Project Director, Early Phase

Emerald Clinical

Project Director overseeing End-to-End delivery of Early Phase clinical trials for global clients. Responsible for project management, financial support, and team leadership.

Posted 6/2/2026full-timeRemote • 🇦🇺 AustraliaLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Project Director (Early Phase) is responsible for oversight and supervision of all aspects of project delivery for an assigned portfolio of Early Phase projects – this portfolio may include local, regional and global clients and/or projects.
Coordinate progress reporting for senior management, stakeholders, and clients.
Conduct internal Monthly Project Reviews, and escalate issues as needed.
Ensure project resource needs are identified and requested by Project Managers in timely manner.
Oversee delivery of projects in line with customer and Emerald Clinical requirements, processes, and contracts.
Drive consistency, efficiency, and quality across projects.
Act as internal and client escalation point for key project issues.
Support Project Managers to fulfill financial responsibilities for assigned projects.
Analyse monthly project financials, identify trends, and escalate issues as needed.
Monitor scope compliance, project performance and realization, implementing improvements where required.
Maintain gross margin across projects in line with organizational targets.
Oversee project forecasting and support with contingency plans for risks or delays.
Oversee timely and accurate completion of invoicing.
Review scope change documentation prior to submission to sponsor.
Collaborate with internal team regarding proposals, pricing, and scope changes for assigned projects.
Identify and pursue opportunities to expand project scope in partnership with internal teams and sponsors.
Support project staffing to meet current and future needs.
Recruit and onboard Early Phase staff as required.
Monitor team performance against quality and efficiency metrics.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Tertiary qualifications in a related science or health care discipline preferred – candidates without tertiary qualifications but with significant industry experience may be considered.
Extensive experience in clinical trials, including experience with early-phase studies (Phase I/II), with approximately 10+ years of relevant experience, including minimum of 5 years in project management, preferred.
Line management experience desirable but not mandatory.
Highly developed interpersonal, relationship building, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to manage multiple deliverables and projects simultaneously, with proven ability in prioritization.
Commercial acumen, including experience in preparing and tracking budgets, and supporting business development activities preferred.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive Compensation : A tailored salary and benefits package to reflect your skills and experience.
Flexibility : Enjoy hybrid or remote working arrangements, depending on your location and role.
Career Growth : Access to a wealth of learning opportunities and a global network of scientific leaders to help you grow and develop in your role.
Employee Wellbeing : Participate in programs and initiatives designed to promote work-life balance, health, and team connection, including global engagement surveys, recognition programs, and team-building events.
Global Opportunities : Be part of a company with international reach, offering you exposure to diverse projects and clients.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

project managementfinancial analysisscope complianceproject forecastinginvoicingbudget trackingclinical trialsearly-phase studiesrisk managementresource allocation

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillsrelationship buildingnegotiationconflict resolutionprioritizationteam performance monitoringcommunicationleadershipcollaborationproblem-solving