Senior Director Clinical Development Big Pharma – Boston, MA

Are you a strategic leader with deep expertise in clinical research and drug development? We are seeking a Senior Director of Clinical Development to join a globally recognized pharmaceutical company in Boston, MA. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of innovative therapies, lead cross-functional teams, and oversee pivotal clinical trials from concept to regulatory submission. If you’re passionate about transforming science into life-saving treatments, this role offers the platform to make a real difference.

Drive Global Clinical Strategy in a Leading Pharmaceutical Environment

A world-renowned Big Pharma company based in Boston, MA is seeking a Senior Director of Clinical Development to lead end-to-end clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areas. The ideal candidate will bring a robust background in clinical strategy, regulatory knowledge, and operational leadership. You’ll play a key role in guiding programs through all phases of development, ensuring scientific rigor, patient safety, and compliance. This is your chance to be at the forefront of groundbreaking drug development in a company that’s redefining patient care on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Director Clinical Development – Big Pharma

Clinical Strategy Development:
Design and execute comprehensive clinical development strategies across multiple therapeutic areas. Align clinical programs with corporate objectives, scientific advancements, and regulatory pathways to maximize the value of the pipeline.

Program Leadership:
Lead global clinical trial programs from Phase I through Phase III, overseeing timelines, budgets, and deliverables. Ensure operational excellence and scientific rigor across all stages of drug development.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner closely with key departments including Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Biostatistics, Data Management, and Commercial teams. Facilitate seamless communication and integration of clinical development plans across functions.

Regulatory and Compliance Oversight:
Ensure all clinical trials are conducted in compliance with ICH-GCP guidelines, FDA regulations, and other applicable global regulatory standards. Collaborate with regulatory authorities to support IND submissions, briefing documents, and NDA filings.

Team Leadership and Mentorship:
Manage and mentor clinical development teams, including physicians, clinical scientists, and clinical operations staff. Build a high-performance culture focused on scientific excellence, accountability, and patient-centricity.

Data-Driven Decision Making:
Interpret clinical data and ensure its integrity and relevance to support decision-making and regulatory interactions. Participate in data reviews, interim analyses, and contribute to the development of clinical study reports.

Innovation and Pipeline Advancement:
Identify opportunities for clinical innovation, including new indications, trial designs, or technologies that improve patient outcomes. Support licensing and partnership activities through scientific evaluation and due diligence.

External Engagement & Representation:
Serve as a key clinical representative at scientific meetings, advisory boards, and industry forums. Build relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic partners, and external collaborators.

Budget and Resource Management:
Oversee clinical development budgets and ensure effective allocation of resources. Drive operational efficiencies while maintaining the highest standards of clinical and scientific quality.

Risk Management and Contingency Planning:
Proactively identify risks in clinical programs and implement mitigation strategies. Anticipate challenges in trial execution, patient recruitment, or regulatory hurdles and lead teams through resolution.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Senior Director Clinical Development – Big Pharma, the client is seeking a scientifically driven, strategically minded leader with a robust background in clinical research and pharmaceutical development. You should be a decisive, collaborative professional capable of driving global clinical programs while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and scientific excellence.

Extensive Experience in Clinical Development

The client is looking for a senior-level clinical development expert with a strong history of managing end-to-end clinical programs, ideally across multiple therapeutic areas. Experience in designing clinical trial protocols, leading cross-functional teams, and interacting with regulatory agencies is essential. Your ability to advance programs from early development through pivotal trials will be a cornerstone of your success.

Strategic Leader with a Vision for Innovation

You must demonstrate the ability to develop and execute clinical strategies that align with both scientific goals and business objectives. The ideal candidate will be forward-thinking, capable of anticipating clinical and regulatory trends, and adept at translating medical insights into competitive development plans.

Scientific and Regulatory Acumen

A strong command of clinical science and regulatory pathways is critical. You should have experience in authoring or overseeing INDs, NDAs, and other regulatory submissions. Your understanding of FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines should inform your ability to lead compliant, patient-centered studies.

Proven Track Record of Cross-Functional Leadership

You will be expected to lead diverse teams of clinicians, scientists, statisticians, and operational staff. The client values leaders who can inspire and guide cross-functional teams in a matrixed, fast-paced environment while ensuring alignment across all phases of clinical development.

Analytical and Data-Driven Mindset

You should possess exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to interpret clinical data and apply insights to guide decision-making. The client is looking for someone who brings scientific rigor to study design, risk assessment, and data evaluation throughout the development lifecycle.

Strong Communication and External Engagement Skills

You must be a skilled communicator, capable of representing the company in regulatory meetings, scientific forums, and KOL engagements. The ability to present complex data clearly and persuasively to both internal stakeholders and external partners is highly valued.

Commitment to Patient Safety and Ethics

Above all, the client is looking for a leader who prioritizes patient safety, ethical research practices, and regulatory compliance. You should bring a commitment to scientific integrity and a patient-first mindset to every aspect of clinical development.

