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Director Clinical Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Director, Clinical Operations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the implementation and execution of clinical trials from study start-up through close ...

$140K - $150K/yr

The Director of Clinical Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for clinical services across multiple departments. This role ensures efficient workflows, compliance with regulatory ...

The Role The Director of Clinical Operations will lead the development, refinement, and execution of Karoo's clinical care model. This leader will translate clinical strategy into scalable workflows ...

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Director Clinical Operations information

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$60K

$146K

$282.5K

How much do director clinical operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for director clinical operations in the United States is $145,969.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $173,500.00 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Clinical Operations, and why are they important?

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.

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.

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.

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 cities are hiring for Director Clinical Operations jobs? Cities with the most Director Clinical Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Operations jobs? The most popular types of Clinical Operations jobs are:
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What states have the most Director Clinical Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Clinical Operations jobs include:

Director, Clinical Operations

TOTAL VISION LLC

Mission Viejo, CA

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

General Summary

Provide strategic oversight and direct operational and administrative functions impacting doctor services and clinical operations. Drive the adoption of innovative technologies, foster effective vendor partnerships, and implement professional services to enhance both current practices and long-term sustained growth. Collaborate closely with Field and Central Operations Teams to ensure alignment. Lead, manage, and monitor all clinical operations initiatives and projects to promote operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions 

With PC Shareholder approval and senior leadership guidance, assist and manage assigned Optometrists in your territory, and facilitate efficient operations for Doctor-led practices.Partner with cross-functional teams and Clinical Operations to lead and execute doctor programs.Support vendor, IT, and Clinical Operations collaboration for all clinical software and hardware. Responsible for driving adoption of ODs to new software/hardware updates.Direct doctor-related aspects of new, relocation, or remodel clinic projects.Manage financial modeling and recommendations for key clinical investments.Create, lead, maintain and track all Clinical Operations initiatives and assigned projects.Lead ODs in practices to drive key metrics including Capture Rate and Premier Attachment, Exams Per Hour, and others as directed by leadership. Ensure execution of basic initiatives are in place consistently to allow achievement of goals/KPIs.Work two days as a doctor providing clinical services and three days working in the field providing leadership support to drive results with doctors in assigned territory.Practice Optometry in accordance with the clinical guidelines set forth by the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry.Comply with HIPAA policies and maintain complete/accurate patient records.Establish a positive and professional Doctor/patient relationship.Provide and model the highest level of quality patient care as it relates to general/ocular health overall.Collaborate and partner with leadership and staff to ensure a seamless patient experience.Show support, commitment, and leadership for the Company's vision and values in all actions and communication. Ensure ODs in your area uphold these standards in their Optometry practices.

Job Specifications

Typically has the following skills or abilities:Optometry Degree from accredited school/college of OptometryLicensed Optometrist in the state of CaliforniaMinimum of five (5) years of related clinical or operational experienceMinimum of 6 years of management experience with responsibilities for hiring, training, assigning work and managing performance of direct reportsStrong communication and operational skillsSkilled in examining and re-engineering operations and proceduresProficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and email communication.Customer service experience in a retail environment strongly preferredStrong business aptitude, self-discipline, and ability to deliver outstanding patient careAbility to exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of his/her job duties

Working Conditions

The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust etc.The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.