Associate Director, Project Management

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Director, Project Management based in Netherlands. Take on a senior leadership role within an international clinical research environment, driving excellence across a diverse portfolio of clinical trials. As Associate Director, you will lead and develop the Project Management function, ensuring high-quality study delivery, effective resource allocation, and strong sponsor relationships. You will work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align operational execution with business objectives and support sustainable organizational growth. Through strategic workforce planning, performance management, and process optimization, you will strengthen delivery capabilities and improve operational efficiency. You will also mentor project management professionals, build future leaders, and foster a collaborative, accountable team culture. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced clinical research leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on management and a strong commitment to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. Accountabilities: Strategic Leadership and Operational Planning: Provide leadership and direction for the Project Management function, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy, business growth objectives, and long-term operational priorities. Collaborate with senior leadership to develop scalable delivery models, improve workflows, and support workforce planning. Team Leadership and Talent Development: Lead, coach, and manage Project Managers at different career levels, including PM I, PM II, and Senior PMs. Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, career development, and succession planning while fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture. Workforce Planning and Resource Allocation: Partner with Project Directors to evaluate project scope, complexity, timelines, and budgets, ensuring appropriate staffing and resource distribution. Identify capability gaps, workload imbalances, training needs, and succession risks, and implement mitigation strategies. Project Portfolio Oversight: Ensure consistent, high-quality project delivery across the portfolio, meeting sponsor expectations, contractual commitments, timelines, budgets, and applicable quality standards. Promote business continuity, operational consistency, and client satisfaction. Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Oversee departmental key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting, and performance reviews. Identify opportunities to standardize processes, streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and strengthen project delivery capabilities. Risk Management and Project Guidance: Serve as a senior advisor on project risks, operational challenges, and mitigation strategies. Mentor Project Managers in proactive planning, stakeholder management, issue resolution, and effective decision-making. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a key link between Project Management, Project Directors, senior leadership, and other internal departments. Promote knowledge sharing, consistent practices, and scalable delivery approaches across the organization. Systems and Technology Adoption: Ensure effective and consistent use of clinical trial management systems, technology platforms, and tools supporting project delivery activities. Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, and applicable global regulatory requirements. Support audit and inspection readiness as needed. Process Documentation and Governance: Develop, review, and maintain SOPs, operational tools, and process documentation to support consistent execution, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. Employee Relations and Team Engagement: Serve as a first point of contact for employee-related matters, escalating issues when appropriate. Promote accountability, professional development, retention, and a positive working environment. Requirements Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to clinical project management or clinical research. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is considered an asset. At least 7 years of combined experience in clinical research and project management within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or Contract Research Organization (CRO) industry. Demonstrated leadership and direct people-management experience, preferably within a CRO or a similar clinical research environment. Strong understanding of clinical trial delivery, project portfolio management, resource planning, and operational performance management. Good knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements, including relevant Health Canada and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and guidelines. Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate project management teams while building leadership capabilities and supporting career progression. Strong strategic thinking, judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to translate business objectives into effective operational plans. Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing demands in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Experience monitoring departmental KPIs, improving operational processes, and driving consistent project delivery standards. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with internal teams, sponsors, and external partners. Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A collaborative, adaptable, and results-oriented mindset, with a strong commitment to quality, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement. Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time. Work authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the European Union. Benefits Permanent, Full-Time Employment: A stable, full-time position with opportunities to make a lasting contribution to the organization. Remote Work: A home-based position offering flexibility and the opportunity to work remotely. Flexible Schedule: Flexibility to organize your working hours while meeting business and project delivery needs. Paid Vacation: Vacation benefits to support rest, recovery, and work-life balance. Learning and Development: Ongoing professional development opportunities to strengthen leadership capabilities, expand clinical research expertise, and support career progression. Leadership Opportunities: The chance to shape the Project Management function, develop high-performing teams, and influence strategic delivery decisions. International Collaboration: Work alongside experienced professionals in a global clinical research environment. Meaningful Impact: Contribute to the successful delivery of clinical trials and help advance clinical research across therapeutic areas, including dermatology and rheumatology. Collaborative Work Environment: Join a team that values collaboration, innovation, reliability, responsiveness, and high-quality execution. Compensation and Additional Benefits: Salary range, healthcare coverage, pension arrangements, and other additional benefits were not specified in the available job description and can be clarified during the recruitment process.