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Director Clinical Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Doist

Director, Clinical Operations

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$215 - $240/hr

Role Overview The Director, Clinical Operations will oversee the strategic and operational execution of clinical trials, leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with internal stakeholders ...

Gilead

Director, Clinical Operations

Foster City, CA

$210K - $272K/yr

Experience managing cross-functional teams or work groups as well as direct reports. * Demonstrated understanding of pharmaceutical regulatory requirements and impact on development of clinical ...

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Director Clinical Operations information

See California salary details

$59.2K

$144.1K

$278.8K

How much do director clinical operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for director clinical operations in California is $144,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,700.00 and $171,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of clinical operations do?

A director of clinical operations manages the daily operations of a healthcare facility or a specific department within a clinic or hospital. As a director of clinical operations, your responsibilities include scheduling staff to ensure proper coverage of patients and overseeing the productivity of your team to meet the organization's expectations. You define policies and procedures, facilitating further training when necessary. The director of clinical operations must also assess the performance of the medical team under your supervision regularly and mainstream processes when possible. Medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies often hire a director of clinical operations to oversee research, lab, and testing operations.

What does a director of clinical operations do?

A Director of Clinical Operations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and strategic direction of clinical trials and research activities within healthcare organizations or pharmaceutical companies. They ensure that clinical studies are conducted efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. This role involves supervising teams, managing budgets, developing protocols, and liaising with stakeholders to ensure successful trial outcomes. Directors of Clinical Operations play a crucial role in bringing new medical treatments to market by ensuring studies run smoothly from start to finish.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of clinical operations?

To thrive as a Director of Clinical Operations, you need a robust background in clinical management, regulatory compliance, and healthcare administration, often supported by a relevant degree and substantial leadership experience. Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic data capture (EDC) tools, and certifications like PMP or CCRA are commonly required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help drive teams, manage stakeholders, and oversee complex projects. These skills are critical for ensuring clinical programs run efficiently, meet regulatory standards, and deliver high-quality patient outcomes.

How does a director of clinical operations typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful clinical trial execution?

A Director of Clinical Operations regularly collaborates with cross-functional teams such as regulatory affairs, data management, medical affairs, and biostatistics to ensure clinical trials are executed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations. This role involves leading team meetings, aligning project timelines, and facilitating communication between internal stakeholders and external partners like CROs and vendors. Strong coordination skills are essential, as the Director must balance diverse priorities and resolve any operational issues that arise, ensuring all teams work toward shared objectives.

What is the difference between Director Clinical Operations vs Clinical Project Manager?

AspectDirector Clinical OperationsClinical Project Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., MS, PhD) and extensive industry experienceUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, with relevant project management certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects and teams across departments, strategic planningManages individual clinical trials, coordinates project activities, and timelines
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare companies for senior leadership rolesCommonly employed in clinical research organizations and pharmaceutical companies for trial management

The main difference is that the Director Clinical Operations focuses on strategic oversight and leadership across multiple clinical trials, while the Clinical Project Manager handles the day-to-day management of specific clinical studies. Both roles require strong industry knowledge, but the director position involves broader responsibilities and higher-level decision-making.

Is a director of clinical operations a high position?

A director of clinical operations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing clinical trial activities, managing teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance. It is considered a high-level position within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, often requiring extensive experience and strategic skills.
More about Director Clinical Operations jobs

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For Director Clinical Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities in California with the most Director Clinical Operations job openings:

Director Clinical Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Clinical Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,058 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

Director, Clinical Operations

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Who We Are:
Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)
At Neurocrine, strong leadership drives both business results and team success. We look for leaders who think strategically, anticipate what's ahead and set clear direction, while building and empowering high-performing teams. Successful leaders foster an environment where people are motivated to do their best work and deliver meaningful, measurable impact through sound decision-making and accountability.About the Role:
Responsible for developing strategic plans, objectives and overall management for Clinical Operations team executing Neurocrine's clinical studies (all phases). Ensure clinical study activities are conducted in compliance with FDA regulations, EU Directive, ICH guidelines, and are in adherence with corporate and departmental Standard Operations Procedures. A key focus will be on the oversight of CROs, external vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure studies are conducted according to timelines, budgets, and resources to achieve program objectives and corporate goals. The Director will also manage career development of multiple direct reports within clinical operations group.
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
  • Design and implement clinical strategies using internal and external resources
  • Provides leadership to the Clinical Operations study team (Associate Directors, Clinical Trial Managers, Specialists, Clinical Trial Associates, and other subordinate employees)
  • Lead the tactical implementation and execution of the clinical development process (all phases) primarily for selected programs
  • Ensure these activities are conducted in compliance with FDA regulations, EU Directive and ICH guidelines, and are in adherence with corporate and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Establish and manage overall clinical program budgets as well as individual study budgets
  • Develop and maintain clinical trial timelines to achieve corporate goals
  • Create and establish critical metrics to benchmark activities to develop and revise performance to reach and maintain highest possible standards of excellence
  • Identify and introduce process improvements within clinical organization
  • Manage relationships and expectations with CROs and other clinical contract service providers. Act as point of contact with external bodies
  • Manage inter-department relationships (Regulatory, QA, etc) to ensure adequate support for clinical programs as well as provide input into cross functional meetings and documentation
  • Interface with Medical Directors by providing operational input to clinical protocols, clinical development plans and clinical study reports
  • Recruit, train, and manage career development of multiple direct reports within the clinical operations group
  • Manage operational activities of clinical programs with corporate partners
  • Perform additional tasks and duties as assigned

Requirements:
  • BS/BA degree in scientific or related field AND 12+ years of extensive experience with traditional progression in clinical research in pharmaceutical/biotech industry, or CRO or relevant experience required. Experience in clinical drug development process including working knowledge of ICH, GCPs, FDA regulations and EU directive also required. Prior experience directing global studies, particularly in endocrine related indications and/or rare diseases. OR
  • Master's degree in scientific or related field or MBA AND 10+ years of similar experience shown above. OR
  • Extensive previous managerial experiences also required
  • Detailed knowledge of clinical drug development process including working knowledge of ICH, GCPs, FDA regulations and EU directive.
  • Ability to effectively manage, mentor and train personnel and ability to motivate and influence personnel to achieve goals
  • Expertise directing global studies, particularly in endocrine related indications and/or rare diseases
  • Strategic vendor management skills, particularly CROs or similar complexity
  • Recognized as an internal thought leader with extensive technical and business expertise within a strategic organization
  • Applies in-depth knowledge of own function, business / commercial / scientific expertise to solve critical issues successfully and innovatively
  • Evaluates key business / scientific challenges and completes complex, ambiguous initiatives having cross-functional impact
  • Ability to work independently and cooperate and collaborate with a wide variety of individuals, groups, and teams
  • Ability to effectively operate in a multi-level matrix environment
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal and leadership skills
  • Strong internal/external negotiation / influencing skills

#LI-RS1
Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.
We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don't line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.
The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $190,500.00-$260,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 35% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

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