Senior Programs and Operations Manager

Prudent Hr Solutions; East London; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare solutions provider is seeking a Senior Programs and Operations Manager to oversee clinical trial programs in East London, South Africa. The ideal candidate will drive project execution and operational excellence, manage complex programs, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. A strong background in project management and clinical trials, along with excellent communication skills, is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in senior project or operations management role.
• Strong knowledge of ICH-GCP, FDA, EMA regulations.
• Experience in managing complex, multi-phase clinical programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of clinical trial programs.
• Optimize operational processes and resource allocation.
• Act as main contact for sponsors and stakeholders.

Skills

Project Management

Healthcare Knowledge

Clinical Trials Experience

Leadership

Resource Management

Communication Skills

Education

Tertiary Qualification in Project Management/Healthcare or related field

Job description

The Senior Programs and Operations Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the successful planning, execution, and delivery of clinical trial programs. This role bridges program management and operational excellence by driving cross‑functional alignment, optimizing resources, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards. The position is accountable for managing complex clinical programs, streamlining operational processes, and supporting organizational goals to deliver high‑quality outcomes on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple clinical trial programs across all phases.
• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and milestones, ensuring adherence to contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams (Clinical Operations, Data Management, Biostatistics, Regulatory, etc.) to ensure seamless program execution.
• Identify risks, issues, and dependencies; implement mitigation strategies proactively.

Operations Management

• Develop and optimize operational processes to improve efficiency, quality, and compliance across clinical programs.
• Manage resource allocation and workload balancing across projects and teams.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track program and operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with ICH‑GCP, regulatory guidelines, and company SOPs.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the key point of contact for sponsors, senior leadership, and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Mentor, guide and drive performance of Heads of Departments and operations staff to build organizational capability.
• Contribute to strategic planning, business development initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Communicate program progress, risks, and operational updates to executive leadership.

Requirements

Key Skills & Qualifications

• Tertiary Qualification in Project Management/Healthcare or related field
• Experience in clinical trials, with at least 3+ years in a senior project or operations management role
• Strong knowledge of ICH‑GCP, FDA, EMA, and other global regulatory requirements will be an added advantage
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex, multi‑phase programs
• Proven leadership skills with experience in mentoring, managing and driving performance of cross‑functional teams
• Strong financial and resource management skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment