Head Medical is partnering with a leading private clinical research organisation in New Zealand to recruit a senior operational leader for a dedicated Phase 1 clinical trials unit in Auckland.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a strategic leadership position within a fast-growing early phase clinical research environment, overseeing operational delivery, sponsor engagement, quality performance and future growth across a high-performing Phase 1 service.
- Senior leadership role within a specialist Phase 1 / First-in-Human clinical trials unit
- Auckland location – coastal lifestyle, excellent schools and strong international connectivity
- Leadership across operations, quality, sponsor relationships and commercial performance
- Attractive executive-level salary NZD $180,000–$215,000 commensurate with experience & Relocation support
The Role
This position sits within a well-established clinical research organisation delivering early phase and complex clinical trials across Australia and New Zealand.
The successful candidate will provide operational and strategic leadership to a dedicated Phase 1 unit, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, audit-ready clinical trials within a fast-paced and highly regulated environment.
This is not a traditional hospital-based clinical role. Instead, it is ideally suited to an experienced operational leader from a Phase 1, CRO or early phase clinical research background who understands the precision, pace and stakeholder management required within First-in-Human and complex protocol delivery.
Responsibilities include:
- Leadership of multidisciplinary clinical and operational teams
- Oversight of Phase 1 and First-in-Human trial delivery
- Sponsor and CRO engagement, feasibility and escalation management
- Operational performance, participant flow and utilisation optimisation
- Quality systems, audit readiness and CAPA management
- Workforce planning, service development and operational improvement initiatives
- Commercial oversight including growth, efficiency and sponsor satisfaction
The organisation is undergoing continued growth and investment, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future direction and performance of the service.
What Are We Looking For?
We are keen to speak with experienced leaders from:
- Phase 1 clinical trial units
- CRO operational leadership environments
- Early phase clinical research services
- Site management or clinical operations leadership roles
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Significant experience within Phase 1 or early phase clinical research
- Strong understanding of ICH-GCP and regulated research environments
- Experience leading multidisciplinary operational teams
- Sponsor-facing experience including feasibility and study delivery
- Commercial and operational awareness
- Ability to lead change, improve processes and drive performance
Experience within First-in-Human studies, intensive sampling protocols and high-throughput clinical research environments will be highly regarded.
The Location
Based in Auckland, this opportunity offers the chance to combine a senior leadership career with an exceptional lifestyle.
New Zealand’s largest city offers:
- Excellent international schools and family-friendly living
- Coastal lifestyle with beaches, hiking and outdoor activities nearby
- Vibrant food, café and cultural scene
- Strong international travel connections across Australasia and Asia-Pacific
- A relaxed pace of life combined with a highly skilled healthcare and life sciences sector
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Phase 1 or clinical research operations leader seeking a long-term leadership position within a growing and progressive organisation.