Clinical Program Operations Manager, Therapeutics & Innovations

We are seeking a hands-on, execution-focused Clinical Program Operations Manager with deep experience in oncology and clinical trial operations to lead the day-to-day delivery and execution of our therapeutic clinical programs. This role is central to ensuring our studies move forward with precision, on schedule, within scope, and aligned with company goals. You will manage complex timelines, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and support external relationships critical to clinical delivery. This is a high-impact opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment. You'll bring strong oncology trial experience, a solution-first mindset, and the ability to drive clarity and progress even when priorities shift. This role is best suited for individuals who thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments, take initiative, and are comfortable leading through ambiguity. We're looking for someone sharp, solution-obsessed, and relentless about execution, someone who moves fast, thrives in ambiguity, and gets things done without excuses. Key Responsibilities Program Execution & Timeline Management • Own, drive, and enforce comprehensive trial timelines, deliverables, and Gantt charts; ensure alignment across functions and hold teams accountable for execution. • Identify risks early and fix them fast. • Collaborate closely with internal functions (e.g., clinical operations, regulatory, quality, medical) and external CROs/vendors. • Ensure real-time visibility of program status for leadership and cross-functional partners. Operational Leadership • Oversee study startup activities, including site selection, feasibility, and trial initiation. • Manage CRO relationships and performance, including KPIs, deliverables, and contracts. • Ensure operational readiness for investigator meetings, site visits, and data reviews, in collaboration with cross-functional teams. • Dive into the weeds when necessary and eliminate roadblocks without being asked. Stakeholder Engagement & Field Leadership • Serve as the primary operational liaison for internal and external trial communications. • Prepare structured updates, dashboards, and risk logs for senior leadership and the steering committee. • Travel (up to ~25%) to clinical sites, CROs, investigator meetings, and key partners to ensure operational excellence, build relationships, and represent clinical leadership on the ground. • Foster strong relationships with investigators and site personnel to ensure engagement and performance. Scientific Contribution • Attend data review meetings and contribute to clinical insight generation and action plans. • Help translate scientific and clinical objectives into executable operational strategies and trial designs. Qualifications • Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or MS) in a life science or clinical field is required. • Minimum 5 years of experience in clinical research with a strong emphasis on program management and oncology trials. • Proven ability to manage trial timelines and operations in a cross-functional, fast-moving environment. • Acts fast, follows through relentlessly, and owns outcomes under pressure. • Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills. • Startup or small biotech experience strongly preferred. OUR OPPORTUNITY Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women's health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives. The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you'll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you'll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program! For more information, visit www.natera.com. Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws. If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents. Link: Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes. For more information: • BBB announcement on job scams • FBI Cyber Crime resource page Apply tot his job