Associate Director – Early Phase Strategy

Emerald Clinical

Associate Director/Director shaping Early Phase strategy for clinical research at Emerald Clinical Trials. Collaborating with various teams to ensure operational success across studies in Australia.

Posted 6/19/2026full-timeRemote • 🇦🇺 AustraliaSeniorWebsite

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Hard Skills

Early Phase clinical researchclinical trial strategiesoperational risk assessmentfeasibility evaluationproposal developmentstudy designpatient recruitmentproject delivery modelsscenario planningstrategic recommendations

Soft Skills

communicationinfluencingstakeholder managementmentoringrelationship buildingstrategic thinkingproblem solvingprioritizationcollaborationleadership

Tools & Technologies

Early Phase databasesproposal content librariesmarket intelligence toolscapability materialssite intelligence resourcesbid defence presentationsclient engagement toolsproject management softwarebusiness development platformsstrategic assessment tools

Industry Keywords

CRObiotechpharmaceuticalPhase IPhase IIaRFP assessmentclinical programsoperational feasibilityAustralia/New Zealand capabilitiesglobal clinical research

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the Early Phase strategic assessment of new business opportunities from RFP receipt through award.
Partner with Proposal Management to triage Early Phase opportunities and provide bid/no-bid recommendations.
Develop comprehensive Early Phase study strategies, including: Country and site selection approach, Investigator/site engagement strategy, Patient recruitment considerations, Study timelines and operational assumptions, Resource model and delivery approach, Identification and mitigation of operational risks.
Engage with Early Phase sites, investigators, and internal experts to validate feasibility and strengthen proposals.
Provide strategic recommendations to the VP Early Phase, Business Development, and leadership teams.
Lead the Early Phase operational strategy component of RFP responses.
Partner with Proposal teams to develop high-quality client proposals.
Review proposal budgets, timelines, assumptions, and delivery models to ensure alignment with strategy.
Provide input into pricing strategy and commercial positioning.
Support preparation and delivery of bid defence meetings and client presentations.
Act as an Early Phase SME in client meetings and strategic discussions.
Support sponsor conversations relating to study design, operational feasibility, recruitment strategy, and delivery approach.
Build strong relationships with investigators, Early Phase sites, and industry partners.
Represent Emerald at conferences, industry events, and client engagements as required.
Build and maintain Early Phase strategy tools and resources, including: Early Phase databases, Site and investigator intelligence, Capability materials, Proposal content libraries, Market intelligence.
Partner with Business Development and Marketing to strengthen Emerald’s Early Phase positioning.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, tools, and ways of working.
Establish scalable Early Phase strategy processes and governance.
Mentor and develop future Early Phase Strategy team members as the function grows.
Support the evolution of Emerald’s Early Phase strategy capability.

Requirements

What you’ll need

8+ years experience within a CRO, biotech, pharmaceutical, or Early Phase clinical research environment.
Experience across the full opportunity lifecycle, from initial client engagement and RFP assessment through to study award, including Phase I to Phase IIa clinical programs.
Proven experience supporting and/or delivering Early Phase studies, with strong knowledge of Australia/New Zealand Early Phase capabilities; experience across additional global regions is advantageous.
Demonstrated ability to develop clinical trial strategies that balance scientific objectives, operational feasibility, patient/site considerations, timelines, and commercial requirements.
Strong understanding of Early Phase operations, project delivery models, and the practical execution requirements required to successfully deliver complex clinical studies.
Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to challenge assumptions and influence senior-level decisions.
Expertise in operational risk assessment, scenario planning, feasibility evaluation, and development of compelling strategic narratives.
Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritise a portfolio of opportunities with competing timelines, stakeholder requirements, and business priorities.
Experience partnering with Business Development, Proposal, Operations, Project Management, and functional teams to develop client-focused solutions.

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.