At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global payment services for clinical research, ensuring timely and accurate investigator payments.
- Company: Join Parexel, a leader in improving global health through innovative clinical trials.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, professional growth opportunities, and a culture of collaboration.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming the future of clinical research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient outcomes while driving innovation in clinical trial operations.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in leadership roles within healthcare, with expertise in financial operations.
The predicted salary is between 63900 - 78100 £ per year.
When our values align, there's no limit to what we can achieve.
At Parexel, we all share the same goal - to improve the world's health.
From clinical trials to regulatory, consulting, and market access, every clinical development solution we provide is underpinned by something special - a deep conviction in what we do.
Each of us, no matter what we do at Parexel, contributes to the development of a therapy that ultimately will benefit a patient.
We take our work personally, we do it with empathy and we're committed to making a difference.
Parexel is looking for changemakers who are driven by curiosity, passion, and optimism. Come join us in keeping the Patient at the Heart of Everything We do.
Job Introduction
At Parexel, we are united by one purpose: putting patients at the heart of everything we do.
Every day, our teams help bring life-changing therapies to patients around the world, and clinical research sites play a critical role in making that possible.
As Executive Director, Global Site Payment Strategy & Services, you will lead a global organization responsible for delivering investigator payment services across multiple regions, therapeutic areas, and client portfolios.
You will oversee a critical function that directly impacts site satisfaction, operational efficiency, and study execution, ensuring sites are paid accurately, transparently, and on time.
This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an experienced executive who is passionate about operational excellence, organizational transformation, and innovation.
You will help shape the future of Site Payment Services through process improvement, automation, technology enablement, and AI-driven solutions while leading a global team through its next phase of growth and evolution.
Reporting to senior leadership within Parexel's Site Activation Center of Excellence, you will partner across Operations, Finance, Technology, Project Leadership, and Commercial teams to create a more connected and scalable investigator financial ecosystem.
Why This Role Matters
Investigator payments are essential to the success of clinical trials. Sites rely on timely and accurate payments to continue conducting research and caring for patients.
As Executive Director, Global Site Payment Strategy & Services, you will have the opportunity to:
- Lead a global function with enterprise-wide impact
- Influence strategy and decision making across multiple business areas
- Drive digital transformation through automation, analytics, and AI
- Improve the experience of clinical research sites around the world
- Build and develop high-performing global teams
- Position Site Payment Services as a strategic differentiator for Parexel
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a collaborative and results-oriented leader with deep expertise in investigator financial operations and a proven ability to lead large-scale operational organizations.
The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with operational discipline and thrives in fast-paced, evolving, and complex global environments.
They are skilled at influencing senior stakeholders, navigating organizational change, developing talent, and delivering measurable business outcomes.
Success will require resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to lead transformation at scale.
You bring a passion for continuous improvement and a demonstrated track record of leveraging technology, automation, and innovative operating models to drive efficiency, quality, and scalability.
What You'll Do
- Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the long-term vision and strategy for Site Payment Services
- Evaluate and evolve operating models, organizational structures, and service delivery approaches
- Partner with executive leadership to identify opportunities that enhance operational performance and client value
- Serve as a key leader within the Site Activation Center of Excellence
- Anticipate industry trends and evolving site needs to inform future service strategy
- Operational Excellence
- Lead a global Site Payment Services organization responsible for investigator payment operations, budget setup, reconciliation, reporting, and site-facing support
- Establish performance metrics and accountability measures to drive operational excellence
- Ensure timely, accurate, compliant, and efficient delivery of site payment services
- Identify opportunities to simplify processes and improve scalability across the organization
- Transformation and Innovation
- Lead the modernization of Site Payment Services through automation, digital solutions, analytics, and AI-enabled capabilities
- Drive continuous improvement efforts that improve efficiency, quality, and stakeholder experience
- Champion innovation and foster a culture that embraces change and new ways of working
- Partner closely with Technology teams to modernize systems, processes, and data capabilities
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with Finance, Project Leadership, Commercial, Contracts, Site Activation, and Technology teams to optimize the investigator financial lifecycle
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Influence decision making through data-driven insights and strategic recommendations
- Serve as an executive escalation point for complex operational and stakeholder challenges
- Talent Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a diverse global leadership team
- Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous learning
- Guide teams through organizational growth and transformation initiatives
Experience and Qualifications
- Required
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, or healthcare services industry
- Significant experience leading global operational teams and complex business functions
- Deep understanding of investigator financial operations and the broader clinical trial ecosystem
- Demonstrated experience driving large-scale transformation, process improvement, or organizational change initiatives
- Strong executive presence with proven stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Experience managing cross-functional initiatives that span multiple geographic regions and business functions
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Preferred
- Experience with investigator payment technologies, financial systems, or site-facing operational platforms
- Track record of implementing automation, digital transformation, analytics, or AI-enabled solutions
- Advanced degree in business, healthcare, finance, or related field
- Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience
- Why Join Parexel
At Parexel, your work has real impact. Every improvement we make helps accelerate clinical research and ultimately supports patients waiting for new therapies.
When you join Parexel, you'll find
- Meaningful work that contributes to better patient outcomes
- Opportunities to lead high-impact global initiatives
- A culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning
- Flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance
- Access to professional growth and career development opportunities
- The ability to help shape the future of clinical trial operations
At Parexel, we take our work personally. We act with empathy, lead with purpose, and strive to make a difference every day.
Executive Director, Global Site Payment Strategy & Services employer: Parexel
At Parexel FSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for our IRT Vendor Start-up Manager role. With a focus on employee growth and development, we provide comprehensive training and opportunities to collaborate with industry experts, all while enjoying the flexibility of a home-based position in the UK or Ireland. Our commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that you will be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters a culture of success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director, Global Site Payment Strategy & Services
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Executive Director, Global Site Payment Strategy & Services at Parexel!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Parexel or be willing to refer you for that Executive Director, Global Site Payment Strategy & Services position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Parexel who’s on the lookout for their next Executive Director, Global Site Payment Strategy & Services star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Executive Director, Global Site Payment Strategy & Services role at Parexel!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, Global Site Payment Strategy & Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Parexel. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parexel
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Parexel. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
