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Director Clinical Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 28, 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Operations jobs in California?

The most popular types of Clinical Operations jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Clinical Operations jobs in California?

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

What cities in California are hiring for Director Clinical Operations jobs?

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

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

Gilead

Foster City, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Gilead Sciences rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

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 - OncologyWe 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.comfor assistance.


For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the'Know Your Rights' poster.

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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.

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