Senior Director, Early Oncology

If you are a current Jazz employee please apply via the Internal Career site

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharma company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases — often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines, including leading therapies for sleep disorders and epilepsy, and a growing portfolio of cancer treatments.

Our patient-focused and science-driven approach powers pioneering research and development advancements across our robust pipeline of innovative therapeutics in oncology and neuroscience. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with research and development laboratories, manufacturing facilities and employees in multiple countries committed to serving patients worldwide. Please visit  for more information.

Job Description Brief

Description:

The Senior Director, Head of Early Phase Program Management is a pivotal strategic and operational leadership role within Global Clinical Development Operations (GCDO). Reporting directly to the Executive Director, Head of Clinical Operations, the incumbent will serve as a key member of the Clinical Operations Leadership Team, shaping the vision, operational strategy, and execution framework for Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ late-stage oncology  / early phase clinical trial portfolio.  

This role requires a seasoned leader capable of bridging high-level strategic vision with granular technical detail. The Senior Director will partner closely with Clinical Development leadership in early program and study design, ensuring seamless execution planning, operational feasibility, and alignment with therapeutic area strategy. Additionally, the Senior Director will have a key role in reviewing comprehensive budgets and timelines in support of drug project governance and portfolio decision-making.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Organizational Vision Collaboration Define and articulate the strategic vision and long-term direction for the Late Oncology Program Management / Early Phase Program Management, aligned with Clinical Operations, GCDO and broader R&D strategic goals. Serve as an active and impactful member of the Clinical Operations Leadership Team, contributing to overall department governance, resource planning, and operational excellence.

Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture across the Late Oncology Program Management / Early Phase Program Management organization, embedding accountability, continuous learning, and operational agility. Portfolio Study Delivery & Operational Oversight Ensure seamless end-to-end execution and operational delivery of complex, global  early-phase (Phase 1 FIH, 1b) clinical trials on schedule, within scope, and on budget. Drive operational excellence, risk management, and proactive mitigation strategies across all early-phase trials to address potential portfolio risks.

Establish robust analysis of options and champion data-driven decision-making frameworks to navigate trial execution challenges effectively. Cross-Functional & Enterprise Partnering Establish highly effective collaborative partnerships across Clinical Operations, Global Clinical Development Operations (GCDO), Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Biometrics, Safety, and broader R&D leadership. Build strong working relationships with external partners, including Contract Research Organizations (CROs), academic research networks, trial steering committees, and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).

Maintain a strong enterprise perspective, balancing functional excellence with broader strategic and business objectives. Contribute to operational feasibility assessments and early execution planning during study concept and protocol development phases to ensure robust, deliverable trial designs. Governance, Financial Oversight & Budgetary Control Develop, review, and defend global clinical program budgets and integrated timelines for presentation to drug project governance committees and R&D executive leadership.

Oversee financial planning, trial forecasting, resource allocation, and contribute to cost optimization initiatives across all global clinical trials Vendor Governance & Strategic Partnerships Partner with Strategic Outsourcing and Clinical Innovation to define vendor strategy, key performance metrics, and governance structures. Contribute to…