Associate Director, Study Start‑Up (Remote – Spain/Portugal/Poland)

About the role

As an Associate Director, Study Start‑Up you will join TFS HealthScience’s Ophthalmology team, working remotely from Spain, Portugal or Poland. You will lead the start‑up phase of clinical studies, ensuring timelines, budgets and quality standards are met while supporting customers to achieve their development goals.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee and deliver the study start‑up phase for assigned projects on time, within scope, budget and quality standards.
• Develop, maintain and track study start‑up plans across multiple protocols.
• Provide guidance on site selection, submission and amendment strategies, and manage customer relationships.
• Support staff in resolving significant site issues and escalate risks as needed.
• Manage budgets, maintain profitability and ensure timely invoicing.
• Oversee local vendors/contractors where applicable.
• Participate in business development activities such as proposals and budget development.
• Line‑manage an international team, providing training, coaching and mentorship.
• Lead process‑improvement initiatives and act as a key relationship manager for assigned customers.
• Collaborate with global functions including Project Management, Data Management, Statistics, Medical Writing, Regulatory and Safety.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, nursing or equivalent.
• Minimum 8 years of clinical research experience, including at least 5 years in global clinical trials.
• Strong knowledge of the clinical drug development process and study start‑up phases.
• Fluent English and willingness to travel as required.

Required skills

• GCP/ICH compliance and guidelines.
• Clinical trial start‑up expertise.
• Budget management and financial oversight.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.