Senior Clinical Trial Manager (Contract)

Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is a clinical-stage company developing orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonists as a new class of medicines for the treatment of narcolepsy and potentially other sleep-wake disorders. Centessa’s lead investigational candidate – cleminorexton (formerly ORX750) – is being developed for narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2, and idiopathic hypersomnia. Centessa's OX2R agonist portfolio includes additional clinical and preclinical-stage assets with potential utility across a broader range of neurological, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric conditions.

Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Centessa was recognized as a Great Place to Work ® in 2026.

Description of Role

Centessa is seeking a (contract-to-hire) Senior Clinical Trial Manager (Sr. CTM) to lead the execution of global clinical studies from startup through closeout and clinical study report. This role is a temporary position with the potential to convert to a permanent role, accountable for study delivery, including operational strategy, timelines, budget, quality, vendor oversight, risk management, and inspection readiness. This individual in this role will lead cross-functional teams and manage CROs and external vendors to ensure studies are conducted efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with program objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and oversight of global clinical trials from startup through closeout.
• Serve as the primary operational lead for assigned studies, driving cross-functional alignment and execution.
• Develop and manage study timelines, budgets, enrollment forecasts, risk mitigation plans, and key performance metrics.
• Oversee CROs and external vendors to ensure delivery against scope, quality standards, timelines, and budget.
• Drive critical study milestones, including site activation, enrollment, database lock, and study closeout.
• Review and approve study plans, vendor deliverables, and trial documentation to ensure compliance with protocol, GCP, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify operational risks and issues, implement mitigation strategies, and escalate as appropriate.
• Lead study team meetings and provide regular updates to stakeholders and senior management.
• Ensure Trial Master File (TMF) quality, completeness, and inspection readiness throughout the study lifecycle.
• Support regulatory submissions, audits, inspections, and Health Authority interactions.
• Contribute to process improvements and mentor junior clinical operations team members as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with global teams, investigators, CROs, and vendors across multiple regions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific, health-related, or equivalent discipline required.
• 8+ years of clinical research experience, including 5+ years of clinical trial management experience within a sponsor or CRO environment. 2+ years of managing Phase 1 Healthy Volunteer studies.
• Experience in standard clinical pharmacology package studies such as: First in Human, Drug to Drug Interaction, Human Absorption, Metabolism, Excretion and Mass Balance, Relative Bioavailability, Bioequivalence, Organ Impairment, Abuse Liability studies.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading Phase 1 studies, global Phase II and/or Phase III clinical trials.
• Experience managing CROs, CRUs, central vendors, and cross-functional study teams.
• Neuroscience/CNS clinical development experience preferred.
• Experience supporting inspection readiness, audits, and regulatory interactions preferred.

Compensation

The hourly range for this position is $70.00 to $100.00 per hour. Individual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and job knowledge.

Contractors engaged through Centessa are employed through a third-party agency that serves as the employer of record and provides access to a comprehensive benefits package. Eligible contractors may enroll in medical plans, including PPO and EPO options, as well as dental and vision coverage after 30 days. Additional perks, such as a 401(k), wellness programs, and other discounts, may also be available to eligible contractors.

Work Location

The Senior Clinical Trial Manager role is a based in the US (Remote), with occasional travel required.

POSITION: Temporary, non-exempt

EEOC Statement: Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subdisary of Eli Lilly and Company believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Please note: We will not assign referral rights for any unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.