Senior Site Activation Manager (US)

Worldwide Clinical Trials; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 107,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

Worldwide Clinical Trials is seeking a Senior Site Activation Manager II to lead start-up and site activation across complex studies. You will own timelines, regulatory submissions, and cross-functional coordination to keep study milestones on track.

You will mentor teams, drive process improvements, and partner with sponsors, sites, and project teams to ensure efficient site activation while maintaining compliance and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a scientific field; clinical research experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead study start-up and site activation activities across assigned projects.
• Serve as primary accountability for site activation deliverables, timelines, and performance.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to keep critical path on time and budget.
• Monitor site identification, qualification, essential document collection, and regulatory submissions.
• Assess risks, develop mitigation strategies, and escalate issues to support on-time delivery.
• Track activation metrics and communicate status to sponsors and internal stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain site activation plans with accurate scope and budgets.
• Contribute to proposals, budgets, bid defenses, and BD initiatives related to activation.
• Coach Site Activation Managers and support SOPs and best practices.

Skills

Leadership & project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Risk management

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience

Two-year degree + 4 years clinical research experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Join a global Contract Resource Organization (CRO) where innovation meets purpose. At Worldwide Clinical Trials, we're driven by a shared commitment to improving lives through high-quality clinical research. Our teams are empowered to think creatively, take ownership, and deliver meaningful work that helps bring life-changing therapies to patients around the world.

With more than 4,000 professionals across the globe, we foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, growth is encouraged, and every contribution makes an impact. Whether you're building your career or bringing years of experience, you'll have the opportunity to learn, grow, and help shape the future of clinical research.

Make an Impact as a Senior Site Activation Manager II at Worldwide

As a Senior Site Activation Manager II, you will play a critical leadership role in driving the successful start-up and activation of clinical research sites across complex studies. Your expertise will help ensure sites are ready to begin research efficiently, compliantly, and on schedule, supporting the delivery of important clinical programs that can ultimately improve patient outcomes.

In this role, you will serve as a key point of accountability for site activation activities, working cross-functionally with sponsors, project teams, regulatory stakeholders, and sites.

You'll use your project leadership skills to identify risks, solve challenges, and keep critical study milestones on track.

You will also contribute to process improvement initiatives, mentor colleagues, and help shape best practices that strengthen operational excellence across site activation projects.

Where You'll Work

This is a REMOTE role open to candidates based in Remote. You will collaborate with global teams across multiple time zones.

What You'll Do

• Lead and oversee study start-up and site activation activities across assigned clinical research projects.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and accountability for site activation deliverables, timelines, and project performance.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure critical path activities are completed on time and within budget.
• Monitor site identification, qualification, essential document collection, regulatory submissions, and contract progression activities.
• Assess project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively escalation issues to support on-time study delivery.
• Track, analyze, and communicate site activation metrics, milestones, and project status to sponsors and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with project teams to develop and maintain site activation plans and ensure work scope and budgets accurately reflect study requirements.
• Contribute to proposals, budgets, bid defense activities, and other business development initiatives related to site activation.
• Coach and mentor Site Activation Managers while supporting process improvements, SOP development, and best practice implementation.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in medical, medical biological, physical, health, pharmacy, or another related scientific field; or a two-year degree plus four years of clinical research experience.
• Minimum seven years of CRO or pharmaceutical industry experience, preferably in start-up management, project management, site management, or related clinical research functions.
• Strong leadership, project management, planning, organizational, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Thorough understanding of clinical trial start-up, site activation processes, clinical project execution, and overall project planning.
• Knowledge of ICH GCP guidelines and applicable FDA, EU, and national clinical trial regulations.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across global and cross-functional teams, including strong cross-cultural communication skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage sponsors, sites, and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other digital systems.

Discover the Difference

We love knowing that someone is going to have a better life because of the work we do. Discover the Difference at Worldwide Clinical Trials.

At Worldwide Clinical Trials, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace by providing transparent compensation.

The salary range for this position is annually (For hourly paid positions, the stated salary range reflects hourly rates):

United States of America - $107,000.00 - $213,000.00

The salary range provided is intended to give candidates an understanding of potential earnings. Compensation will fall within the provided range, and it not a guarantee of exact salary. The final salary will be determined based on relevant experience, performance, education, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, we offer a competitive benefits package depending on location. We ensure pay equity and transparency and comply with all applicable labor laws. Salary information will be discussed during the interview process, and we encourage candidates to inquire about compensation at any stage.

Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to enabling professionals from all backgrounds and experiences to succeed and, to that end, we prioritize attracting diverse talent and cultivating an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. We know that when our employees feel appreciated and included, they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We’re on a mission to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and has access to equal opportunity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, military status, or other class protected by applicable law.