Director of Sponsor Operations - Study Design & Data Management

CRIO is a leading provider of eSource solutions for clinical research. Our platform streamlines clinical data collection and management, ensuring protocol compliance and reducing errors. By eliminating paper binders and automating workflows, we help clinical trial sites and sponsors save time and money, improve data quality, and enhance patient safety. Our digital-first, site-centric approach supports virtual, hybrid, and traditional study structures, making clinical trials more efficient and effective.

Founded in 2015 by a clinical trial site owner seeking to improve his own business, today CRIO is the industry leader in site eSource with a fast-growing presence serving sponsors and CROs. CRIO is in use on 6000+ protocols at more than 2500 sites in 30 countries. In fact, the strength of our site community drives our growth which is why we place so much value on hands-on clinical research experience.

Position Summary

The Director of Sponsor Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing CRIO’s enterprise sponsor delivery model across Central eSource design, implementation, and operational execution. This position ensures consistency, quality, and scalability across all sponsor engagements, driving alignment between CRIO’s technology, delivery teams, and client objectives.

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Sponsor Operations, this leader manages a multi-layered organization that includes Enterprise Sponsor Program Managers, Sponsor Project Managers, Enterprise Study Operations Leads, Lead Enterprise Study Managers, and Central eSource design Team Leads. The Director will define and execute the strategic vision for sponsor operations, balancing hands-on delivery oversight with operational excellence and innovation

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Oversight

• Lead the overall strategy and execution of CRIO’s Sponsor Operations function, overseeing delivery across all enterprise and strategic sponsor programs.
• Establish and enforce operational standards, ensuring all sponsor projects adhere to CRIO’s quality, efficiency, and compliance expectations.
• Translate organizational goals into measurable outcomes, defining KPIs and success metrics for sponsor delivery performance, client satisfaction, and scalability.
• Partner with executive leadership to align sponsor operations with company growth, product roadmap, and market positioning.

Program and Portfolio Management

• Oversee multiple enterprise sponsor portfolios, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within scope, and with high quality.
• Supervise and mentor Sponsor Program Managers in managing end-to-end delivery, risk mitigation, and escalation management.
• Ensure consistent study execution by aligning Central eSource design, Implementation, and Site Enablement, and Sponsor Project Manager teams under shared delivery frameworks.
• Drive continuous improvement through standardized documentation, operational playbooks, and cross-functional reporting systems.

Operational Excellence and Process Optimization

• Develop scalable delivery models, workflow frameworks, and SOPs that enhance consistency across sponsor engagements.
• Identify process bottlenecks and lead strategic initiatives to optimize handoffs between functional areas (Product, Engineering, CX, and Data).
• Champion automation and tooling initiatives that improve visibility, accountability, and client transparency.
• Manage and optimize resource allocation across study operations functions to meet demand and delivery targets.

Cross-Functional and Client Partnership

• Serve as the senior escalation point for enterprise sponsor relationships, driving resolution and ensuring a best-in-class client experience.
• Collaborate with Product and Engineering to translate enterprise feedback into roadmap priorities and platform enhancements.
• Partner with the Data and Analytics teams to define sponsor reporting standards and provide visibility into key operational metrics.
• Represent Sponsor Operations in strategic client meetings, governance sessions, and executive reviews.

Team Development and Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Sponsor Operations team focused on collaboration, accountability, and growth.
• Create clear competency frameworks and progression paths for Sponsor Operations roles (PMs, Operations Leads, Study Managers, and Team Leads).
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, empowering teams to innovate and refine delivery approaches.
• Partner with HR and Learning teams to build onboarding, training, and certification programs for sponsor delivery excellence.

Qualifications

Required

• 5-7+ years of experience in clinical research technology, data management, sponsor operations, or clinical trial systems
• Strong background in clinical data management, including:
• CDISC standards (CDASH, USDM, SDTM, etc.)
• Data mapping and transformation
• Data validation and quality processes
• Proven experience managing enterprise sponsor or CRO relationships across multiple studies or programs
• Deep understanding of clinical trial workflows, site operations, and regulatory requirements
• Experience working with eSource, EDC, CTMS, or related clinical platforms
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, data intensive, cross functional programs
• Exceptional communication and executive presence

Preferred

• Exposure with Central eSource concept models or similar sponsor site integrated workflows
• Familiarity with HL7 FHIR, API based integrations, or structured data exchange models
• Experience overseeing data migration or large scale data transformation initiatives
• Background in CRO, sponsor organization, or clinical technology vendor environment
• Prior experience scaling teams in a high growth environment

Benefits & Perks:

• Work from anywhere
• Unlimited PTO
• 401k company match
• Healthcare
• Dental
• Vision (Company Paid 100%)
• Life insurance
• Professional development
• Work From Home Expense Reimbursement

Equal Employment Opportunity:

CRIO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business need without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Disability Accommodation Statement:

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact Human Resources to request assistance.

Salary Range: $150,000 --- $170,000