Director Project Management - Rare Disease & Pediatrics- Remote, US

Fortrea; Durham (NC); Remote; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life

STD/LTD

401(K)

Paid time off

Company bonus

Job summary

Fortrea in Durham, NC seeks a seasoned client lead for complex clinical studies, driving operational delivery across multiple vendors and teams. You will develop risk-management strategies, resolve escalated issues, and provide line management and talent development for project management staff.

The role emphasizes client relationship management, strategic delivery planning, and oversight of TMFs and quality controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences; advanced degree preferred.
• Nine years of relevant clinical research experience in pharma/CRO, including at least six years in full PM responsibility.
• Four years of direct or indirect supervisory experience.
• In lieu of above, other relevant equivalent experience may be considered.
• Preferred therapeutic areas: rare diseases, neonatal and infant pediatric studies.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary client lead for complex studies or programs, coordinating with multiple vendors and sub-CROs.
• Develop risk-management strategies and drive operational delivery to meet timelines and budgets.
• Resolve escalated project issues and support line management and talent development for PM staff.
• Lead project teams to design, implement, and maintain project plans in adherence with SOPs and contracted timelines.
• Oversee TMFs including TMF Index & Plan, audit readiness, and delivery on contract terms.
• Lead quality control and risk assurance activities to meet regulatory and client requirements.
• Foster strong client relationships and contribute to growth through strategic account management.

Skills

Fluent English

Organizational skills

Time management

Judgment

Presentation skills

Strategic planning

Continuous improvement

Education

Life sciences degree

Masters preferred

Job description

Job Overview:

Acts as the primary client lead for complex clinical studies or programs, driving operational delivery across multiple vendors and teams. Develops and executes riskmanagement strategies, resolves escalated project issues, and provides line management and talent development for project management staff.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Primary client contact for assigned clinical studies or programs, working independently with generally highly complex strategy, multiple vendors, sub-CROs with no planned oversight. May have other Project Managers working in a matrix environment with program level oversight
• With a primary focus on operational delivery, develops strategies to manage risk and control and improve operational execution. Utilize staff to maximize contribution and organizational effectiveness
• Contributes to resolution of escalation of project level issues
• Oversees the line management and talent development of Individual Contributors and/or Managers of Project Managers
• Success in the role involves leveraging experience to drive solutions, developing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of the business, and expanding client portfolios as well as contributing to growth objectives through training, allocation and ongoing mentorship of experienced team members
• Leads the project team to facilitate the successful design, implementation, tracking and maintenance of all project plans, adhering to professional standards and SOPs, according to contracted timelines and budget
• Accountable for TMFs including TMF Index & Plan, audit readiness and delivery of the TMF per agreed upon timelines, when contracted by client
• Proactively lead quality control and risk assurance activities to meet regulatory, internal and client requirements
• Fosters positive client experiences through effective communication and collaboration
• May serve as a primary contact for a strategic client relationship. Develops and manages strategic relationship level fundamental documents, including charters, MSA negotiation, rate card input, operations and quality plans, etc. Initiates process improvement to address variance
• Designs delivery strategy for large scale bid defense and performs other business development activities
• Attracts, selects, onboards, develops and retains high performing talent, strengthens talent bench and succession
• All other duties as needed or assigned

Qualifications (Minimum Required):

• Fluent in English, both written and verbal
• Extensive knowledge of the clinical development spectrum and ICH GCP
• Advanced proficiency in organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrates sound judgment in high-stakes or ambiguous situations
• Exceptional presentation skills for all levels including internal and partner executive leadership
• Actively contributes to continuous improvement efforts and strategic planning activities

Experience (Minimum Required):

• University/college degree in life sciences, Masters preferred
• Minimum of nine (9) years relevant clinical research experience in a pharmaceutical company/CRO including at least six (6) years of full project management responsibility
• Minimum of four (4) years direct or indirect supervisory experience
• In lieu of above experience requirement, a combination of other relevant and equivalent experience may be considered
• Preferred therapeutic areas: rare diseases, neonatal and infant pediatric studies

Preferred Qualifications Include:

• PMP or certified in clinical research

Pay Range:$160,000-$180,000 USD

Benefits:

All job offers will bebased on a candidate's skills and prior relevant experience, applicabledegrees/certifications,as well as internal equity and market data.Regular,full-timeor part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• STD/LTD
• 401(K)
• Paid time off (PTO) or Flexible time off (FTO)
• Company bonus where applicable.

Application Deadline:10/23/2026

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