Director, Digital Transformation - Site Management Operations

Role Description

The Director of Digital Transformation – Site Management Operations is the primary product lead responsible for leading the design, implementation, and optimization of digital solutions that directly support site-level clinical research operations. This role ensures that digital initiatives are aligned with the operational needs of research sites, enhancing efficiency, compliance, and user experience.

• Strategic Planning & Alignment:
  • Partner with senior executives and research leaders to embed digital technologies, data analytics, and AI into clinical research SMO operations—ensuring alignment with SCRI’s overarching business and research strategies.
  • Translate strategic priorities into an executable product roadmap with clear delivery milestones, dependencies, and ownership.
• Data & AI Vision Execution:
  • Define a forward-looking strategy for data and AI integration in SMO. Champion the deployment of AI-driven tools to transform cancer care.
  • Own the execution and productization of AI use cases, including data readiness, system integration, validation, and operational monitoring.
• Product Management Leadership:
  • Lead the full product lifecycle for digital solutions—from ideation and roadmap development to stakeholder alignment and continuous improvement.
  • Lead product teams to prioritize features and initiatives based on their potential benefit and business objectives.
  • Own end‑to‑end product delivery accountability, including backlog prioritization, scope tradeoffs, sequencing of product work, and release execution.
  • Ensure delivery commitments are met through active risk management, dependency resolution, and escalation when required.
• Use Case Development & ROI Articulation:
  • Identify high-impact use cases for digital transformation and AI across clinical operations. Conduct rigorous ROI analyses to build stakeholder confidence and secure investment.
  • Prioritize use cases based on delivery feasibility, capacity, and speed‑to‑value—not just strategic appeal.
• AI-Driven Process Optimization:
  • Leverage AI and machine learning to analyze and streamline business processes, eliminate manual steps and increase productivity, improve data integrity, and elevate the patient experience.
• Change Management & Adoption Leadership:
  • Lead enterprise-wide change initiatives to drive adoption of new technologies. Partner with change management teams to deliver training, communication, and support strategies that ensure sustained value realization.
• Risk & Compliance Oversight:
  • Provide strategic guidance on the risks and benefits of digital and AI technologies in clinical research. Ensure compliance and quality requirements are built directly into delivery workflows and acceptance criteria.
• Performance Measurement & Reporting:
  • Establish and track KPIs to evaluate the impact of digital and AI initiatives on research productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development:
  • Build and lead a high-performing digital transformation team. Mentor and coach team members to grow capabilities, foster innovation, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Collaboration:
  • Build and nurture strong relationships with internal stakeholders, technology vendors, regulatory bodies, and clinical partners to foster innovation and cross-functional alignment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in clinical research or a related healthcare field, with a strong focus on digital transformation, data analytics, and AI integration.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, project management, and change leadership.
• In-depth understanding of clinical research processes, regulatory requirements, and industry trends.
• Experience with ensuring interoperability between different clinical systems and platforms to facilitate seamless data exchange and collaboration.
• Strong working knowledge of technical product management in complex, integration‑heavy environments.
• Experience partnering with engineering teams to translate business and clinical needs into scalable, production‑ready solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex challenges.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and inspire across all levels of the organization.
• Agile product delivery and execution leadership (roadmapping, backlog prioritization, release planning).
• Technical product decision‑making across build vs. buy, integration patterns, and platform reuse.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Collaborate in a dynamic, fast-paced setting with a team of skilled professionals.
• Ability to lead teams through ambiguity while driving clarity, alignment, and outcomes.
• Accountability for results, not just initiatives or plans.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits to support physical, mental, and financial well-being.
• Competitive compensation package determined by performance, experience, skills, equity, and geographical markets.
• Annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered.

Company Description

Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) is one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last three decades, SCRI is a leader in drug development. In 2022, SCRI formed a joint venture with former US Oncology Research to expand clinical trial access across the country. It has conducted more than 850 first-in-human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA in the past decade. SCRI’s research network brings together more than 1,300 physicians who are enrolling patients into clinical trials at more than 200 locations in 20+ states across the U.S.