Operational Excellence and Budget Oversight

Experience managing large-scale clinical programs with responsibility for timelines, budgets, and resource planning is essential. The ideal candidate will combine scientific excellence with operational discipline to drive efficient, cost-effective execution.

FAQs About the Role – Senior Director Clinical Development – Big Pharma – Boston, MA

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Senior Director Clinical Development?
As the Senior Director of Clinical Development, you will lead the design, execution, and oversight of global clinical trials across multiple development stages. This includes protocol development, regulatory submissions, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. You will also provide strategic input to drug development plans, ensure compliance with GCP and ICH guidelines, and serve as a key liaison with regulatory agencies, investigators, and external partners.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree (MD, PhD, or PharmD) with 10+ years of experience in clinical research and drug development, ideally within a large pharmaceutical or biotech company. Significant experience managing global clinical trials, interacting with regulatory authorities, and working within a matrixed environment is essential. Proven leadership in cross-functional team settings and familiarity with multiple therapeutic areas are highly desirable.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client seeks a strategic, collaborative, and scientifically grounded leader who can inspire teams and guide complex clinical programs. You should demonstrate strong analytical thinking, decision-making under pressure, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to patient safety and ethical research practices. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment is key.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
This role comes with challenges such as managing multiple clinical programs with competing timelines, aligning scientific goals with business strategy, and navigating regulatory complexities across global markets. Adapting to changing priorities, driving cross-functional alignment, and ensuring compliance and data integrity under tight deadlines will also be crucial.

5. How will this role impact the company’s pipeline and growth?
As Senior Director, you will play a critical role in shaping the company’s R&D pipeline by advancing clinical candidates through key development milestones. Your contributions will directly impact regulatory approvals, product launches, and the long-term success of the organization’s therapeutic portfolio.

6. What is the team and work environment like?
The company offers a collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on scientific excellence and innovation. You’ll work closely with highly skilled professionals across clinical operations, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, and data management. The culture promotes integrity, transparency, and continuous learning in the pursuit of improving patient outcomes.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Senior Director of Clinical Development in a leading pharmaceutical organization based in Boston, MA, you can expect a robust and competitive compensation package that reflects your expertise, leadership, and strategic value in driving the company’s clinical pipeline. This package is structured to attract and retain top-tier talent in the life sciences sector and typically includes the following components:

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Senior Director in Clinical Development at a large pharmaceutical company typically ranges between $225,000 and $300,000 per year, depending on your experience, therapeutic area expertise, and company size. Candidates with global trial experience or advanced medical degrees (MD/PhD) may command higher base compensation.

2. Annual Performance Bonuses
Incentive-based annual bonuses are standard and typically range from 20% to 40% of the base salary, tied to personal performance, team success, and the achievement of key clinical and corporate milestones such as trial progress, regulatory submissions, and cross-functional collaboration.

3. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) & Equity Grants
To align your contributions with the company’s long-term success, you may be eligible for equity-based compensation, including stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs). These awards are often granted annually and can vest over several years, providing substantial wealth-building potential as the company’s valuation grows.

4. Comprehensive Executive Benefits
Your role as Senior Director will come with a wide range of benefits, such as:

Premium health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match or other retirement savings options
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Life insurance
Executive wellness programs
Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
Professional development and continuing education allowances

5. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
To attract highly qualified candidates, companies may offer signing bonuses typically ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, particularly if relocation is required. Relocation assistance may include coverage for moving expenses, temporary housing, and family support.

6. Additional Perks
Senior leadership roles often come with additional privileges, such as:

Executive travel allowances
Conference and event sponsorships
Access to company leadership programs
Enhanced parental leave and family planning support

Total Compensation Potential

When factoring in base salary, bonuses, equity incentives, and benefits, total annual compensation for this role can range from $300,000 to $600,000+, depending on company size, performance, and individual credentials. In high-growth or public companies, this figure may be significantly higher.

How to Apply

If you are an accomplished leader in clinical development with a passion for advancing innovative therapies through rigorous trial design and strategic execution, we invite you to apply for the Senior Director, Clinical Development role in Boston, MA. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a global pharmaceutical organization at the forefront of drug innovation and patient-centric care.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter highlighting your clinical leadership experience, therapeutic area expertise, and success in driving Phase I–III programs from initiation to regulatory submission. Be sure to include specific examples of:

Leading cross-functional clinical teams
Strategic input on trial design and regulatory pathways
Experience working in a fast-paced, global drug development environment
Your role in shaping clinical and scientific narratives in alignment with corporate goals

This role offers the opportunity to make a profound impact on patients’ lives while advancing your career at an industry-leading pharmaceutical company. Apply today to shape the future of medicine and take the next step in your executive journey.

For more information or to explore additional opportunities in clinical development and regulatory leadership, visit our Big Pharma Recruiting Experts page.

Job Category: Big Pharma Recruiting Experts

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Boston

Senior Director Clinical Development Big Pharma – Boston, MA