Clinical Operations Director Jobs in California
Clinical Operations Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, academic medical centers, and large integrated health systems, with openings at every level from newly promoted manager stepping into first director roles through seasoned executives overseeing multi-site programs. Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego account for the largest share of postings, anchored by employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Cedars-Sinai Health System, and Genentech. The most in-demand specialties in California are clinical trial operations, value-based care program management, and ambulatory care expansion. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 36+ Clinical Operations Director jobs
At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.
We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.
Job Description
Director, Clinical Operations – Oncology
We are seeking a strong, experienced Clinical Operations leader for a Director position within our Oncology Group. Clinical Operations is responsible for the worldwide execution of Phase I-IV clinical trials across all Gilead therapeutic areas and plays a key role in ensuring trials are conducted in accordance with applicable SOPs, company policies and regulatory guidelines. This work supports the timely delivery of high-quality clinical data for global registration and commercialization of Gilead’s products.
You will typically lead a large team of direct and indirect reports and be accountable for the operational strategy, financial oversight and successful execution of assigned Clinical Development Plans. You will represent Clinical Operations on internal and external strategy teams, such as Global Development Teams, and will oversee the execution of complex studies, multiple studies within a program, or multiple programs. You will also manage assigned program resources, lead Clinical Operations, cross-functional and/or country or regional organizational change initiatives, and may act as a business process owner or subject matter expert for complex Clinical Operations processes. You will demonstrate an innovative mindset by championing new ideas and incorporating best practices, external benchmarking and standardization across Clinical Operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide Clinical Operations leadership and effective oversight of assigned Oncology personnel and programs, including tracking and managing deliverables and working cross-functionally with key stakeholders to optimize study-related processes and streamline timelines without compromising the quality of study deliverables.
Act as the Clinical Operations representative on Global Development Teams (GDTs)/Clinical Science Teams (CSTs), providing strategic operational input into Clinical Development Plans that significantly influences the direction and outcomes of product development strategies.
Establish and maintain strong collaboration and partnership with cross-functional colleagues globally to ensure timely, high-quality and within-budget delivery of programs. Keep stakeholders appropriately advised on project status and emerging issues.
Proactively identify emerging risks, issues and opportunities across programs before they become critical, applying robust analytical judgement to create clarity, frame options and translate insights into practical, outcome-oriented actions.
Demonstrate broad ownership beyond defined responsibilities by constructively challenging the status quo, taking initiative to address misalignment or emerging delivery risks, and acting with accountability for decisions, actions, and outcomes.
Apply an end-to-end understanding of study design, patient journey, operational delivery, vendor inputs, data collection and statistical considerations to identify and mitigate risks to endpoint quality and evaluability.
Provide effective CRO oversight by setting clear expectations, building productive partnerships that empower vendor expertise, addressing performance issues early and supporting on-time, on-budget, high-quality delivery.
Provide input into strategic and operational short- and long-range therapeutic area / functional area plans as appropriate, including supporting alignment and communications to other team members upon implementation.
Serve as a member of the Clinical Operations Oncology Senior Leaders Forum, providing key input into the leadership and management of the Clinical Operations Oncology team and driving department goals and initiatives to desired outcomes.
Lead and manage a team of direct and indirect reports. Hire, develop and retain diverse top talent on the team. Set clear goals for the team and individual direct reports. Coach direct reports on their performance, development and career interests. Play a lead role in developing other people leaders.
Lead development of resource plans for assigned programs to ensure optimal deployment and allocation of resources.
Ensure team’s work complies with established practices, policies and processes, and any regulatory or other requirements.
Initiate continuous improvement efforts, including identifying and applying best practices and driving standardization across teams and programs.
Play a lead role in Clinical Operations and cross-functional organizational initiatives to drive ongoing efficiencies and operational excellence.
May also serve as the Clinical Operations representative on vendor governance committees, corporate partnerships, due diligence and/or acquisition teams, providing critical input into and review of partnership agreements and documentation.
May lead development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other procedures or documentation within Clinical Operations and/or cross-functionally.
REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Education & Experience
BA / BS / RN with 12 or more years’ relevant clinical or related experience in life sciences. Or, MA / MS / PharmD / PhD with 10 or more years’ relevant clinical or related experience in life sciences.
Prior oncology clinical trials/operations experience in company-sponsored clinical trials
Multiple years’ experience leading high-complexity programs and/or cross-functional initiatives in clinical operations, including short- and long-range strategic planning, governance and oversight.
Experience developing RFPs and selection and management of CROs or other vendors.
Prior line management experience with proven effectiveness and success in hiring, managing and developing diverse top talent. Preferably multiple years’ experience managing other people leaders (with indirect reports).
Demonstrated ability to enable on-time, on-budget and high-quality portfolio delivery from CROs through effective expectation setting, oversight and partnership.
Demonstrated ability to build credibility and trust with senior leaders and cross-functional partners by adapting communication and influencing style to the audience and context, and by exercising sound judgement in escalation, conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement.
