Senior Manager – Commercial Research

About the role

The Senior Manager – Commercial Research will lead the commercialisation of clinical research across the organisation, building a pipeline of industry‑sponsored trials, real‑world evidence studies and data partnerships. The role balances revenue growth with scientific integrity, patient safety and UAE regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a commercial research strategy and sponsor/CRO business‑development pipeline.
• Set up and manage commercial research operations, including feasibility assessments, contracting, budgeting and study start‑up.
• Design and launch real‑world evidence (RWE) and health‑data partnership offerings.
• Oversee financial performance of the commercial research portfolio.
• Ensure governance, regulatory compliance and active engagement with investigators and stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, life sciences or a related field.
• Post‑graduate qualification (Master’s, PhD or MBA) and/or professional clinical‑research certification (e.g., ACRP, SOCRA) is desirable.
• 8‑10 years of clinical‑research experience, with at least 5 years in industry‑sponsored trials within a CRO, pharmaceutical, medical‑device or provider‑based research setting.
• Proven track record in sponsor‑facing business development, study feasibility, and contract/budget negotiation.
• Experience in the UAE or GCC and familiarity with DoH, DHA and MOHAP/EDE requirements is a plus.

Required skills

• Clinical Trials Management Systems (CTMS) and Electronic Data Capture (EDC) platforms.
• Business development and commercial acumen.
• UAE regulatory requirements for research and sponsorships.
• Budgeting, financial planning and portfolio management.
• Agile project and portfolio management methodologies.
• Digital health technology platforms (EHR, EMR, telehealth, mobile health apps).
• Knowledge of patient confidentiality, POPIA and information‑security standards.