Fortrea
Executive Director, Project Management – RWE & Phase IV Studies
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The Executive Director, Project Management (RWE & Phase IV Studies)
The Executive Director, Project Management (RWE & Phase IV Studies) leads a global team of project management professionals and is accountable for the operational delivery, financial performance, quality outcomes, and client satisfaction of the RWE and Phase IV project management portfolio. Reporting to the VP of RWE and Phase IV Studies, this role drives business growth, portfolio profitability, delivery excellence, strategic resourcing, and cross-functional collaboration while developing a high-performing project management organization.
Job Overview
Reporting to the VP of RWE and Phase IV Studies, this Executive Director of project manager role is responsible for the operational, financial, and quality aspects of a global RWE and Phase IV studies delivery portfolio assuring alignment with the company’s long-term goals and objectives.
- Is responsible for the RWE and Phase IV project management P&L and achievement of financial objectives including profitable growth and market expansion.
- All aspects of research operations performance against standard client satisfaction, quality, and financial KPIs.
- Drives competitive pricing through excellence in right fit resourcing models for RWE and Ph IV programs. Partners with Proposals, Commercial, and Finance leadership to inform refinement of budget tools, critically review bids and pricing, and optimize resourcing, and delivery strategies that drive increased win rates, competitive positioning, and margin optimization.
- Builds and develops a high-performing leadership team, driving talent development, succession planning, financial and commercial acumen, organizational effectiveness, and future leadership readiness.
- Promotes a culture where project managers embrace a CEO/CFO mindset, and demonstrate a deep understanding of their role, and drives financial stewardship and budget management, forecasting, and delivery excellence.
- Partners with senior cross-functional leaders in Clinical Operations, Commercial, Finance, Quality, etc. to drive enterprise objectives, seamless end-to-end delivery, and business performance.
- Success in the role is demonstrated through sustained business growth, exceptional delivery performance, strong quality management and financial results, high client satisfaction, and the development of a scalable leadership organization.
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Summary of Responsibilities
- Responsible for achievement of financial and quality management targets.
- Oversees the quality, performance, and success of all projects across their portfolio, ensuring operational rigor and consistent delivery across all project management teams.
- Embed risk management culture and implement project tools, templates, and reporting for performance measurement.
- Exhibit and instill the mindset for high client satisfaction, repeat business, and an expanding portfolio.
- Identify and direct department and company initiatives.
- Commercial acumen and ability to partner with BD and operational leaders to support bid defenses, portfolio planning, and strategic accounts.
Qualifications (Minimum Required)
- High financial acumen and demonstrated financial stewardship success at a P&L (preferred) or portfolio level.
- RWE and Ph IV delivery resourcing models and budget development.
- Proven team leadership and staff development.
- Exceptional presentation skills for all levels including for executive leadership.
- Experienced with strategic planning activities.
- Extensive knowledge of the clinical development spectrum and ICH GCP, and especially RWE and Ph IV.
- Advanced proficiency in organizational and time management skills.
- Demonstrates sound judgment in high-stakes or ambiguous situations.
- Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
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Experience (Minimum Required)
- University/college degree in life sciences, Masters preferred.
- Minimum of twelve (12) years relevant clinical research experience in a pharmaceutical company/CRO including at least eight (8) years of full project management responsibility.
- Minimum of six (6) years supervisory experience.
- In lieu of above experience requirement, a combination of other relevant and equivalent experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
- PMP or certified in clinical research
Physical Demands
- Frequently stationary for 6-8 hours per day.
- Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
- Occasional crouching, stooping, with frequent bending and twisting of upper body and neck.
- Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off the-shelf.
- Light to moderate lifting and carrying, or moving of objects, including luggage and laptop computer with a maximum lift of 15-20 lbs.
- Regular and consistent attendance.
- Varied hours may be required.
Work Environment
- Work is performed in a home office environment with exposure to electrical office equipment.
- Occasional drives to site locations with occasional travel both domestic and international.
Travel
- May travel 20% - 30% of the time to fulfill client needs, attend meetings, visit sites, company businesses, and for training needs.
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