Operations Director Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

A Trusted CRO Partner for the Future of Eye Care

iuvo Clinical is a full-service ophthalmology-focused contract research organization (CRO) dedicated to improving patient’s quality of life with breakthrough eye care therapies. We combine decades of specialized experience with a high touch, high science approach, partnering with innovators to accelerate ophthalmic breakthroughs from concept to commercialization. Whether advancing a novel retinal therapy or supporting a complex ocular device trial, we provide the expertise, flexibility, and personal dedication to ensure clinical trial success.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to broaden your experience and grow your career!

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Commercial Operations Manager to join our team!

SUMMARY

The Commercial Operations Manager is responsible for the development of strategic proposals and client solutions. This role is primarily responsible for preparing comprehensive responses to submitted Requests for Proposals (RFPs) providing an overview of iuvo’s differentiated operational approach, a tailored operational strategy, and an associated detailed budget for services.  Additionally, the role will support other commercial activities associated with bid defenses, prospective company research, and any further key tasks identified by commercial leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Lead the end-to-end development of strategic proposals in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and other client solicitations, ensuring timely and compliant submissions.
• Develop a clear and compelling narrative of iuvo's differentiated operational approach, tailoring the value proposition to each client's therapeutic area, study design, and strategic priorities.
• Work with the President, Clinical Operations, to draft tailored operational strategies for proposed projects in collaboration with subject matter experts across clinical operations, regulatory, biostatistics, data management, and other functional areas.

• Build comprehensive, accurate budgets and pricing models for proposed services, working closely with commercial and operational leads to ensure alignment with scope of work and organizational margin targets.
• Coordinate cross-functional input from operations, medical, regulatory, and finance teams to ensure proposals are technically sound, strategically positioned, and internally consistent.
• Manage proposal timelines and workflows, tracking deliverables against client deadlines and internal review milestones.
• Prepare and refine proposal materials, templates, and content libraries to maintain consistency, quality, and brand alignment across submissions.

• Support the development of bid defense materials, including presentations, talking points, and supporting documentation, in preparation for client-facing meetings.
• Assist in coordinating bid defense logistics and rehearsals, helping presenters prepare clear, confident, and client-focused messaging.

• Conduct research on prospective client companies, including pipeline analysis, therapeutic focus, competitive landscape, and prior CRO relationships, to inform proposal strategy and business development outreach.
• Maintain and update proposal and budget templates, pricing tools, and other commercial operations resources to improve efficiency and accuracy over time.
• Support other commercial operations initiatives and ad hoc projects as identified by commercial leadership.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

 EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, business administration, marketing, finance, or a related field required.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a CRO, pharmaceutical, biotech, or related life sciences environment, with direct experience in proposal development, budgeting, or commercial operations.
• Demonstrated experience developing and writing strategic proposals, RFP responses, and client-facing materials within a clinical research or drug development setting.
• An understanding of building budgets, pricing models, and cost estimates for clinical trial services or related scopes of work.
• Experience supporting or participating in bid defense meetings or other client-facing business development activities preferred.
• Working knowledge of clinical trial phases, therapeutic areas, and CRO service offerings (e.g., clinical operations, biostatistics, data management, regulatory affairs, medical writing).
• Familiarity with the competitive CRO landscape and business development lifecycle, including experience conducting company or market research to inform proposal strategy.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent proposals under tight deadlines.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Excellent computer skills, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) or equivalent. CRM experience preferred or experience with other online data management tools.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex operational strategies into clear, client-facing narratives.
• Strong collaborative skills with demonstrated success working cross-functionally with operations and commercial teams.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk, use hands to manipulate objects or controls, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.  The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Office or remote setting.

 Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LOCATION Remote; Near major airport

 TRAVEL 10-15% - trade shows, corporate office visits, bid defenses.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

 iuvo Clincial is an Equal Opportunity Employer