Knowledge & Other Requirements
Extensive experience in the delivery of registration-intent oncology clinical trial programs including understanding of oncology endpoints and approaches to ensure endpoint integrity.
Thorough understanding of pharmaceutical regulatory requirements and impact on development and execution of clinical trials, including knowledge of Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) governing the conduct of clinical studies.
Proven ability and experience to effectively execute clinical trials within designated program budgets and timelines. Strong financial acumen necessary for the development and management of clinical trial budgets.
Critical and creative thinker with demonstrated ability to operate effectively and independently in ambiguous and changing environments, balancing timely decision-making with appropriate evidence, reflection and stakeholder input.
Strong leadership presence and stakeholder management skills, with demonstrated ability to build credibility and trust with senior leaders and cross-functional partners, adapt communication and influencing style to the audience and context, lead without authority, resolve conflict constructively, and exercise sound judgement in escalation and stakeholder engagement.
Strong interpersonal skills and understanding of team dynamics.
Demonstrable abilities to effectively communicate project direction and status to varying organizational levels, including leadership teams, executives and steering committees.
Strong coaching capabilities to mentor and develop staff.
Demonstrated effectiveness in proactively managing change.
Strong track record in effectively conceiving and leading large-scale, complex change initiatives.
When needed, ability to travel nationally and internationally.
The salary range for this position is: $210,375.00 - $272,250.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.
For additional benefits information, visit:
https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing
* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.
For jobs in the United States:
Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex , age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.
For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.
NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.
Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.
Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.
For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:
Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.
At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.
We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.
Job Description
Director, Clinical Operations – Oncology
We are seeking a strong, experienced Clinical Operations leader for a Director position within our Oncology Group. Clinical Operations is responsible for the worldwide execution of Phase I-IV clinical trials across all Gilead therapeutic areas and plays a key role in ensuring trials are conducted in accordance with applicable SOPs, company policies and regulatory guidelines. This work supports the timely delivery of high-quality clinical data for global registration and commercialization of Gilead’s products.
You will typically lead a large team of direct and indirect reports and be accountable for the operational strategy, financial oversight and successful execution of assigned Clinical Development Plans. You will represent Clinical Operations on internal and external strategy teams, such as Global Development Teams, and will oversee the execution of complex studies, multiple studies within a program, or multiple programs. You will also manage assigned program resources, lead Clinical Operations, cross-functional and/or country or regional organizational change initiatives, and may act as a business process owner or subject matter expert for complex Clinical Operations processes. You will demonstrate an innovative mindset by championing new ideas and incorporating best practices, external benchmarking and standardization across Clinical Operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide Clinical Operations leadership and effective oversight of assigned Oncology personnel and programs, including tracking and managing deliverables and working cross-functionally with key stakeholders to optimize study-related processes and streamline timelines without compromising the quality of study deliverables.
Act as the Clinical Operations representative on Global Development Teams (GDTs)/Clinical Science Teams (CSTs), providing strategic operational input into Clinical Development Plans that significantly influences the direction and outcomes of product development strategies.
Establish and maintain strong collaboration and partnership with cross-functional colleagues globally to ensure timely, high-quality and within-budget delivery of programs. Keep stakeholders appropriately advised on project status and emerging issues.
Proactively identify emerging risks, issues and opportunities across programs before they become critical, applying robust analytical judgement to create clarity, frame options and translate insights into practical, outcome-oriented actions.
Demonstrate broad ownership beyond defined responsibilities by constructively challenging the status quo, taking initiative to address misalignment or emerging delivery risks, and acting with accountability for decisions, actions, and outcomes.
Apply an end-to-end understanding of study design, patient journey, operational delivery, vendor inputs, data collection and statistical considerations to identify and mitigate risks to endpoint quality and evaluability.
Provide effective CRO oversight by setting clear expectations, building productive partnerships that empower vendor expertise, addressing performance issues early and supporting on-time, on-budget, high-quality delivery.
Provide input into strategic and operational short- and long-range therapeutic area / functional area plans as appropriate, including supporting alignment and communications to other team members upon implementation.
Serve as a member of the Clinical Operations Oncology Senior Leaders Forum, providing key input into the leadership and management of the Clinical Operations Oncology team and driving department goals and initiatives to desired outcomes.
Lead and manage a team of direct and indirect reports. Hire, develop and retain diverse top talent on the team. Set clear goals for the team and individual direct reports. Coach direct reports on their performance, development and career interests. Play a lead role in developing other people leaders.
Lead development of resource plans for assigned programs to ensure optimal deployment and allocation of resources.
Ensure team’s work complies with established practices, policies and processes, and any regulatory or other requirements.
Initiate continuous improvement efforts, including identifying and applying best practices and driving standardization across teams and programs.
Play a lead role in Clinical Operations and cross-functional organizational initiatives to drive ongoing efficiencies and operational excellence.
