At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for clinical trials, ensuring efficiency and high-quality delivery.
- Company: Richmond Pharmacology, a pioneering Clinical Research Organisation in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical and dental, pension, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical research while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in operations leadership, strong knowledge of clinical trials and regulations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London Bridge, SE1
Term: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Benefits (Private Medical, Private Dental, Pension, 25 days Annual leave plus bank holidays & Many more)
Richmond Pharmacology are an early phase Clinical Research Organisation (CRO), where we are conducting pioneering early phase healthy participants and patient participant trials. Our experienced and world-renowned team, our central London location and our global reach contribute to making Richmond Pharmacology an exciting and dynamic place to work.
Purpose of the job
The Director of Operations is accountable for a significant proportion of the operational activity required to deliver clinical trials at Richmond. This role leads Clinical Operations, Laboratory Services, Data Science, Catering, Clinical Project Delivery, and Acute Clinical Management, ensuring these functions operate in a coordinated and aligned way to support high-quality project delivery. The focus is to ensure that these operational areas run safely, compliantly, efficiently, and effectively, with engaged teams and a relentless focus on improving how work gets done. This is a leadership role. The Director sets direction, creates clarity, and holds leaders accountable for delivering excellence across their areas, while working closely with other Directors to ensure end-to-end trial success.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Operational Leadership and Performance
- Own performance and delivery across assigned operational functions
- Ensure operational delivery is efficient, coordinated, and aligned to study requirements
- Work in partnership with peers and seniors to enable end-to-end study delivery
- Reduce friction between functions and improve ways of working
- Ensure clear accountability for outcomes within and across functions
- Participant Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure all operational areas meet the highest standards of participant safety
- Maintain regulatory compliance across all accountable functions
- Embed a culture where safety and quality are non-negotiable
- Ensure ongoing inspection readiness
- Project Delivery
- Support the effective delivery of clinical trials through strong operational execution
- Improve predictability, timelines, and quality of delivery within accountable areas
- Reduce delays, rework, and operational inefficiencies
- Strengthen ownership and accountability at the project level
- Functional Leadership
- Clinical Operations
- Laboratory Services
- Data Science (data management and statistics)
- Clinical Project Delivery
- Acute Clinical Management
- Catering
- Provide leadership across the operational functions, ensuring each function is high performing, well-structured, and clearly aligned to shared goals, building strong collaboration across functions and with the wider organisation.
- Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence
- Drive continuous improvement across operational processes and systems
- Identify and eliminate inefficiencies and duplication
- Use data and insight to prioritise improvements
- Promote smarter, simpler ways of working, including use of technology where appropriate
- People Leadership and Capability
- Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team
- Set clear expectations and hold leaders accountable for delivery and behaviour
- Build capability and succession across functions
- Ensure teams are structured to deliver sustainably and effectively
- Financial and Operational Efficiency
- Support strong financial performance through efficient operational delivery
- Contribute to budgeting and performance tracking across functions
- Ensure resources are deployed effectively without compromising quality or safety
- Strategic Contribution
- Contribute to organisational strategy and growth plans
- Ensure operational capability supports increasingly complex and high-value studies
- Support Richmond's ambition to be a partner of choice for early-phase clinical research
Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, or related discipline.
- Strong working knowledge of GCP and clinical trial regulations
- Strong background in data-driven decision-making and performance management.
- Minimum 15 years of progressive operations leadership experience, with at least 5 years in senior management roles.
- Senior leadership experience in clinical research
- Strong understanding of clinical trial delivery and regulatory requirements
- Proven ability to manage audits and regulatory inspections successfully
- Track record of reducing delays, rework, or inefficiencies
- Proven ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including interaction with cross-functional teams, boards and regulatory bodies
- Ability to operate effectively in a matrix environment
- Data-driven and outcome-focused
Director of Operations in Dunstable employer: Extrastaff
Richmond Pharmacology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London Bridge, where innovation meets excellence in clinical research. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including private medical and dental care, and a commitment to operational excellence, we empower our teams to thrive while ensuring participant safety and regulatory compliance. Join us to be part of a world-renowned team dedicated to pioneering early phase clinical trials, where your contributions will directly impact the future of healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in Dunstable
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Director of Operations role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Richmond Pharmacology inside out. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. We want to see you shine and show how your experience aligns with their goals in clinical research.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven operational excellence and led teams to success. We love hearing about your journey and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to our mission in clinical trials.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in Dunstable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Operations role. Highlight your experience in clinical research and operational leadership, and don’t forget to showcase your achievements in improving efficiency and compliance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Richmond Pharmacology. Mention specific examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, emphasise your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and foster collaboration across functions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Extrastaff
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of clinical trial regulations and GCP. Brush up on Richmond Pharmacology's recent projects and their operational strategies. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in how they operate.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and how you've driven performance improvements. This is crucial for a Director of Operations role.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role requires a strong background in data-driven decision-making, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to improve operational efficiency. Discuss specific metrics you've tracked and how they influenced your decisions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Richmond's operational challenges and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Think about how you can contribute to their strategic growth plans.
