Clinical Trial Manager

Planet Pharma; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking an experienced Clinical Trial Manager to provide strategic leadership and hands-on oversight of early-stage oncology trials, including first-in-human studies.

The role reports to the Director of Clinical Operations and requires managing CROs, vendors, and sites, with a strong focus on on-time, on-budget delivery and regulatory compliance. Travel up to 20% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences; 3+ years of clinical trial management experience.
• Proven CRO and vendor management experience, including oversight of performance and budget management.
• Ability to lead trials independently in a fast-paced team environment.
• Knowledge of data management, biostatistics, and pharmacovigilance.
• Global multi-country trial experience from start-up through close-out.
• Thorough understanding of FDA regulations and ICH GCP guidelines.
• Proficiency with clinical trial systems (EDC, CTMS, TMF) and regulatory documentation.
• On-site monitoring experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Highly organized with strong problem-solving and prioritization.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and hands-on oversight of early-stage oncology trials from start-up to close-out.
• Identify risks, plan mitigations, and escalate as needed with cross-functional teams.
• Manage CROs and vendors, including oversight plans and monitoring report reviews.
• Forecast budgets, review invoices, and track trial expenses.
• Monitor enrollment, data review, sample handling, and adherence to timelines.
• Guide sites to ensure proper interpretation and execution of trial protocols.
• Contribute to development and review of trial documents and regulatory filings.
• Ensure TMF completeness and inspection readiness, internal or outsourced.
• Develop and refine departmental SOPs, processes, and best practices.

Skills

CRO management

Vendor management

Trial leadership

FDA/ICH GCP knowledge

EDC/CTMS/TMF

Global trials

On-site monitoring

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or related field

Tools

EDC

CTMS

TMF

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Clinical Trial Manager to provide both strategic leadership and hands‑on oversight of early‑stage oncology trials, including first‑in‑human trials. Reporting to the Director of Clinical Operations, you will oversee all aspects of trial management –from start‑up through close‑out – ensuring trials are delivered on time, on budget, and fully compliant with regulatory and quality standards. As the primary point of contact for cross‑functional teams, CROs, vendors, and investigative sites, you will provide strategic guidance, operational oversight, and proactive risk management.

This is a hands‑on role in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment, offering the opportunity to directly influence the advancement of innovative therapies for patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with a cross‑functional trial teams to manage all aspects of clinical trials ensuring trials are executed on time, on budget, and in compliance with SOPs, ICH/GCP, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and anticipate trial issues or risks that may impact budget, resources, and timelines; plan mitigation strategies with the cross‑functional team and escalates as necessary.
• Manage outsourced activities with CROs and vendors (e.g., biomarker and specialty labs), including oversight of performance, compliance with ICH/GCP and SOPs, development of oversight plans, and review of monitoring reports to maintain trial quality and compliance.
• Manage trial budgets and contracts, including forecasting, invoice review, and expense tracking for accurate reporting.
• Monitor trial progress, including participant enrollment, clinical data review, sample collection, and adherence to timelines; provide regular trial status updates and metrics.
• Guide trial teams and investigator sites to ensure consistent interpretation and execution of trial protocols and procedures.
• Contribute to the development and review of trial‑related documents (protocols, ICFs, clinical trial plans, CRFs, manuals, reports, and regulatory documentation).
• Ensure Trial Master File (TMF) completeness, accuracy, and inspection readiness, whether managed internally or outsourced.
• Participate in the development and refinement of departmental SOPs, processes, and best practices.

Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or related field (advanced degree preferred) with 3+ years of clinical trial management experience.
• Proven track record in CRO and vendor management, including oversight of performance, issue resolution, and budget management.
• Ability to lead trials independently, ideally within a small, fast‑paced team environment.
• Working knowledge of data management, biostatistics, and pharmacovigilance.
• Global trial experience, including management of multi‑country trials from start‑up through close‑out.
• Thorough understanding of FDA regulations and ICH GCP guidelines.
• Proficiency with clinical trial systems (EDC, CTMS, TMF) and expertise in trial master file organization and regulatory documentation.
• On‑site monitoring experience (preferred).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Highly organized with strong problem‑solving, critical thinking, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to 20%.