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- Tasks: Lead clinical operations and manage a high-performing team to deliver impactful cancer trials.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, the world's only charity-funded drug development organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a generous benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the fight against cancer while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in drug development and clinical trial management required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This position requires some UK and European travel to clinical sites and relevant conferences.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. To support our mission, we are seeking an experienced and driven Head of Clinical Operations to join our Centre for Drug Development (CDD) leadership team. This is a pivotal role responsible for leading our Clinical Operations function, including Clinical Study Managers, Clinical Study Coordinators, Clinical Research Associates, and Site Start‑Up Specialists, ensuring the successful delivery of CDD clinical trials to the highest regulatory and quality standards across the UK and EU.
About the team: The Cancer Research UK Centre for Drug Development (CDD) is the world's only charity-funded drug development organisation. Our pioneering research is driven purely by the goal to see scientific breakthroughs bring benefits to patients sooner. CDD is the sponsor of early phase and precision medicine clinical trials in oncology agents. Our broad portfolio rivals that of a medium-sized pharmaceutical company, spanning antibodies, cell therapies, vaccines, drug conjugates and small molecules, making this an interesting and dynamic area to work in.
What will I be doing?
- Lead and manage the Clinical Operations function, including Clinical Study Managers, Clinical Research Associates, Site Start‑Up Specialists and Clinical Study Coordinators, to deliver CDD objectives.
- Partner with functional leaders to ensure clinical trials are delivered on time, within budget, and with appropriate resourcing and efficient processes.
- Hold accountability for clinical project delivery to agreed timelines, including patient recruitment targets.
- Build, develop and motivate a high‑performing Clinical Operations team, strengthening performance management and capability.
- Ensure full compliance of all clinical activities with ICH GCP, UK and EU clinical trial regulations, and relevant EMA guidelines.
- Maintain sponsor oversight for international CDD trials, including European site management and monitoring conducted by service providers.
- Enable teams to operate effectively both within functional structures and as part of cross‑functional matrix project teams.
- Drive continuous improvement of Clinical Operations processes and procedures to optimise development speed, quality and regulatory compliance.
- Act as a key CDD contact for CRUK Technology and serve as system owner for validated clinical systems (e.g. Veeva eTMF, Stitch Trialmap, Adobe Sign), ensuring ongoing validated state.
- Build close working relationships with investigators and site staff across the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) network, and act as a point of escalation with sites as required.
- Contribute as a member of the CDD leadership team, supporting strategic planning, budget management, external representation and deputising for the Director of Drug Development as required.
What skills are we looking for?
Essential:
- Extensive experience of working in a drug development, clinical trial environment preferably in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Science graduate, PHD / MD or substantial relevant experience gained in a drug development capacity.
- Extensive experience of drug development within the Pharma/Biotech/CRO industry.
- Extensive clinical operations management experience, involving the design and delivery of complex processes to GCP standards.
- Extensive team management experience (including working within matrix team systems).
- Working knowledge of current legal and regulatory requirements for early clinical trials in the UK and EU, as well as regulations and guidelines for computerised systems.
- Working knowledge of UK and EU GDPR and data privacy legislation.
Desirable:
- Oncology experience.
- Experience of early phase trials.
- Experience of financial management.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do:
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination.
- Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism.
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people.
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively.
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
What will I gain? We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Head of Clinical Operations in London employer: Cancer Research UK
Contact Detail:
Cancer Research UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Clinical Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the clinical operations field, especially those who might have insights into Cancer Research UK. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand how your experience aligns with their goal to beat cancer. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've built and motivated teams in the past. They’ll want to see that you can lead the Clinical Operations function effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Cancer Research UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Clinical Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Head of Clinical Operations role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: When filling out the work history section, focus on your relevant experience in drug development and clinical trials. We want to see how your background makes you a great fit for leading our Clinical Operations team.
Be Clear About Visa Sponsorship: If you need visa sponsorship, don’t forget to mention it clearly in your application. This helps us understand your situation right from the start and ensures we can consider you for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and is considered fairly in our anonymised shortlisting process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of clinical operations and drug development. Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations, especially ICH GCP and UK/EU trial requirements. This will show that you're not just experienced but also current in your field.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head of Clinical Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate teams. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams in the past and how you've managed complex projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to performance management and team development.
✨Align with Their Values
Cancer Research UK values boldness, credibility, humanity, and collaboration. Think about how you can embody these values in your responses. Share stories that highlight your ambition, professionalism, and ability to work inclusively with others.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their clinical trials, team dynamics, and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.