May also serve as the Clinical Operations representative on vendor governance committees, corporate partnerships, due diligence and/or acquisition teams, providing critical input into and review of partnership agreements and documentation.
May lead development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other procedures or documentation within Clinical Operations and/or cross-functionally.
REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Education & Experience
BA / BS / RN with 12 or more years’ relevant clinical or related experience in life sciences. Or, MA / MS / PharmD / PhD with 10 or more years’ relevant clinical or related experience in life sciences.
Prior oncology clinical trials/operations experience in company-sponsored clinical trials
Multiple years’ experience leading high-complexity programs and/or cross-functional initiatives in clinical operations, including short- and long-range strategic planning, governance and oversight.
Experience developing RFPs and selection and management of CROs or other vendors.
Prior line management experience with proven effectiveness and success in hiring, managing and developing diverse top talent. Preferably multiple years’ experience managing other people leaders (with indirect reports).
Demonstrated ability to enable on-time, on-budget and high-quality portfolio delivery from CROs through effective expectation setting, oversight and partnership.
Demonstrated ability to build credibility and trust with senior leaders and cross-functional partners by adapting communication and influencing style to the audience and context, and by exercising sound judgement in escalation, conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement.
Knowledge & Other Requirements
Extensive experience in the delivery of registration-intent oncology clinical trial programs including understanding of oncology endpoints and approaches to ensure endpoint integrity.
Thorough understanding of pharmaceutical regulatory requirements and impact on development and execution of clinical trials, including knowledge of Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) governing the conduct of clinical studies.
Proven ability and experience to effectively execute clinical trials within designated program budgets and timelines. Strong financial acumen necessary for the development and management of clinical trial budgets.
Critical and creative thinker with demonstrated ability to operate effectively and independently in ambiguous and changing environments, balancing timely decision-making with appropriate evidence, reflection and stakeholder input.
Strong leadership presence and stakeholder management skills, with demonstrated ability to build credibility and trust with senior leaders and cross-functional partners, adapt communication and influencing style to the audience and context, lead without authority, resolve conflict constructively, and exercise sound judgement in escalation and stakeholder engagement.
Strong interpersonal skills and understanding of team dynamics.
Demonstrable abilities to effectively communicate project direction and status to varying organizational levels, including leadership teams, executives and steering committees.
Strong coaching capabilities to mentor and develop staff.
Demonstrated effectiveness in proactively managing change.
Strong track record in effectively conceiving and leading large-scale, complex change initiatives.
When needed, ability to travel nationally and internationally.
The salary range for this position is: $210,375.00 - $272,250.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.
For additional benefits information, visit:
https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing
* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.
For jobs in the United States:
Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex , age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.
For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.
NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.
Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.
Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.
For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:
Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.
See All 36 Clinical Operations Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsClinical Operations Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Operations Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical operations director jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in nursing, health administration, or a related clinical field required
- Minimum five to seven years of progressive clinical or healthcare operations management experience
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-site or multi-department clinical programs in California settings
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems such as Epic or Cerner
- Knowledge of California Department of Public Health regulations and Joint Commission accreditation standards
- Master's degree in health administration, business administration, or clinical specialty strongly preferred
Clinical Operations Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical operations director in California?
Most clinical operations directors in California build toward the role through a combination of a bachelor's degree in a clinical or health administration field, several years of frontline clinical or operational experience, and progressive management responsibility. Many California employers, particularly large health systems and biotech firms, prefer candidates with a master's in health administration or business administration. Credentials such as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives or a Project Management Professional designation strengthen applications considerably in the California market.
Which companies hire clinical operations directors in California?
Employers hiring clinical operations directors in California right now include Revolution Medicines, Maze Therapeutics, and Genentech, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of integrated health systems, academic medical centers, and biotechnology headquarters means hiring is spread across both traditional hospital employers and life sciences companies managing clinical trial operations.
Which California cities have the most clinical operations director jobs?
San Diego, San Francisco, and Redwood City have the most clinical operations director openings in California. The Bay Area and Los Angeles dominate because of their density of large health systems, biotech and pharmaceutical headquarters, and academic medical centers, while San Diego draws consistent demand from its established life sciences corridor, particularly among companies managing multi-site clinical trial programs.
Are there remote clinical operations director jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since clinical operations directors often oversee on-site teams, facility compliance, and patient care workflows that require regular physical presence. About 55% of clinical operations director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those that are tend to involve clinical trial oversight, program development, or administrative functions that can be managed without daily on-site attendance.
How can I get hired as a clinical operations director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving into a clinical operations manager or program coordinator role first, which large California health systems such as Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health regularly post as a step below director level. Gaining experience in quality improvement, care coordination, or ambulatory operations gives you the cross-functional exposure California employers look for when promoting to director. Completing a master's in health administration through a California institution and pursuing a healthcare management certification can offset limited direct leadership experience for strong internal candidates.
Where can I find and apply to clinical operations director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to clinical operations director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to each one.
See All 36 Clinical Operations Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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