Director/Senior Director, Clinical Business Operations at Crescent Biopharma , Inc. – Waltham, Massachusetts
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About This Position
We are seeking a Director/Senior Director of Clinical Business Operations is a strategic, hands-on leader responsible for enabling efficient execution of Crescent’s oncology clinical programs through best-in-class vendor strategy, rigorous financial management, and scalable operational processes.
Operating within a lean biotech model, it is critical to ensuring the organization effectively leverages external partners (e.g., CROs, central labs, biomarker vendors) while maintaining strong internal oversight and control. You will partner cross-functionally to support the advancement of a growing oncology pipeline.
Vendor Strategy & Outsourcing Model
- Lead end-to-end vendor strategy and selection across all clinical development functions, with a focus on oncology-specific vendors
- Design and implement a fit-for-purpose outsourcing model aligned to:
- Ensure vendor scopes reflect oncology trial complexity
- Establish clear governance, KPIs, and escalation pathways while maintaining lean internal oversight
Clinical Financial Management Across Portfolio
- Own end-to-end financial oversight for all Crescent clinical trials
- Develop and manage study budgets that reflect oncology-specific cost drivers
- Provide real-time financial visibility and proactive insights to Clinical Development leadership
- Identify cost efficiencies while ensuring quality and speed are not compromised
Portfolio Forecasting & Scenario Planning
- Lead integrated financial forecasting across multiple oncology programs and phases
- Incorporate key development assumptions into forecasts
- Drive scenario planning to support portfolio prioritization and investment decisions in collaboration with functional area representatives
- Partner closely with Finance to align on long range planning and budgeting for CMO Organization
Vendor Change Order Governance
- Establish and lead a disciplined change order management process in a high-change oncology environment
- Critically review and negotiate change orders in partnership with vendor functional owners
- Ensure alignment between scope, timelines, and cost, preventing budget creep
- Maintain transparency of financial impact across programs
Clinical Development Materials & Decision Support
- Lead creation of high-impact materials for Development Org for governance and executive forum
- Synthesize complex operational and financial data into clear, decision-ready insights
- Enable leadership to make data-driven trade-offs across programs and timelines
Process Optimization in a Lean Environment
- Identify and implement scalable processes that enable efficient trial execution without adding unnecessary infrastructure
- Standardize key workflows across programs (e.g., budgeting, forecasting, vendor oversight)
- Drive efficiencies in:
- Study startup timelines
- Vendor onboarding and management
- Cross-functional coordination
- Continuously assess where to build vs. outsource capabilities
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) preferred
- ~10–15+ years (Director) / 15+ years (Senior Director) of experience in biotech/pharma
- Demonstrated expertise in clinical trial financial management and forecasting and vendor selection and CRO oversight in early phase clinical trials
- Deep understanding of complex clinical trial designs in Oncology or Rare Disease
- Proven ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution
- Strong business acumen and financial rigor
- Strategic outsourcing and vendor management expertise
- Ability to influence without authority in a matrixed environment
- Operational agility and problem-solving in fast-paced settings
- Clear, concise communication of complex information
Please note:
Crescent Biopharma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Crescent does not accept unsolicited resumes from external agencies or recruiters. Submission of a resume without a prior written agreement does not create any express or implied contract between Crescent and the agency. Crescent will not pay any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
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