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Director Clinical Operations Jobs in Madison, WI

We are currently seeking a Manager, Clinical Operations II, to interact directly with our healthy ... Many are drawn to this profession because of its direct impact on patient care. If this is your ...

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Clinical Care Director

Mcfarland, WI · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

McFarland Villa Assisted Living is seeking a Clinical Care Director to join our CBRF 35 Bed ... Lead and oversee all clinical operations and resident care services. * Conduct resident assessments ...

Director of Nursing (DON)

Verona, WI · On-site

$77 - $104/hr

Director of Nursing (DON) / Health & Wellness Director $5000 Sign on Bonus Charter Senior Living of ... Oversee daily clinical operations and resident care services * Lead, mentor, schedule, and support ...

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Director Clinical Operations information

See Madison, WI salary details

$60.5K

$147.1K

$284.7K

How much do director clinical operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director clinical operations in Madison, WI is $147,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,800.00 and $174,800.00 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 Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Clinical Operations jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Clinical Operations jobs in Madison, WI?

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

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Director Clinical Operations jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Director Clinical Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Clinical Operations job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,106 per year, or $70.7 per hour.

Clinical Operations Manager II

Fortrea

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Fortrea rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 74 rated research


Job description

As one of the largest Clinical Research Organizations in the world, we have four Early Phase Clinical Research Units in the UK and US.

We are currently seeking a Manager, Clinical Operations II, to interact directly with our healthy volunteer participants while learning to read clinical research protocols and enjoy working in a fast-paced team-oriented environment. Each day is different, you will be exposed to a wide variety of Therapeutic Indications and study types (ascending dose, first-in-human, food effect, drug to drug interactions, etc.)

This is a full-time, office/clinic-based job in Madison, WI.

If you join us, you will work with some of the worlds leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies in a vital stage of clinical development: establishing the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of a new drug.

Many are drawn to this profession because of its direct impact on patient care. If this is your case, you will not miss that working in Phase 1 trials. Whilst allowing you to have a close face-to-face relationship with participants, and as you continue to practice your clinical skills and knowledge, youll be involved with the latest medical technologies and treatments, witnessing their development firsthand. When the drug you worked with gets approved, you know youll touch many patients lives around the world.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Responsible for the supervision of assigned direct reports within PI MS. Responsible for detailed performance review and management of assigned direct reports including Annual Performance Management and Development (PMD) and Individual Development Plan (IDP). Responsible for appropriate management and resolution of performance issues. Effectively communicate management strategies, policies, and procedures in conjunction with leadership teams. Develop and maintain effective relationships with the management team to manage assigned staff in a matrix environment. Maintain good working relationships with internal and external clients to ensure opportunity for acquiring additional new business.

Other key responsibilities:

  • Has regulatory oversight of direct reports by ensuring regulatory training is executed, understood and implemented.

  • Escalate issues and follow them till proper resolution.

  • Ensures training record compliance with training matrix and ensures training records are up to date.

  • Provide input to relevant SOPs and stand plans/templates with applicable.

  • Assist with coordination and implementation of on-boarding of new direct reports ensuring GCT training before study-related activities begins.

  • Hold staff accountable for issue escalation to the management team, the sponsor and QA as appropriate and determine regional implications for corrective action plans.

  • Hold staff accountable for quality and compliance with project plan and adherence to contract obligations.

  • Coach staff to own effective Investigation relations and Investigator oversight when applicable.

  • Report status of assigned workload of direct reports and ensure allocation reports are updated.

  • Perform weekly review of direct report billable hours and utilizations (in context of project allocation supply and demand); escalate of outliers and assists management team for mitigation.

  • Adheres to global tools for monitoring and utilization forecasting.

  • Assist with staff recruitment through screening and interviewing.

    • Financial authority in accordance with current signature approval matrix

  • Accountable for expense management, expense report approval and compliance with Travel Policy of direct reports.

  • Liaise with internal and external customers in relevant process improvement initiatives.

  • Encourages use of standardized processes and tools in alignment with associated policies to ensure efficiency and productivity.

  • Support the company/department processes (e.g., Quality Control Visits).

    • Identify, develop, and implement measures to improve the efficiency of the department.

  • Responsible for staff time management, PTO and salary reviews.

  • Might be requested to work in a client facing environment.

  • All other duties as needed or assigned.

YOU NEED TO BRING...

  • University/college degree (life sciences preferred) or certification in a related allied health profession from an appropriately accredited institution (e.g., nursing certification, medical or laboratory).

  • 5 years of direct Clinical research experience or combined with other relevant experience (i.e., worked as a Clinical Team Leader/Project Manager at a Pharma or CRO).

  • Individual proficiency with managing direct reports or equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the key responsibilities of the job.

The important thing for us is you are comfortable working in an environment that is:

  • Fast paced: where no deviations from the study protocol are allowed, and not meeting a timeline for even few minutes will create a quality issue.

  • Changing priorities constantly asking you to prioritize and adapt on the spot.

  • Teamwork and people skills are essential for the study to run smoothly.

  • Technology based. We collect our data directly into an electronic environment.

What do you get?

Regular, full-time or part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including but not limited to:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD (multiple insurance carriers)

  • 401(K)

  • Paid time off (PTO)

  • Employee recognition awards

  • Multiple ERG's (employee resource groups)

Physical Requirements:

  • Mandatory immunizations and screening as required.

  • Handling of biologically hazardous and radiolabeled material is necessary.

  • Must be able to see (distinguish colors) and hear to meet, if necessary, the job requirements.

  • Must have excellent command of the English language, both oral and written.

  • Must be able to use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools or controls, including a computer keyboard, for up to 6 hours per day.

  • Must be able to stand and/or bend for up to 6 hours per day.

  • Overtime and weekend work as required.

  • Travel Requirements: less than 5% of the time for potential cross-site support needs or external training needs.

Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.


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