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

FTINC Fortrea Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortrea Inc. is seeking a Senior Clinical Program Lead to act as the primary client lead for complex studies, coordinating across vendors and internal teams. You will drive operational delivery, manage risk, and resolve escalated issues in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include overseeing project plans, TMFs, QA/risk assurance, and development of staff. The role emphasizes stakeholder management and strategic growth with a focus on regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• University/college degree in life sciences, Masters preferred.
• Minimum 9 years clinical research in pharma/CRO with at least 6 years full PM responsibility.
• Minimum 4 years direct or indirect supervisory experience.
• Preferred rare diseases, neonatal and infant pediatric studies.
• PMP or certified in clinical research preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary client lead for complex clinical studies, coordinating across vendors and teams.
• Develop risk management strategies and ensure operational delivery.
• Resolve escalated project issues and mentor project management staff.
• Oversee line management and talent development of project managers and ICs.
• Drive client relationships and growth through training, allocation and mentorship.
• Lead design, implementation, tracking and maintenance of project plans per SOPs and timelines.
• Ensure TMFs are audit-ready with index and plan delivery.
• Lead quality control and risk assurance to meet regulatory and client requirements.

Skills

Fluent English

Clinical development knowledge

Time management

Judgment

Presentation skills

Process improvement

Education

University/college degree in life sciences

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 risk‑management 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 be based on a candidate’s skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data. Regular, full-time or 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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