Director of Operations - Clinical Research and Centre for Innovative Medicine (CIM)

Do you want to work for a world-renowned research institute that pushes the boundaries of biomedical science and health research? Right here in Montreal! At the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), you can be part of an organization focused on scientific discovery and innovation in patient-centered medicine. Join us today and make a difference!

Job Description

RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE MUHC
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and hospital research centre. Located in Montreal, Quebec, the Institute is the research arm of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. The RI-MUHC is supported in part by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS).

Position Summary
The Institute is committed to excellence in clinical research throughout the health care life cycle from the bench to the bedside improving patient care. The Centre for Innovative Medicine is the clinical research platform of The Institute providing a variety of services to over 250 investigators and industry partners in order to facilitate the conduct of clinical studies.

Reporting jointly to the Director of Clinical Research and Centre for Innovative Medicine (CIM) and to the Chief Operating Officer, and following established institutional policies and governmental guidelines and regulations, the incumbent is responsible for overseeing and directing the operations of the CIM and building relationships and strategy in clinical research across The Institute clinical research ecosystem. The incumbent will participate in the development of the divisional strategy, improving services, fostering partnerships with industry and internal partners.

General Responsabilities
• Strategic planning and operational leadership for the CIM.
• Build, lead, and develop high-performing teams to support clinical research excellence.
• Ensure financial stewardship, performance oversight, and long-term sustainability of CIM operations.
• Lead the development, integration, and optimization of clinical research platforms and services.
• Foster strong internal and external partnerships to advance and promote institutional clinical research.

Specific Responsibilities
• Lead the CIM clinical research operations, including: Budget negotiations, Regulatory, Receptions.
• Implement the CIM strategic plan, contribute to the implementation of the strategic plan for The Institute clinical research and support organizational change initiatives, ensuring alignment with The Institute vision and stakeholder engagement
• Implement, improve, identify gaps and oversee CIM divisions/services including: Project Management of multicenter trials in conjunction with other Institute resources, budgets, management of trials at the MUHC, management of the Technical Platforms and Research Operations.
• Lead, manage and motivate teams to deliver high quality services to the research community within resources and budget constraints.
• Prioritize the workload assessment across CIM and set priorities to ensure efficient, effective operations.
• Coach and develop managers and supervisors, strengthening leadership across the CIM.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, high-performing, and engaged team environment.
• Oversee people management outcomes (performance, engagement, retention, development) and address team dynamics proactively.
• Partner with senior leadership and HR to align people strategies, ensure policy compliance, and support hiring and performance management.
• Support administrative and clinical research committees to harmonize clinical research across the Institute.
• Collaborate and liaise with other key departments within the Institute ( QA, Marketing, Contracts, Finance, Grants, Technical Services) and the MUHC ( Nursing, Education, Simulation) to implement and optimize business processes.
• Manage the yearly budget and budget forecasts; and put in place strategies to ensure a balanced budget.
• Ensures the establishment of the use of a global free schedule and a periodical review of study budget template with industry sponsors and academic centers.
• Support business development by building strategic partnerships with industry sponsors, industrial partners, other clinical research centers and Clinical Research Organizations.
• Consult with Key stakeholders to develop requirements and needs analysis for software solutions needed to efficiently manage the daily operations of the CIM and oversee its implementation ( CTMS, eQMF, TMF, EDC, booking systems, eISF etc.).
• Accountable for data governance, reporting and analytics.
• Participate as an active member in internal committees representing clinical research and the CIM and provide reports, as appropriate.
• Design and maintain the clinical research section of the Institute website and intranet in collaboration with the MUHC Communications group.
• Provide regular communication with clinical research investigators and personnel in the form of official memos, monthly news bulletins, webpage updates, and training sessions.
• Participate in inter-divisional special projects, as required.

Website of the organization

Education / Experience

• Bachelor degree in health related field. A Master’s or PhD in a health related field is an asset.
• Excellent knowledge/training in federal and provincial laws and regulations governing clinical research.
• Training in business administration or project management considered an asset.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in in a pharmaceutical, hospital, biotechnical or related environment.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience supervising and managing employees
• Direct experience in managing clinical trial studies, including risk assessment and contingency planning.

Required Skills

• Effective time management and multitasking skills.
• Ability to assimilate information quickly and analyze it quickly.
• Excellent French and English verbal and written communications skills
• Excellent presentation and organization skills
• Proficient project management skills
• Analytical thinker with excellent problem solving
• Flexible and ability to work independently and collaboratively, as required in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent planning, organizational and time management skills including the ability to support and prioritize multiple projects
• Experience working with electronic data management systems, tools and technologies (EDC) is an asset
• Experience working with Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS) is an asset,
• Knowledge of international, federal and provincial laws and regulations governing clinical research (ICH-GCP) is an asset,
• Demonstrate leadership ability and experience in managing, coaching and mentoring direct reports.
• Experience in dealing directly with other foreign regulatory agencies is highly desired.

• An advanced knowledge of oral and written English is required due to the drafting and dissemination of bilingual professional communications, the holding of bilingual presentations and training sessions, as well as a regular and complex contact with researchers who are exclusively proficient in English.