse clinical study budgets and guide line managers in managing variances and implementing corrective action plans as needed.
• Lead corporate or departmental quality or process improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in driving initiatives aligned with South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework, contributing to sustainable economic transformation and delivering measurable impact within the healthcare sector.
• Serve as a sponsor/client liaison, maintaining exemplary customer service standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or healthcare-related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of clinical trials experience, with at least 5 years in a management or leadership capacity.
• Advanced knowledge of GCP/ICH guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in clinical research financial parameters and budget management.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor diverse teams in a complex, multi-layered corporate environment.
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong command of English.
• Growth mindset with the ability to identify, create, and seize opportunities for expansion and innovation.
• Resilience, tenacity, and adeptness at navigating corporate approval processes.

Why This Role Matters :Clinical trial activity in Africa has doubled over the last decade, with IQVIA leading the way in delivering impactful studies across the continent. This position is critical to sustaining our growth trajectory, maintaining strong regional focus, and advancing our collaborations with organizations like the Gates Foundation, CEPI, WHO, and African CDC. The Senior Director will be pivotal in driving our EMEA R&DS strategy and Public Health agenda, ensuring we continue to make meaningful contributions to healthcare advancements in Africa.

About Us: At IQVIA, we are dedicated to improving healthcare by providing innovative and data-driven solutions. With clinical experience spanning across countries in Africa, a robust public health agenda, and a team committed to excellence, we are positioned to make a significant impact on healthcare globally.

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com