At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative IT solutions in clinical pharmacology and laboratory services.
- Company: Join a pioneering organisation focused on responsible AI and digital transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on innovation and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare technology and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in IT product management and clinical technology required.
The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.
Job Overview: The Senior Director, IT Products, Clinical Pharmacology Services lead discovery, proof‑of‑concept, pilot, validation, and scaling of solutions that deliver measurable value. Champion responsible AI adoption and an environment of experimentation, rapid learning, and informed risk‑taking, with governance appropriate to regulated environments; monitor market, scientific, and competitor developments for differentiation opportunities.
Partner with operational and scientific leaders to redesign workflows rather than digitize existing ones, and balance investment across innovation, modernization, regulatory needs, and operational stability. Develop executive‑ready business cases for major technology programs — strategic rationale, options analysis, costs, benefits, risks, and organizational impacts — supported by ROI, total cost of ownership, and scenario analysis. Deliver investment proposals and funding requests to senior leadership and governance boards; secure sponsorship and funding, then track and communicate realized benefits against baselines and targets.
Own the technology product portfolio for Fortrea’s clinical research units, supporting the full participant journey from recruitment, consent, and admission through randomization and dosing, safety monitoring, discharge, and follow‑up. Provide strategic ownership of early‑phase clinical platforms such as ClinSpark — protocol build, eSource capture, barcode‑driven workflows, timepoint and window management, and integration to EDC, safety, and data platforms.
Ensure bedside and point‑of‑care technologies (vitals, ECG, telemetry, wearables, mobile and tablet capture, labeling and scanning) are integrated, validated, supportable, and clinically practical in 24/7, shift‑based, zero‑downtime dosing environments. Own laboratory informatics strategy — LIMS/LIS, ELN, chromatography and scientific data systems, instrument middleware, sample management, and biorepository systems — covering chain of custody, accessioning, processing, analysis, QA review, reporting, release, and retention.
Lead instrument integration and connectivity (direct interfacing, data acquisition, bidirectional LIMS‑to‑instrument communication) and laboratory automation (robotic liquid handling, automated sample handling and storage, barcoding/RFID, scheduling and workcell orchestration) to increase throughput and eliminate manual transcription and error. Ensure laboratory and clinic systems meet GLP, GCP, GCLP, CLIA/CAP (where applicable), 21 CFR Part 11, and ALCOA+ data integrity expectations, including audit trails, electronic signatures, and instrument qualification.
Serve as trusted technology advisor to CPS, Clinic Operations, and Laboratory leadership; translate business, clinical, scientific, and operational challenges into scalable product and technology solutions. Lead cross‑functional transformation spanning Quality, Data, Security, Architecture, Infrastructure, Engineering, Service Delivery, Facilities, Finance, Procurement, and vendors; align with Clinical Operations product managers on shared capabilities, integrations, and data flows.
Drive adoption and sustained business change through stakeholder engagement, communications, training, and outcome measurement; support client audits, RFPs, and bid defense as required. Steward the technology ecosystem so it remains secure, compliant, reliable, resilient, and current; govern operating models, product and service ownership, support structures, escalation paths, and decision rights across distributed physical sites.
Provide oversight of technology service continuity, platform and instrument health, major incident escalation, problem management, and corrective actions; maintain visibility of application and instrument inventories, dependencies, lifecycle status, and operational risk. Ensure compliance with corporate policy, regulatory expectations, computerized‑system lifecycle requirements, cybersecurity controls, and privacy obligations, including segmentation, patching, and monitoring of medical devices and laboratory instruments.
Own disaster recovery strategy, recovery requirements, testing, and remediation aligned to business continuity priorities; drive remediation of technical debt, obsolescence, and vulnerabilities, and promote secure‑, privacy‑, compliance‑, and supportability‑by‑design.
Lead strategic vendor relationships — software providers, implementation partners, instrument and automation suppliers, device manufacturers, and innovation partners — including build‑versus‑buy and sourcing decisions and ongoing performance management. Manage budgets, forecasts, investment plans, resource strategies, and vendor commitments for the portfolio, optimizing spend while preserving innovation capacity, resilience, and compliance.
Lead, coach, and develop product managers and multidisciplinary teams, including hiring, performance management, and workforce planning, in partnership with the Executive Director, Clinical Technology Platforms. Perform all other duties as needed or assigned.
Qualifications (Minimum Required): Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Informatics, Life Sciences, Laboratory Science, Business Administration, or a related field. Fortrea may consider relevant and equivalent experience and successful project outcomes in lieu of educational requirements.
Experience (Minimum Required): Extensive experience in information technology, technology product management, digital transformation, clinical technology, or laboratory technology within regulated environments, including proven leadership experience. Demonstrated success defining and executing technology product strategy and leading automation, AI, digital transformation, or innovation programs from concept through adoption and measurable value realization. Demonstrated experience developing business cases, completing ROI and total cost of ownership analyses, creating executive presentations, and securing sponsorship and funding for large IT programs. Demonstrated experience delivering technology for physical, patient‑facing provider settings — clinics, clinical research units, hospitals, or comparable care delivery sites — including on‑site infrastructure, clinical devices, and 24/7 support models. Demonstrated experience supporting regulated laboratory environments, including laboratory informatics (LIMS/LIS, ELN, scientific data systems), instrument integration, and laboratory automation. Working knowledge of early‑phase clinical automation platforms such as ClinSpark, or directly comparable eSource and clinic execution systems. Significant experience leading product portfolios, multidisciplinary teams, vendors, budgets, and complex cross‑functional initiatives in global, matrixed organizations. Strong understanding of Clinical Pharmacology, early‑phase research, clinic operations, bioanalytical laboratory operations, and scientific workflows. Experience with regulated computerized systems, validation, data integrity, security, privacy, change control, lifecycle management, disaster recovery, and operational support. Experience partnering with senior business executives and influencing decisions where priorities, funding, risk, and organizational change must be balanced. Demonstrated ability to pair strategic vision and innovation leadership with disciplined execution and technology ecosystem stewardship.
Preferred Qualifications Include: Direct experience supporting Phase I or early‑phase clinical research units, GLP bioanalytical laboratories.
Senior Director, IT Products, Clinical Pharmacology Services, & Laboratories employer: FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd
FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd is an exceptional employer located in Leeds, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive compensation packages and a strong emphasis on compliance and support, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while advancing their careers in a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, IT Products, Clinical Pharmacology Services, & Laboratories
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, IT Products, Clinical Pharmacology Services, & Laboratories
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research FTLEE Fortrea Clinical Research Unit Ltd’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
