Role Overview for COO, Clinical Research Organization – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, rapidly expanding Clinical Research Organization (CRO) in their search for a dynamic and visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO). Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of Raleigh, North Carolina, this executive leadership role is a pivotal opportunity for a seasoned operational expert to shape the future of a company at the forefront of clinical innovation. The COO will serve as a key member of the executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and will be entrusted with the full scope of the organization’s operational capabilities.
This is more than a management position; it is a strategic role designed for a leader who can translate vision into execution. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of the clinical research landscape, from early-phase trials to post-market surveillance. You will be responsible for architecting and implementing scalable operational strategies, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring the seamless delivery of high-quality clinical trial services to a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device clients. You will be the driving force behind operational efficiency, resource optimization, and the continuous improvement of processes that underpin our client’s success and patient well-being. The successful candidate will be a master of complexity, a mentor to their teams, and a strategic partner to the CEO and Board of Directors, steering the company toward sustained growth and market leadership.
Your leadership will directly impact the organization’s ability to accelerate the development of life-changing therapies. We are seeking an individual with a proven track record of P&L management, strategic planning, and building high-performance teams within a CRO or a related life sciences environment. If you are a transformative leader with the ambition to lead a world-class operations function, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of COO, Clinical Research Organization – Raleigh, NC
The Chief Operating Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate, overseeing all clinical operations, project management, data management, and quality assurance functions. Key responsibilities are comprehensive and include:
Strategic Leadership and Execution
- Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to set and drive the organizational vision, operational strategy, and hiring needs.
- Translate strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, establishing clear KPIs and metrics to monitor performance and drive accountability across all departments.
- Lead the evaluation and implementation of new technologies, systems, and methodologies to enhance efficiency, data integrity, and service delivery.
- Identify and capitalize on opportunities for growth, including service line expansion, geographic reach, and strategic partnerships.
Operational Excellence and Process Improvement
- Direct and oversee the entire lifecycle of clinical trial projects, ensuring they are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, utilizing methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
- Establish and maintain robust operational controls and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that ensure full compliance with industry regulations, including strict adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
- Develop and manage sophisticated resource allocation and capacity planning models to ensure optimal utilization of personnel and infrastructure.
Financial Management and P&L Oversight
- Assume full P&L responsibility for the operational divisions of the company, developing and managing annual budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
- Drive profitability through effective cost management, pricing strategies, and the identification of new revenue streams.
- Analyze financial and operational data to provide critical insights and recommendations to the executive team and Board of Directors.
- Oversee vendor negotiations and contract management to ensure favorable terms and high-quality service from third-party providers.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of senior operational leaders, fostering a collaborative, transparent, and results-oriented culture.
- Implement effective talent management strategies, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning to build a world-class team.
- Promote professional development and training initiatives to ensure the operational teams remain at the cutting edge of clinical research practices and technologies.
Requirements for the COO, Clinical Research Organization – Raleigh, NC
The successful candidate will be a proven executive with extensive experience in the clinical research industry. We are looking for a strategic thinker with impeccable operational and leadership skills. The specific qualifications include:
Educational Background
- An advanced degree (e.g., MBA, PhD, MD, or PharmD) in a relevant scientific, business, or healthcare field is strongly preferred.
- A Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is required.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience within the clinical research industry, with a significant portion of that time spent within a CRO environment.
- At least 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP, SVP, or COO) with direct oversight of large, multi-disciplinary operational teams.
- Demonstrated success in managing the full P&L for a significant business unit or an entire organization, with a track record of driving revenue growth and profitability.
- Extensive experience across multiple therapeutic areas and all phases of clinical development (Phase I-IV).
- Proven experience in scaling operations, managing organizational change, and successfully integrating new business units or technologies.
Skills and Competencies
Strategic Vision
Ability to think critically about the long-term direction of the business and develop innovative operational strategies to achieve corporate goals.
Financial Acumen
Deep understanding of financial principles, budgeting, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making.
Leadership Presence
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and influence teams at all levels of the organization.
Regulatory Expertise
In-depth knowledge of the global regulatory landscape, including FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to clients, investors, and internal stakeholders.
Problem-Solving
A proactive and decisive problem-solver who can navigate complex challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus structure.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity or long-term incentive plan (LTIP) to ensure alignment with the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and a flexible spending account (FSA).
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and attendance at key industry conferences.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate moving to the Raleigh, NC area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. To express your interest in this Chief Operating Officer position, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
We invite you to learn more about our dedicated recruitment process by visiting the homepage for our specialized Clinical Research Recruiters practice. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your expertise can drive the future of this innovative Clinical Research Organization.
