Project Director I / II in North Sydney

We’re looking for an experienced clinical trials Project Director to join us here at Avance Clinical. We’re happy for you to work remotely from anywhere in Australia. At Avance Clinical, we're helping innovative biotech and pharmaceutical companies bring life-changing therapies to patients faster. Following significant growth and new global project wins, we're expanding our team and looking for a Project Director I / II to join us here in Australia.

If you're passionate about clinical research, an experienced Project Director with hands-on team management experience and are motivated by working with some of the world's most exciting biotech companies, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join Avance Clinical?

• Global Recognition: Work for the CRO recognised by Frost & Sullivan as the 2026 Global Company of the Year for excellence in biotech CRO leadership.
• Work Anywhere in Australia: Enjoy genuine flexibility and autonomy with a fully remote role supported by industry-leading technology and a highly collaborative culture.
• Accelerate Your Career: Join one of Australia's fastest-growing CROs, where high performers are recognised and supported to advance their careers.
• Meaningful, Diverse Projects: Work on FIH, HV, Phase 1 & 2 projects across a diverse range of therapeutic areas with emerging biotech companies developing the next generation of therapies.

The Opportunity

The Project Director is responsible for planning and executing or overseeing projects by coordinating staff and processes to deliver projects on time, within budget and with the desired outcomes while ensuring the trial is conducted in accordance with the protocol, company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ICH GCP guidelines and other applicable regulatory requirements. The PD will also line manage a team of Project Managers (PMs) and Project Associates (PAs).

Core Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and support to Project Managers (PM) to ensure high-quality project delivery across the following areas:
• Effective Sponsor communication to proactively manage project timelines, expectations, risks, and issues.
• Communication with internal cross‑functional teams and external stakeholders (including third party vendors and site staff) to execute projects within agreed timelines.
• Development of appropriate study plans and documents to support the effective execution of all Project Management activities.
• Consistent and accurate identification, management and reporting of study‑specific risks.
• Project financial management including revenue recognition, accurate forecasting and contract management, sponsor invoicing, and vendor payment management.
• Develop effective relationships for assigned Sponsors to successfully manage sponsor grievances and drive strategic partnerships.
• Manage PM/PA resource assignments across the department in conjunction with the PD team, proactively projecting PM/PA resource need.
• Monitor line reports’ compliance with use of expected company systems and processes; training completion and timecard entry, leave entitlement administration; and expense processing.
• Actively manage the performance of line reports and individual career development strategies.
• Implement and support staff retention initiatives, drive staff recruitment (including interviews and probation period management) and manage staff severance.
• Autonomously manage all contracted services and vendors for clinical projects to ensure that projects are commenced and completed within defined scope, timelines, and budget.
• Participate in study‑specific or vendor audits conducted by sponsors or regulatory agencies, and respond to audit observations, as required.
• Ensure Serious Adverse Events are reported (initial and follow‑up) as per protocol requirements.

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor’s level degree in life sciences, pharmacy, nursing, or equivalent field.
• Previous experience as a Project Director in a CRO for at least 2 years, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience line managing staff in a CRO or Pharma company.
• Experience managing / leading a team.
• Previous training and a working knowledge of ICH GCP and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Effective written and oral communications skills, including the ability to keep clients, senior management and other stakeholders informed of project updates and other pertinent information.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative in problem solving and in exercising good judgment.
• An understanding of Privacy Legislation as it applies to the Clinical Trial Environment.
• Ability to work under pressure in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Ability to travel. Minimal level of travel may be required (up to 20%).