Regional Director of Operations

Headlands Research

Posted on: March 24, 2026

Closing: April 23, 2026

Salary: Undisclosed

Job Description

At Headlands Research, we are dedicated to enhancing clinical trial delivery within our communities. As a leading network of advanced clinical trial sites, we leverage cutting-edge technology and exceptional support services to broaden outreach and participation. Founded in 2018, our rapidly growing company currently operates 20+ sites across the US and Canada, with plans for further expansion.

The Role

Headlands Research is seeking a highly motivated, and seasoned operations leader looking for an opportunity to support and empower site leaders to grow and lead efficient site operations. This individual should bring a strong background in the clinical trial industry with specific experience in research trial execution and multi-site leadership. Candidates should appreciate the atmosphere of a growing company and the need to impact process development while supporting sites. Success in this position requires agility, collaboration and exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Duties
  • Operations oversight of approximately 6-8 DeNovo and/or integrated clinical trial sites within an assigned region
  • Successfully integrate newly acquired sites into Headland's network processes, systems, workflows, etc.
  • Collaborate with sites and central recruitment services as applicable to ensure sites meet targeted enrollment goals for all studies
  • Lead and develop site leaders (direct reports) through exceptional people management skills and collaboration to influence positive operational outcomes
  • Build strong partnerships with Site Directors/Presidents, Business Development, PI's and central support teams to identify opportunities for strategic site growth and operational excellence
  • Ensure operational, quality, and financial standards, systems and practices are in place and each site receives the necessary central support to achieve its objectives
  • Work with site leaders and Finance business partners on forecasting and budgeting resulting in continuously improved revenue and expense management
  • Support strategy for site level recruitment, training, and employee development to ensure sites are adequately staffed for current and future demand
  • Conduct in person visits to sites on a regular cadence based on site needs
  • Plan and set individual and site goals and track the progress of each to ensure that objectives are met
  • Serve as primary point of escalation for Site Directors in resolving operational challenges
  • Collaborate with site leaders and Quality and Training business partners to ensure GCP quality standards are in place and all quality and regulatory requirements are adhered to
  • Support site sponsor interactions by acting as a point of escalation and providing confidence in site operations
  • Conduct monthly financial and operations reviews with sites to include KPI's, employee and patient retention & enrollment, capacity, revenue, and expense management
  • Participates and presents at meetings with internal and external representatives as needed
  • Identify opportunities to expand business within the region through new therapeutic capabilities, equipment, or site development
  • Collaborate with the business development team to assess site capabilities
  • Facilitate performance improvement monitoring and discussions between site staff and human resources
  • Additional project work as assigned

Requirements:
  • Education - Bachelor's degree in business or a health-related field required; master's degree preferred
  • 5 years + experience in clinical trials industry (sponsor, IRB, CRO, site)
  • Proven success in a multi-site healthcare leadership role- experience leading multiple sites and teams across several geographic locations
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully manage people/projects across a continuum of experience, knowledge, and diversity.
  • Proactive problem-solving abilities and follow-through
  • General understanding of GCP, CFR, and state regulations as applicable
  • Results oriented- demonstrates strong business planning skills, communicates objectives clearly to teams, reviews, and monitors KPI's and provides coaching and mentoring to achieve goals
  • Driven- self-starter, excellent time management skills, ready to execute in a tactical and strategic manner, holds themselves and others to high standards of accountability
  • Collaborative- ability to develop relationships and collaborate along the vertical
  • 5 years + experience managing direct reports
  • Superior communication skills, written and verbal including emails and presentations both internal and external with sponsors and CROs
  • Displays professionalism and integrity in all actions - Demonstrated ability to foster concepts of teamwork, cooperation, self- control, and flexibility to get the work done timely with a high degree of responsiveness with multiple stakeholders
  • Knowledgeable and able to confidently speak in the following areas of clinical research
    • Business Development
    • Finance/Accounting
    • Human Resources
    • Legal
    • Clinical Development / Key Therapeutic Areas such as CNS/Psych/Metabolic/Endocrine/Vaccines
    • Recruitment
    • Information Technology
    • Business Operations

Headlands Research

Posted on: March 24, 2026

Closing: April 23, 2026

Salary: Undisclosed

Career Focus: Operations

This role is part of a curated selection of life science opportunities featured on Xtalks. Employers may request edits or removal here.

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