(Senior) Director, Project Delivery

About Emerald Clinical Trials

Emerald Clinical Trials is a worldwide Contract Research Organization (CRO) with long-standing roots in the Asia-Pacific region. The company supports biopharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic clients across the complete clinical trial journey, from registration through post-marketing, with an emphasis on scientific quality and efficient operations.

The organization has specialist experience in renal, cardiometabolic, and oncology studies. It combines international scale with local market understanding to support community engagement, improve patient representation, and deliver more reliable outcomes faster.

Role Overview

The (Senior) Director of Project Delivery is a senior leadership position accountable for managing, developing, and supporting the Project Management function. The role covers oversight of Project Directors, Project Managers, and Project Specialists, with a strong focus on leadership, staffing, delivery performance, operational improvement, and client relationships.

This leader is responsible for helping ensure projects are delivered successfully through strong people management, process discipline, and continuous improvement. The position also contributes to proposals, bid defences, and client-facing presentations as part of business development support.

When business needs require it, the Director may also step into a billable Project Director assignment, particularly during periods of heavier workload, staffing gaps, urgent demand, or strategically important studies. In that capacity, the role carries full project delivery ownership, including client communication, financial oversight, and leadership of the assigned study team.

Team Leadership and Line Management

• Guide and strengthen a high-performing early phase project management team.
• Hire, onboard, coach, and retain capable project management professionals.
• Track performance and growth through regular feedback, reviews, and clear progression plans.
• Keep development and training plans current for all direct reports.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive environment that reflects Emerald Clinical values.
• Assign resources in a way that balances project requirements, staff growth, and business priorities.
• Monitor team workload, performance indicators, and development objectives, and report on them.

Project Oversight and Resource Planning

• Oversee delivery across the early phase portfolio so quality, cost, timelines, and compliance are consistently achieved.
• Support the handover from contract award into delivery and ensure smooth initiation with operational teams.
• Help project teams work through delivery obstacles and resolve issues.
• Make sure internal and external resources are deployed efficiently to support successful delivery.
• Act as a strategic escalation contact for complex or higher-risk projects.
• Where needed, temporarily take on Project Director duties for assigned early phase studies, with full accountability for delivery, sponsor communication, financial performance, and cross-functional coordination.

Project Director Responsibilities

• Manage the operational delivery of assigned projects throughout the full study lifecycle.
• Serve as the primary client contact and escalation point.
• Oversee financial, operational, and timeline performance for assigned studies.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and sponsor communications.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation actions.
• Maintain adherence to SOPs, GCP requirements, and all relevant regulations.

Client Engagement and Escalation Handling

• Act as a senior point of contact for clients across the early phase portfolio.
• Handle escalations promptly and work toward effective resolution and client satisfaction.
• Join governance meetings, operational reviews, and executive steering committees when required.
• Build trusted client relationships that support long-term partnership and repeat work.

Business Development Support

• Partner with the Business Development team on RFPs, budget estimates, proposals, and bid defences.
• Contribute to planning for new projects, resourcing, and delivery approaches.
• Represent Emerald Clinical as a project delivery subject matter expert in meetings with prospective clients.

Process Improvement and Operational Excellence

• Lead or join cross-functional efforts aimed at improving efficiency and delivery quality.
• Help build, standardise, and roll out best practices, SOPs, templates, and tools.
• Encourage a culture of improvement, innovation, and accountability within the team.
• Promote consistent use of project management methods across the early phase portfolio.

Compliance and Quality

• Ensure the team follows ICH-GCP, regulatory obligations, Emerald Clinical SOPs, and client procedures.
• Work with Clinical Operations and Quality teams to close out audit findings.
• Support risk management practices and strengthen quality and compliance awareness.
• Maintain audit readiness across all delivery activities.

Financial Oversight and Reporting

• Support departmental budgeting and financial planning.
• Work with Project Directors and Managers to track budgets, scope changes, and profitability.
• Review forecasts, revenue, margins, and utilisation on a regular basis.
• Escalate financial risks and deviations accurately and without delay.

About You

You should hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in life sciences, healthcare, or a closely related field. The role calls for at least 10 years of clinical research experience, including substantial exposure to clinical trials.

Direct experience in renal or oncology studies is essential, along with demonstrated therapeutic knowledge in one or both of these areas. You should also bring at least 5 years of experience in a senior project management or line management role within a CRO or sponsor organization.

Strong people leadership, team development, financial understanding, budgeting and forecasting capability, communication skills, problem-solving ability, and stakeholder management are all important for success. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and clinical trial management systems (CTMS) is also required.

Why Join Emerald Clinical Trials

Emerald Clinical Trials emphasizes people-first clinical research, aiming to improve outcomes for patients and support employees with a collaborative global environment. The work contributes to studies in renal, cardiometabolic, and oncology, while offering exposure to international teams and diverse clients.

What You Can Expect

• Competitive pay and a benefits package aligned to your experience and skills.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid or remote options depending on your location and role.
• Opportunities for learning and development through a global network of scientific leaders.
• Wellbeing support through initiatives such as engagement surveys, recognition programs, and team-building activities.
• Exposure to international projects and clients through a globally connected organization.

Additional Information

Emerald Clinical Trials is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.