Amgen

Senior Director Observational Research

United Kingdom full-time Executive Salary not listed
full-time Executive level Technology & IT Curated
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About the role

Career Category
ClinicalJob Description
Join Amgen’s Mission of Serving Patients  
At Amgen, if you feel like you’re part of something bigger, it’s because you are. Our shared mission—to serve patients living with serious illnesses—drives all that we do.  
Since 1980, we’ve helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world’s toughest diseases. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline and portfolio of medicines to treat heart disease, obesity and obesity-related conditions, rare diseases, inflammatory conditions and cancer.  As a member of the Amgen team, you’ll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.  
Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you’ll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career. 
SENIOR DIRECTOR OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH
What you will do
Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this vital role, you will provide global strategic leadership for Amgen’s Observational Research Clinical Operations function within Clinical Program Strategy & Operations (CPSO), driving the strategy and execution of observational studies, pragmatic clinical trials, and innovative real-world evidence generation approaches. You will shape the function’s operating model, capabilities, and portfolio priorities, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and compliant delivery of evidence that supports product development and patient outcomes.
Lead the global clinical operational strategy, planning, and execution of the Observational Research portfolio, aligning delivery with product development and evidence generation objectives.
Translate innovative evidence generation strategies into scalable and effective operational delivery models, including observational research and pragmatic clinical trials.
Set portfolio priorities and oversee operational governance, resource allocation, budgets, vendor strategies, risk management, and performance.
Establish strategic partnerships with Product Teams, the Center for Observational Research (CfOR), Global Development Operations (GDO), and other cross-functional stakeholders to ensure successful portfolio execution.
Lead and develop the Observational Research function, shaping organizational capabilities, workforce planning, talent development, and succession strategies.
Drive operational excellence, quality, and compliance through standardized processes, inspection readiness, continuous improvement, and innovative technologies.
Represent the function in senior leadership and governance forums, influencing strategic decisions and advancing future evidence generation capabilities.
What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. What we seek in you as an experienced professional, are these qualifications and skills:
Degree educated
Extensive experience in clinical research, clinical operations, and/or real-world evidence generation, including significant experience within the biopharmaceutical industry.
Proven leadership of global clinical operations, complex programs, and evidence generation portfolios, particularly observational research and pragmatic clinical trials.
Strong business acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to translate broader organizational objectives and innovative real-world evidence strategies into actionable clinical operational plans.
Demonstrated people leadership experience, including building and developing high-performing global teams, workforce planning, and talent development.
Strong understanding of global clinical development, evidence generation, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and applicable regulatory and quality standards.
Experience overseeing portfolio planning, budgets, resource allocation, operational governance, and external partnerships, including CROs and service providers.
Proven ability to lead organizational transformation, drive innovation, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Strong executive presence, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership and navigate complex, global matrix organizations.
Strategic decision-making and problem-solving capabilities, with a focus on operational excellence, risk management, and successful portfolio delivery.
What you can expect of us
As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we’ll support your journey every step of the way.
In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers competitive and comprehensive Total Rewards Plans that are aligned with local industry standards.
Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.  
careers.amgen.com 
As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.
Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer. We make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities, consistent with legal requirements. Please contact us to request accommodation.
.Originally posted on Himalayas

Interview prep

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Executive
Technology & IT Business Development Operations Sales Senior Director Executive level

Likely questions

  1. Tell us about work you have done that is close to the Senior Director Observational Research role.
  2. How would you approach your first 30 days at Amgen?
  3. Which of Business Development, Operations and Sales have you used recently, and what did it help you achieve?
  4. How have you led people, improved a process, or made a hard decision in a previous role?
  5. How do you handle busy days, changing priorities, or pressure at work?

Prepare before the call

  • A recent example that proves your experience with Business Development, Operations and Sales.
  • One short story with a problem, your action, and the result.
  • Two examples that show the strengths listed on your CV.
  • A clear reason why this role and company interest you.
  • Your availability, preferred work style, and salary expectations.

Ask them

  • What would success look like in the first 90 days?
  • What are the main problems this hire should help solve?
  • How does the team give feedback and measure good work?
  • What does a normal working week look like for this role?
Practice line

I am interested in the Senior Director Observational Research role because I can bring practical experience in Business Development, Operations and Sales, learn the team quickly, and contribute to the outcomes Amgen needs from this hire.

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