Regional Director of Operations

Headlands Research, Inc.; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Headlands Research is seeking a seasoned operations leader to empower DeNovo and integrated site leaders and drive efficient multi-site operations across 6–8 sites. You will optimize processes, collaborate with site directors and central teams, and ensure enrollment targets, quality standards, and financial performance.

The role requires a strong clinical trials background, proven multi-site leadership, and the ability to scale operations while advancing regulatory compliance and strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or health-related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years experience in clinical trials industry (sponsor, IRB, CRO, site).
• Proven success in a multi-site healthcare leadership role with leadership across geographic locations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage people/projects across diverse teams and experiences.
• Knowledge of GCP, CFR, and state regulations as applicable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to coach and mentor teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of 6–8 DeNovo and/or integrated clinical trial sites within an assigned region.
• Integrate newly acquired sites into Headlands Research processes and systems.
• Collaborate with sites and central recruitment to meet enrollment targets.
• Develop site leaders through strong people management and collaboration.
• Partner with Site Directors, Business Development, PIs, and central teams for growth and operational excellence.
• Ensure operational, quality, and financial standards and provide central support to sites.
• Forecast and budget with finance partners to improve revenue and control expenses.
• Support site recruitment, training, and staff development to meet demand.
• Conduct regular site visits and set/track site and individual goals.
• Escalate operational challenges and coordinate with Quality/Training teams on GCP compliance.
• Lead monthly financial and operations reviews with KPI tracking and sponsor interactions.
• Identify opportunities to expand the region’s capabilities with new therapeutics or site development.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-site management

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or health-related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

At Headlands Research, we are dedicated to enhancing clinical trial delivery within our communities. As a leading network of advanced clinical trial sites, we leverage cutting-edge technology and exceptional support services to broaden outreach and participation. Founded in 2018, our rapidly growing company currently operates 20+ sites across the US and Canada, with plans for further expansion.

The Role

Headlands Research is seeking a highly motivated, and seasoned operations leader looking for an opportunity to support and empower site leaders to grow and lead efficient site operations. This individual should bring a strong background in the clinical trial industry with specific experience in research trial execution and multi-site leadership. Candidates should appreciate the atmosphere of a growing company and the need to impact process development while supporting sites. Success in this position requires agility, collaboration and exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Duties

• Operations oversight of approximately 6-8 DeNovo and/or integrated clinical trial sites within an assigned region
• Successfully integrate newly acquired sites into Headland’s network processes, systems, workflows, etc.
• Collaborate with sites and central recruitment services as applicable to ensure sites meet targeted enrollment goals for all studies
• Lead and develop site leaders (direct reports) through exceptional people management skills and collaboration to influence positive operational outcomes
• Build strong partnerships with Site Directors/Presidents, Business Development, PI’s and central support teams to identify opportunities for strategic site growth and operational excellence
• Ensure operational, quality, and financial standards, systems and practices are in place and each site receives the necessary central support to achieve its objectives
• Work with site leaders and Finance business partners on forecasting and budgeting resulting in continuously improved revenue and expense management
• Support strategy for site level recruitment, training, and employee development to ensure sites are adequately staffed for current and future demand
• Conduct in person visits to sites on a regular cadence based on site needs
• Plan and set individual and site goals and track the progress of each to ensure that objectives are met
• Serve as primary point of escalation for Site Directors in resolving operational challenges
• Collaborate with site leaders and Quality and Training business partners to ensure GCP quality standards are in place and all quality and regulatory requirements are adhered to
• Support site sponsor interactions by acting as a point of escalation and providing confidence in site operations
• Conduct monthly financial and operations reviews with sites to include KPI’s, employee and patient retention & enrollment, capacity, revenue, and expense management
• Participates and presents at meetings with internal and external representatives as needed
• Identify opportunities to expand business within the region through new therapeutic capabilities, equipment, or site development
• Collaborate with the business development team to assess site capabilities
• Facilitate performance improvement monitoring and discussions between site staff and human resources
• Additional project work as assigned

Requirements

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in business or a health-related field required; master’s degree preferred

• 5 years + experience in clinical trials industry (sponsor, IRB, CRO, site)

• Proven success in a multi-site healthcare leadership role- experience leading multiple sites and teams across several geographic locations

• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage people/projects across a continuum of experience, knowledge, and diversity.

• Proactive problem-solving abilities and follow-through

• General understanding of GCP, CFR, and state regulations as applicable

• Results oriented- demonstrates strong business planning skills, communicates objectives clearly to teams, reviews, and monitors KPI’s and provides coaching and mentoring to achieve goals

• Driven- self-starter, excellent time management skills, ready to execute in a tactical and strategic manner, holds themselves and others to high standards of accountability

• Collaborative- ability to develop relationships and collaborate along the vertical

• 5 years + experience managing direct reports

• Superior communication skills, written and verbal including emails and presentations both internal and external with sponsors and CROs

• Displays professionalism and integrity in all actions – Demonstrated ability to foster concepts of teamwork, cooperation, self- control, and flexibility to get the work done timely with a high degree of responsiveness with multiple stakeholders

• Knowledgeable and able to confidently speak in the following areas of clinical research

  • Business Development
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Human Resources
  • Legal
  • Clinical Development / Key Therapeutic Areas such as CNS/Psych/Metabolic/Endocrine/Vaccines
  • Recruitment
  • Information Technology
  • Business Operations

California Pay Range

$140,000—$180,000 USD

Headlands Research will never ask a candidate for personal identifiable information (date of birth, social security number, driver’s license information, etc) via email or messenger tools, or for a financial deposit of any kind.

Headlands Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Need Assistance?

Headlands Research is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact [e-mail] for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.