Country Study Manager

Introduction to role

The Country Study Manager (CSM) holds local responsibility for delivering studies in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and regulatory requirements. Collaborating closely with the Study Start-Up (SSU) manager, Clinical Study Administrator (CSA), and other CRAs in Country Operations Management (COM), the CSM ensures study commitments are met efficiently and on time at the country level. The CSM may interact with Regulatory Authorities/Ethics Committees and support submission and approval processes for assigned projects. Ensuring all site activation requirements are in place for clinical studies, the CSM works closely with the Head of Country Operations (HCO) and/or Associate Director Country Operations Manager (AD COM) to ensure adequate study resourcing. Acting as a local study manager and/or monitor, the CSM ensures compliance with SOPs and protocol requirements, performing site monitoring activities and/or oversight as needed.

Accountabilities

- Quality and timeliness of study deliverables (site identification, feasibility, start-up, recruitment, data deliverables, filing of complete study documentation) for assigned studies.
- Proactive reporting of study-specific issues (including monitoring metrics) to the global study team and country leadership team.
- Quality of monitoring oversight in the assigned studies.
- Meeting recruitment targets for assigned studies.
- CDA delivery and negotiation (based on pre-approved parameters and regardless of executory party).
- ICF customization at country/site level for the assigned studies.
- Negotiation of site study contracts and budgets for the assigned studies at country level.
- Review of local regulatory documentation and oversight of local regulatory activities.
- Relationship management with the national coordinating investigator as applicable and coordination of country-level engagement activities.
- Leading recruitment discussions at the local level for the assigned trials.
- Timely and accurate responses to queries from the study team.
- Conduct of site feasibility for allocated studies.
- Conduct and/or oversight of EC/CA submissions and facilitate resolution of queries.
- Coordination of study-specific training of CRAs for assigned trials.
- Oversight of dedicated or FSP CRAs on assigned studies, when applicable.
- Reviewing Clinical Monitoring Documentation (reports, metrics, etc.) for the assigned studies.
- Inspection readiness activities coordination at the local level for assigned studies.
- Driving quality efforts to proactively identify and manage risks to study quality.
- Performing selection, initiation, interim monitoring, and closeout visits (remote and onsite), as well as remote data checks, in accordance with the timelines specified in the study-specific Clinical Monitoring Plan (CMP).
- Driving performance at the sites. Proactively identifying and ensuring timely resolution to study-related issues and escalating them as appropriate.
- Training, supporting, and advising Investigators and site staff in study-related matters, including Risk-Based Quality Management (RBQM) principles.
- Development of recruitment plans with each site and managing and supporting enrollment to ensure sites and studies meet enrollment milestones. Document recruitment barriers and mitigation plans.
- Ensure agreed monitoring KPIs are observed and remain within the agreed quality acceptable ranges (Action Items aging, SDV metrics, Data entry metrics, query aging, MV reports metrics, etc.).
- Preparing and finalizing monitoring visit reports in CTMS and providing timely feedback to the Principal Investigator, including follow-up letters, within required timelines and in line with Alexion SOPs.
- Ensuring timely collection/uploading of essential documents into the eTMF in accordance with ICH-GCP, Alexion SOPs, and local requirements. Supporting/participating in regular QC checks of the eTMF.
- Collaborating with local Medical Affairs, Medical Advisor Pipeline (MAP), Global Study Team, and other internal stakeholders as needed.

Essential Skills/Experience

- Proven experience in the oversight and delivery of operational aspects of all stages of clinical trial processes.
- Solid knowledge of clinical development processes.
- Ability to lead, troubleshoot, and influence for quality and delivery.
- Excellent knowledge of international guidelines ICH-GCP, basic knowledge of GMP/GDP.
- Proven experience in effectively communicating with site staff including KOLs and thought leaders.
- Comprehensive and current regulatory knowledge, including GCP.
- Experience conducting GCP or other training is a plus.
- Demonstrates flexibility in schedule and willingness to travel.
- Good organizational skills and ability to deal with competing priorities.
- Effective communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation).
- Creative thinker, curious, and unafraid to ask questions.
- Innovator, willing to initiate changes, introduce new ideas, and creatively problem solve.
- Proficient with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
- Valid driving license (*to be deleted if not required in a country).

Desirable Skills/Experience

- Ability to work in an environment of remote collaborators and in a matrix reporting structure.
- Manages change with a positive approach for self, team, and the business. Sees change as an opportunity to improve performance and add value to the business.
- Demonstrates ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with conflicting deadlines.
- Team-oriented and flexible; ability to respond quickly to shifting demands and opportunities.
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in one of the disciplines related to clinical practice/health care, life sciences or drug development is required. A clinical or advanced degree (RN, MPH, MS, MA, MBA, PharmD,) is preferred.
- 3+ years of relevant experience gained with a CRO or pharmaceutical company working on clinical studies; Lead CRA/Senior CRA. Management experience preferred.

At AstraZeneca's Alexion division, you will join a team that is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of patients with rare diseases. Our innovative spirit drives us to continuously adapt and move forward with urgency. We offer a unique environment where you can grow professionally while contributing to meaningful work that impacts patients' lives. Our culture fosters connections that inspire new ideas and learning opportunities. You will be supported by exceptional leaders who are committed to your development.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.