Global Clinical Operations Budget, Associate Director

Job Description Summary

The Global Clinical Operations (GCO) Budget Associate Director is responsible for independently providing each assigned Clinical Trial Team (CTT) accurate actual spend vs. endorsed budget as per Operational Execution Plan (OEP) requirements. They will ensure at all points of time to reflect a realistic study level budget forecast, providing organization incl. Senior Management and Finance a clear picture of planned monthly / quarterly and yearly spending.

They are accountable for aligning reports with assigned OEP requirements as well as ensuring adherence with GCO governance (e.g., Operational Excellence Board (OEB)).

They will also act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Budget Practice Area related products, independently leading project teams to improve processes, systems, and governance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaboratively lead all operational and strategical aspects of budget management for assigned CTTs.
• Deliver status updates (both operational as well as strategic), realistic forecasts, and consolidated timely reports (monthly, quarterly, lifetime) for input into financial slide decks which depicts endorsed trial lifetime vs. actual spend.
• Highlight and analyse variance in spend (actuals vs forecast) and provide clear rationale and latest outlook; lead process enhancements to minimize variances in spend.
• Update of clinical work packages in source systems (Dynamo, Horizon).
• Manage scope changes from endorsed lifetime spend, accurately represent rationale and root causes, and prepare for GCO financial governance board presentations.
• Identify opportunities for cost avoidance on trial and portfolio level.

Key Performance Indicators:

For assigned CTTs and relevant trials and OEPs:

• Variance between forecast and actuals for costs on portfolio level of +/- 5%.
• Cost efficient developed and managed clinical trial forecast / work package with adherence to Novartis business policies. Repeatable and scalable processes / methodologies for trial forecasting management.
• Accuracy of scope tracking to CTTs, as well as accuracy of source systems (Dynamo, Horizon).

Essential Requirements:

• > 5 years of pharmaceutical industry or CRO experience, with detailed technical experience in clinical research budget management.
• Strong clinical and budgeting / finance experience in Pharma research or CRO with excellent understanding of clinical trial development processes and management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of financial reporting requirements as well as associated technology that improves accuracy of tracking.
• Demonstrated experience in developing optimization solutions, solutions involving complex mathematical models and ability to solve business problems with mathematical modelling is a significant plus.
• Proven experience developing technology-based products or services such as dashboards and analytical insights.
• Fluent English, oral and written.

Skills Desired:

• Budget Management
• Clinical Trials
• Negotiation Skills
• People Management
• Process Improvement
• Project Planning
• Vendor Management
• Waterfall Model

#J-18808-Ljbffr