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- Tasks: Lead a pharmacy team in delivering investigational medicines for clinical trials.
- Company: Fortrea, a leading early-phase clinical research organisation in Leeds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team at a world-class clinical research unit.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on new medicines and patient safety in clinical research.
- Qualifications: MPharm degree, registered pharmacist, and leadership experience in pharmacy.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 ÂŁ per year.
What if your pharmacy leadership helped new medicines take their first step in human clinical trials? Fortrea, formerly Covance, is one of the world’s largest and longest‑established early‑phase clinical research organizations. We operate Phase I clinical research units globally, including our world‑class Leeds Clinical Research Unit. Just a 7‑minute walk from the train station, Leeds is one of the few MHRA‑accredited Phase I units in the UK, purpose‑built to deliver first‑in‑human studies.
This job exists to lead the pharmacy function that makes that possible. You will combine people leadership with hands‑on pharmacy production expertise to lead and develop teams that deliver investigational medicinal products (IMP) during live clinical research activity. This is a full‑time, permanent role, based on site at Fortrea’s Leeds Drapers Yard Clinical Research Unit.
WHY IS THIS JOB DIFFERENT?
This is a rare pharmacy leadership role in the UK, where you work at the heart of first‑in‑human clinical research. At Fortrea Leeds, the clinic and cGMP pharmacy sit under the same roof. You lead teams preparing investigational medicines steps away from where first‑in‑human dosing happens. Pharmacy, clinic, and quality work together in one integrated environment, enabling real‑time collaboration. As a result, pharmacy leadership directly shapes how early‑phase clinical research is delivered, every day.
IN THIS JOB YOU WILL
- Lead and develop a high‑performing pharmacy team
- Line manage pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, setting clear expectations and standards
- Recruit, onboard, and develop capability as the Leeds pharmacy function grows
- Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence
- Own day‑to‑day pharmacy operations for live Phase I studies
- Plan and oversee daily pharmacy activity to support active clinical trials
- Ensure teams, materials, and facilities are ready to meet early‑morning dosing schedules
- Maintain operational grip in a fast‑moving, live clinical research environment
- Maintain hands‑on production credibility
- Expand hands‑on pharmacy production expertise in a clean‑room setting
- Step into production activities when required to support the team or maintain continuity
- Lead by example, particularly during high‑pressure or time‑critical study activity
- Ensure GMP, clean‑room, and regulatory compliance
- Own local pharmacy compliance within GMP‑aligned, MHRA‑regulated operations
- Maintain clean‑room facilities, equipment qualification, and environmental standards
- Lead inspection readiness and host MHRA and client audits alongside Quality
- Enable safe and reliable first‑in‑human delivery
- Ensure investigational medicinal products are prepared and delivered accurately and safely
- Support teams working at the highest point of clinical and operational risk
- Make day‑to‑day decisions that directly impact participant safety and study success
WHAT YOU BRING
Essential for this job:
- A Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree from an accredited university
- Registered Pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in the UK
- Significant post-qualification pharmacy experience, including leadership responsibility in regulated environments subject to quality oversight, audits, or inspections
- Proven line-management experience, including leading, developing, and performance-managing pharmacy teams
- Hands‑on experience working in clean‑room pharmacy environments, typically within hospital‑based, institutional settings, or phase I Research Units
- Practical experience working with clean‑room air classifications, including Grade C and Grade D environments, aligned with Annex 1 expectations
- Experience supporting or overseeing aseptic, sterile, and non‑sterile production activities
- Confidence operating in environments where clean‑room discipline, environmental monitoring, and contamination control are critical
Preferred:
- Formal GMP experience is an advantage, but strong clean‑room production experience is considered highly transferable.
- Experience in clinical research or Phase I environments is an advantage, but not required.
If you want to apply your pharmacy leadership at the point where new medicines first reach humans, we’d like to hear from you.
Clinical Trials Pharmacy Manager in Leeds employer: Fortrea
Contact Detail:
Fortrea Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Trials Pharmacy Manager in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the clinical trials field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to pharmacy leadership. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using mock interview platforms to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific examples of your clean-room expertise and leadership in pharmacy settings. We want to see how you’ve made an impact 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 love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Fortrea.
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Trials Pharmacy Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Clinical Trials Pharmacy Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any hands-on pharmacy production expertise you've got, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about clinical trials and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, don’t forget to mention any experience you have in clean-room environments or clinical research. We want to see how your past roles have prepared you for this unique opportunity at Fortrea.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortrea
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your pharmacy knowledge, especially around clean-room environments and GMP regulations. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of Phase I clinical trials and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully managed a team or improved processes in a pharmacy setting. Be ready to explain how you foster collaboration and accountability within your teams.
✨Be Ready for Real-World Scenarios
Expect situational questions that test your problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments. Prepare to discuss how you would handle day-to-day operations during live clinical trials, ensuring participant safety and compliance with regulations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face in the Leeds unit, or how they measure success in their pharmacy operations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.