Executive Director, Data & Technology Clinical Operations

Parexel•Southport, NC

About The Position

The Executive Director, D&T Clinical Operations leads all technology, data, and operational enablement functions supporting Parexel’s Clinical Operations organization. This role oversees systems, integrations, data flows, reporting readiness, and operational technology alignment for Clinical Operations. This leader ensures operational continuity, process optimization, technology adoption, and data quality that enable more efficient study execution activities, better decision-making, and predictable delivery outcomes. The Executive Director partners closely with other groups within Data & Technology, Clinical leadership, OEDI, Procurement and executive stakeholders across the business. We are looking for a driven individual who has a record of proven excellence in clinical operations technology, operational delivery, or related leadership roles within the life sciences industry. This dynamic leader will drive the vision and execution of operational systems that power study startup, execution, monitoring, and closeout while ensuring performance, compliance, and innovation at every step.

Requirements

Executive leadership with a strong ability to influence across Clinical Operations, Safety, OEDI, Regulatory, and Technology.
Deep understanding of clinical trial processes, technology workflows, and operational KPIs.
Expertise in clinical systems, workflow automation, integrations, and operational data.
Strong analytical, strategic planning, and organizational design capabilities.
Skilled in matrix leadership, conflict resolution, and cross-functional decision-making.
15+ years of experience in clinical operations technology, operational delivery, or related leadership roles in life sciences.
Demonstrated oversight of operational systems supporting study execution, monitoring, and closeout.
Experience leading cross-functional teams in regulated environments.
Strong knowledge of safety, regulatory, and operational data lifecycles.
Experience with enterprise integration technologies, data lakes, and clinical reporting environments.
Bachelor’s degree required (Life Sciences, Engineering, Technology, or related field).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Clinical Operations Technology & Process Leadership Serve as the senior D&T leader accountable for all technology capabilities supporting Clinical Operations, including operational systems, workflows, and data pipelines. Ensure system reliability, user readiness, and operational optimization for global Clinical Operations teams. Align technology and process improvements with Clinical Operations’ goals for efficiency, accuracy, and cycle‑time reduction.
Integration of Clinical, Safety & Operational Data Oversee integrations between Clinical Operations systems and the broader D&T ecosystem (data lake, reporting, enterprise integration platforms). Ensure accurate and timely data flows across operational technologies used in clinical execution, safety, regulatory, and cross-functional processes.
Clinical Systems Lifecycle Ownership Oversee maintenance, upgrades, validation, and enhancement of Clinical Ops–related platforms. Ensure alignment with validation, SDLC, compliance, and quality frameworks Ensure system retirement, consolidation, and introduction of new capabilities follow enterprise standards.
Cross-Functional Governance & Strategic Alignment Represent Clinical Operations in enterprise governance forums, including Data Governance, Portfolio Planning, and Operational Excellence bodies. Lead intake and prioritization discussions for all Clinical Operations technology requests, in coordination with PMO/Portfolio teams Ensure Clinical Operations-related initiatives align with broader D&T strategy, organizational restructuring decisions, and operational goals.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development Lead a global team of managers, business systems analysts, product owners, and engineers supporting Clinical Operations. Create career development paths aligned with operational, data, and system leadership needs Build a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration across operations and technology staff.