Job Description

Clinical Operations Manager Lead (Finance)

We are looking for a highly motivated Clinical Operations Manager Lead to oversee and drive the successful execution of local clinical trial activities. This role ensures compliance with international standards, local regulations, and internal quality policies while managing financial aspects of clinical studies within the country.

Key Responsibilities:

Own and manage country and site budgets, negotiate and finalize Clinical Trial Research Agreements (CTRA), oversee payments, and ensure financial compliance with internal policies and external regulations.Supervise and develop a team of Clinical Operations Managers (COMs) and/or Clinical Trial Coordinators (CTCs), ensuring high performance and adherence to timelines.Maintain and update country information in finance systems to ensure accurate and timely data management.Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across clinical, compliance, finance, legal, and external partners to meet study milestones and deliverables.Drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of local and international standard operating procedures (SOPs).Proactively identify risks and issues, develop mitigation plans, and make independent decisions to ensure smooth trial execution.

Qualifications & Skills:

Minimum several years of experience in clinical research, including experience in people management or oversight roles.Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Life Sciences, or a related healthcare field; Master’s degree preferred.Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence investigators, vendors, and country managers to deliver commitments within timelines and budgets.Strong expertise in budget and contract negotiations.Solid understanding of clinical project management, compliance, and financial systems.Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze root causes, propose solutions, and escalate issues appropriately.Strong communication, negotiation, and mentoring skills, with fluency in English and the local language.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in virtual, multicultural teams.Preferred background in business finance with knowledge of accounting and financial procedures.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead clinical operations at the country level, ensuring high-quality trial delivery while fostering team development and operational excellence.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

People with severe disabilities and their equals are given preference if they are equally qualified.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Business Administration, Business Management, Clinical Operations, Clinical Research, Clinical Research Management, Clinical Trial Documentation, Clinical Trial Management, Clinical Trial Management Processes, Clinical Trial Planning, Clinical Trials Monitoring, Clinical Trials Operations, Communication, Corporate Finance, Corporate Management, Cross-Cultural Awareness, Decision Making, Ethical Standards, Financial Forecasting, Financial Management, Global Sourcing, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Leadership, Management Process {+ 4 more}

 Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

08/6/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R358057