Associate Director, Vendor System Delivery

Parexel International; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading clinical research organization in the UK is seeking an experienced Associate Director of Vendor Systems Delivery. The role involves managing a team responsible for vendor systems implementation, ensuring projects are delivered on time and driving client satisfaction. Candidates should have a strong background in clinical research, excellent communication skills, and proven experience in managing client relationships. This role offers competitive compensation in a multinational working environment.

Benefits

Competitive financial packages

Training and development programs

Healthy work/life balance

Qualifications

• In-depth experience in the clinical research industry (CRO/Pharma).
• Expert-level understanding of RTSM and Digital Health Technology design.
• Proven ability to resolve issues independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Vendor Systems Project Managers for successful implementation.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight to the team.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Fluency in written and oral English

Client-focused approach

Strong negotiation skills

Business process design proficiency

Project management experience

Education

University Degree in a science/technology or healthcare related discipline

Job description

We are currently looking to recruit an experienced Associate Director of Vendor Systems Delivery to join us in the UK.

Picture yourself at Parexel

The Associate Director of Vendor Systems Delivery manages a team responsible for supporting the implementation of vendor systems at the project level. This role ensures that vendor system projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, while meeting all relevant industry and regulatory requirements. By doing so, the Associate Director helps maintain and enhance client satisfaction.

In addition to project oversight, the Associate Director contributes to business development efforts by providing input for project bids and participating in client presentations when appropriate. This individual offers strategic guidance and subject matter expertise to project teams, applying strong business acumen and forward-thinking decision-making.

The role also involves contributing to corporate initiatives related to system infrastructure, offering insights and leadership to drive organizational improvements.

As a senior point of contact, the Associate Director addresses project-related issues and ensures effective communication and resolution with clients.

What you’ll do at Parexel

Delivery Strategy and Execution

• Lead and mentor a team of Vendor Systems Project Managers, RTSM & eCOA Design Consultants, and UAT Leads to ensure successful planning, implementation, and updates of vendor systems, while maintaining high client satisfaction through proactive risk management and effective communication.

• Provide strategic direction and day‑to‑day oversight to the Vendor Systems Delivery team.

• Ensure timely and efficient resource allocation and service delivery, while meeting staff utilization and performance targets.

• Foster a culture of quality by implementing timely corrective and preventive actions.

• Manage project escalations through structured problem‑solving and resolution strategies.

• Proactively identify process and structural issues within Vendor Systems Delivery and recommend actionable solutions to senior management.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders (sponsors, SMEs, and business units) and external partners (vendors, TQM, QA) through regular collaboration.

• Serve as a technology consultant for external business opportunities, offering expertise in systems and process optimization.

• Prepare and deliver monthly and quarterly performance metrics and dashboards as assigned.

Line Management & Development (40%)

• Lead and mentor Vendor Systems Delivery staff to promote professional growth, collaboration, and a culture of empowerment.

• Establish clear individual and team goals, providing constructive feedback and recognizing high performance.

• Foster an inclusive and motivating work environment that inspires the team to meet and exceed performance targets and KPIs.

• Ensure timely completion of routine administrative responsibilities (e.g., timesheets, training) in compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.

• Oversee training compliance, proactively identifying upcoming training needs related to new system implementations or evolving competency requirements.

• Provide continuous learning and development opportunities to nurture talent and build future leadership.

• Monitor the performance, development, and career progression of Vendor Systems delivery staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Client Relationships

• Participate in client meetings and governance forums as needed to provide strategic insights and innovative solutions related to vendor systems delivery.

• Demonstrate a proactive approach to identifying challenges and delivering timely, effective solutions that drive project success and client satisfaction.

What we are looking for in this role:

• Fluency in written and oral English.
• University Degree in a science/technology or healthcare related discipline.
• In‑depth experience and knowledge of the clinical research industry (CRO/Pharma), with expert‑level understanding of RTSM and Digital Health Technology design.
• Deep expertise in RTSM systems and validation processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in leading validation and testing efforts within project environments, ensuring compliance, quality, and performance standards.
• Proven experience in line‑managing and guiding global, cross‑functional teams.
• Effective in managing strategic client relationships typically gained through 5 or more years client management experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Extensive experience in project management and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and organizational capabilities.
• Sharp business acumen with a strategic mindset.
• Proven ability to resolve issues independently with good judgement to escalates appropriately.
• Demonstrates advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills to evaluate complex challenges and deliver effective, data‑driven solutions.
• Proficient in designing, articulating, and optimizing business processes.
• Client‑focused, with a consistent ability to build and maintain trust‑based relationships.
• Proven ability to manage workload with precision and accountability.

A little about us:

Highly qualified and dynamic team. Multinational working environment. Smooth induction and training program. We offer competitive financial packages, training, and development. Expect exciting professional challenges but with a healthy work/life balance. We value your welfare just as highly as that of our patients.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.