Head of Clinical Operations – Ferring Ventures in London

Ferring Ventures (FV) operates independently from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, focusing on developing innovative therapies for serious diseases while strategically investing in promising biotech companies. FV aims to move research projects to value inflection points, up to the end of Phase 2, and to support other innovators through strategic investments. It focuses on areas with significant unmet needs for patients, making decisions quickly and operating with discipline and agility to maximise impact.

The Head of Clinical Operations is part of a small, highly entrepreneurial leadership team reporting directly to the Managing Director. The role combines clinical strategy, scientific leadership, and operational oversight—ensuring that FV’s programmes move efficiently from early phases toward proof-of-concept and value inflection.

Purpose of the Role:

• Co‑shape, design and implement the FV strategy alongside the Managing Director.
• Provide scientific and clinical support to Scientific Directors across early‑ and mid‑stage programmes.
• Ensure clinical studies are designed and executed with excellence.
• Influence strategic decisions in FV’s governance bodies.
• Accountable for the clinical value creation of FV’s portfolio.

Main Accountabilities:

• Recommend, design, execute clinical development activities, adhering to agreed timelines, budget and quality standards.
• Support clinical development for all relevant phases (mostly I and II), ensuring robust early‑phase strategy, clear go/no‑go criteria, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Ensure efficient selection and management of external vendors (Agency Workers (TCS), CROs, contract labs, etc.). This includes establishing expectations, KPIs and quality/performance metrics, ensuring adequate oversight and escalation pathways, and driving vendor accountability for delivery, cost discipline and compliance.
• In collaboration with other team members ensure proper progress of development and due diligence activities, including scientific and clinical evaluation of external opportunities, contribution to partnership models and support to outbound activities such as preparing assets for spin‑out, partnering or strategic sale.
• Accountable for clinical contents and clinical input in regulatory interactions, including trial design alignment and ensuring dossiers are supported by rigorously generated clinical data.
• Lead Protocol Review Meetings (PRC) to ensure scientific and operational quality for all relevant phases.

Job Requirements:

• Medical Doctor.
• Documented research capabilities, e.g. PhD with international publications and presentations or equivalent.
• Strong background in early‑phase clinical development (Phase I–II) and familiarity with translational strategy, dose‑finding methodologies, early proof‑of‑concept design and decision frameworks.
• 10+ years’ experience from international pharma drug development, preferably including the US.
• Ability to work and influence across functions at multiple levels.
• Ability to develop and manage multi‑facetted budgets.
• Quality mindset to ensure adherence to Rules & Regulations (GCP, FDA, EMEA).
• High level of strategic and analytical competence.
• Fluency in English and an effective verbal/written communicator.
• Innovation mindset, curiosity and forward‑thinking approach to problem‑solving.
• Capable of navigating a complex organization, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Able to build relationships, negotiate & influence, and manage change in a matrix environment.
• Ability to leverage and develop a strong network of experts.
• Outstanding analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Team player, result oriented with strong work ethic, highly motivated self‑starter.