AstraZeneca
Director, Site Management & Monitoring[
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Director, Site Management & Monitoring
Luton, UK (on site 60% per month)
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.
Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development!
About the Role
The Director, Site Management & Monitoring (DSMM) is accountable for the effective leadership and performance of the assigned team, ensuring the successful delivery of all clinical interventional studies under the oversight of the Country Head, and in line with agreed resources, budgets, and timelines. The role has overall responsibility for a dedicated team, including line management, resource planning and utilization, budget management, objective setting, and performance oversight. The DSMM also contributes to regional and global initiatives as delegated and provides support to the Country Head when required.
In this capacity, the DSMM ensures the team identifies appropriate study sites, conducts site qualification activities, and oversees that sites are properly set up, initiated, monitored, and closed, with all study documentation accurately archived.
Key Responsibilities
- Team leadership & culture: Lead and develop a high-performing team by fostering a positive culture, ensuring appropriate staffing and workload distribution, and maintaining professional behaviours across the group.
- Talent development & coaching: Ensure each direct report has a current Individual Development Plan (IDP), provide ongoing coaching and mentorship, and arrange external development opportunities where appropriate.
- Performance & reward: Prepare salary and bonus recommendations based on performance, in collaboration with the (Senior) Director, Country Head and local HR Business Partner.
- Quality assurance & field oversight: Conduct and review accompanied site visits, co-monitoring visits, and Quality Control (QC) visits in line with local QC plans, using these as opportunities for coaching and continuous development.
- Study delivery & operational excellence: Oversee the achievement of Site Management & Monitoring (SMM) delivery targets at country level, ensuring timely, high-quality completion of all study milestones and that operations conform to local policies, the company's code of ethics, and regulatory requirements.
- Strategic planning & resourcing: Contribute to feasibility assessments and support forecasting of timelines, resources, recruitment, study materials, and drug supply for clinical studies.
- Direction & issue resolution: Provide strategic guidance to local study associate directors and study teams on major deliverables, proactively identifying and resolving priority issues to maintain portfolio momentum.
- Collaboration & external engagement: Partner with the (Senior) Director, Country Head to ensure efficient SMM operations, support regional SMM initiatives, and represent the organisation in local regulatory or operational external expert groups as needed.
- Systems & inspection readiness: Ensure all required systems are maintained and that the electronic Trial Master File (eTMF) remains complete, current, and inspection-ready.
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Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in related subject area, preferably in life science, or equivalent qualification aligned to the knowledge and skills of the role
- Experience in the pharmaceutical industry and in clinical operations, with significant exposure to Site Management & Monitoring (SMM) activities.
- Direct line management experience with proven ability to provide direction, oversight, and coaching to LSADs and broader study teams, including resolving operational issues, supporting development, and driving delivery against agreed priorities.
- Relevant knowledge in drug development process and knowledge related GxP processes, International guidelines ICH-GCP, relevant country regulations, medical knowledge and ability to learn relevant AZ Therapeutic Areas, Clinical Study Management including monitoring, study drug handling and data management.
- Demonstrated experience contributing to feasibility assessments and leading the successful delivery of clinical interventional studies at country level, with accountability for quality, timelines, and operational performance.
- Solid understanding of GCP, quality management, and inspection readiness requirements, with hands-on experience ensuring eTMF completeness, timeliness, and inspection-ready standards.
- Demonstrated capability in forecasting and managing study timelines, resources, recruitment, study materials, and drug supply, with the ability to anticipate risks and implement mitigations.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams to deliver according to or ahead of time plan, budget and with required quality.
- Proficiency with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), eTMF platforms, and the ability to leverage metrics for performance improvement and decision-making.
- Experience conducting or overseeing Quality oversight visits and ensuring adherence to local quality management plans.
- Experience leading delivery through collaboration with internal and external providers
- Proven project management experience.
- Ability to travel nationally/internationally as required
In Office Requirement
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility.
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Competitive Salary and Benefits
The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.
Date Posted
08-Jul-2026
Closing Date
22-Jul-2026
Our Mission
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit.
To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all.
Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking.
We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential.
Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.
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