Operations Director

GT was founded in 2019 by a former Apple, Nest, and Google executive. GT’s mission is to connect the world’s best talent with product careers offered by high-growth companies in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands.

On behalf of FutureMeds, GT is looking for an Operations Director to manage one of their sites in Sofia, Bulgaria.

About the Client

FutureMeds, an independent Site Management Organization (SMO), was founded in 2019 and specializes in European clinical trials across 20+ therapeutic areas. With a strong focus on patient-centric, decentralized approaches, they advance medical research by ensuring timely trials, robust data quality, and speed up the delivery of new medicines.

Over the years, they have reached:

• 24 strategically positioned sites

• The team of over 220 skilled investigators

• A network of more than 1,350 homecare providers

About the Role

FutureMeds is looking for a dynamic, confident, and experienced Operations Director to join their passionate, growing team. The Operations Director will optimize the profitability, reputation, and growth potential of the sites/country through effective financial, operational, commercial, and HR leadership.

They are seeking a strategic and dynamic leader with the following core competencies:

• Autonomy & Leadership: Proven ability to lead with authority, set organisational objectives, and delegate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

• Strategic Influence: Experience influencing policy and strategy, with the ability to build and maintain high-impact relationships with senior stakeholders, clients, and industry partners.

• Complex Decision-Making: Strong judgment and decision-making skills in complex and high-impact environments, contributing directly to business performance and strategic direction.

• Business & Commercial Acumen: Skilled in managing organisational risk, aligning services with strategic goals, and balancing competing business needs while ensuring inclusivity and compliance.

• Innovation & Change Leadership: Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for service improvement and apply innovative management practices to drive organisational growth.

• Effective Communication: Confident and articulate communicator across all levels of an organisation, including both medical and non-medical audiences.

• People Development: Commitment to continuous learning and professional development—both personally and for team members—through mentoring, coaching, and training initiatives.

• Ethics & Governance: Strong focus on promoting a culture of ethical practice, data privacy, and regulatory compliance within their area of responsibility.

• Sector Knowledge: Deep understanding of industry trends, competitor landscape, and organisational dynamics, with the ability to apply this insight to strategic leadership.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage site operations to ensure delivery of financial, operational, and quality KPIs, including full P&L responsibility.

• Plan and monitor site budgets, optimise resource allocation, and identify opportunities for margin improvement.

• Ensure delivery of patient recruitment and retention targets across all studies and sites.

• Drive quality, compliance, and regulatory standards in line with SOPs, GCP, and company policies.

• Monitor study progress and site utilisation, providing input into feasibility and accelerating study start-up and FPI timelines.

• Promote a strong culture of health, safety, confidentiality, and legal compliance for all staff, patients, and visitors.

• Build and maintain relationships with sponsors and clients, representing the site and brand during visits and in the local community.

• Identify and support business growth opportunities, collaborating with the Business Development team.

• Oversee and support HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.

• Lead employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring inclusion, motivation, and alignment with company values.

• Implement and embed company-wide HR programs, providing coaching and professional development for staff.

• Ensure effective internal communication, holding regular team meetings and acting as a leadership role model.

Essential knowledge, skills & experience:

• 5-10 years operational leadership experience, including P&L responsibility and people management

• Fluent in English & local language

Desirable:

• Experience in Clinical Trials/Life Sciences

• Global/ SME experience

• International experience

What FutureMeds Offers:

• Base salary

• Bonus scheme linked to company results

• Company benefits