Sponsor Dedicated Site Startup Lead

Fortrea; Solna kommun; On-site; SEK 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortrea is seeking a Study Start-Up Lead to drive planning and activation of global clinical trials. You will guide site activation teams across countries, partnering with Clinical Operations to improve start-up metrics and streamline processes.

You will mentor the FSP Site Start-Up team, develop data-driven forecasting models, create country-specific ICFs, ensure SSU standards, and deliver Ready to Enroll statuses while escalating delays when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences (or international equivalent).
• 4+ years of experience in clinical operations, project management, SSU, or trial optimization.
• 2+ years directly managing site activation and study start-up processes within a sponsor or CRO.
• Proven experience with country-level ICF creation.
• Strong proficiency with data models, forecasting tools, and database structures.
• Experience working in global site start-up environments strongly preferred.
• Ability to explain complex data clearly and support data-driven decision-making.
• Expert understanding of factors that drive successful study start-up and site selection strategies.
• Fluency in local language and English.

Responsibilities

• Lead, guide, and empower site activation teams across multiple countries.
• Partner closely with Clinical Operations to improve study start-up metrics and implement optimized processes.
• Provide leadership, oversight, and mentoring to the FSP Site Start-Up team.
• Develop and refine data-driven forecasting models, planning scenarios, and benchmarking tools.
• Create country-specific Informed Consent Forms (ICFs) based on master templates and local requirements.
• Ensure SSU standards are applied consistently across projects and support ongoing process improvements.
• Lead data collection and analysis to influence SSU timelines and strategic decisions.
• Use leading industry data sources and tools to support forecasting, site readiness insights, and cycle-time optimization.
• Agree on site-level deliverables with internal teams; identify delays early and escalate when needed.
• Drive delivery of 'Ready to Enroll' status for both sponsor and CRO-supported sites.
• Serve as the escalation point for site activation challenges, partnering with Study Managers to resolve issues.

Skills

Data-driven decisions

Forecasting

Site activation leadership

Global operations experience

Fluency in English

Swedish language proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences

Tools

ICF creation tools

Forecasting tools

Database structures

Job description

At Fortrea, we believe in improving lives through the power of science, collaboration, and innovation. As a global CRO partner, we support mission-driven sponsors in bringing new therapies to the patients who need them. We’re now hiring a Study Start-Up Lead to join a sponsor‑dedicated team and drive the successful planning and activation of clinical trials. If you are passionate about accelerating study timelines, using data to guide decisions, and mentoring study start-up teams - this role offers you the opportunity to create a real impact.

Why join Fortrea? Work in a collaborative, global environment with experts passionate about improving clinical research. Influence data-driven study start-up strategies for large-scale international programs. Play a key role in optimizing processes, bringing fresh ideas, and driving continuous improvement.

Your Main Responsibilities

• In this role, you will lead, guide, and empower site activation teams across multiple countries. You will: Partner closely with Clinical Operations to improve study start-up metrics and implement optimized processes. Provide leadership, oversight, and mentoring to the FSP Site Start-Up team supporting global clinical programs. Develop and refine data-driven forecasting models, planning scenarios, and benchmarking tools. Create country-specific Informed Consent Forms (ICFs) based on master templates and local requirements. Ensure SSU standards are applied consistently across projects and support ongoing process improvements. Lead data collection and analysis to influence SSU timelines and strategic decisions. Use leading industry data sources and tools to support forecasting, site readiness insights, and cycle-time optimization. Agree on site-level deliverables with internal teams; identify delays early and escalate when needed. Drive delivery of “Ready to Enroll” status for both sponsor and CRO-supported sites. Serve as the escalation point for site activation challenges, partnering with Study Managers to resolve issues.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences (or international equivalent).
• 4+ years of experience in clinical operations, project management, SSU, or trial optimization.
• 2+ years directly managing site activation and study start-up processes within a sponsor or CRO.
• Proven experience with country-level ICF creation.
• Strong proficiency with data models, forecasting tools, and database structures.
• Experience working in global site start-up environments strongly preferred.
• Ability to explain complex data clearly and support data-driven decision-making.
• Expert understanding of factors that drive successful study start-up and site selection strategies.
• Fluency in local language and English.

Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.