At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical operations and ensure high-quality delivery of clinical trials.
- Company: Richmond Pharmacology, a pioneering Clinical Research Organisation in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical and dental, pension, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical research and lead innovative trial delivery.
- 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), 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.
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
Ensure each function is high performing, well-structured, and clearly aligned to shared goals. Build 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
Head of Clinical Operations & Trial Delivery Excellence employer: Job Search Place Limited
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 commitment to employee well-being, we provide competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including private medical and dental care, and ample annual leave, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Our focus on professional development ensures that our team members have the opportunity to grow and thrive in their careers, making Richmond Pharmacology a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Clinical Operations & Trial Delivery Excellence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the clinical research field, attend industry 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 dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Richmond Pharmacology inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and how they operate. We want to see you shine by showing how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you’ve driven operational excellence in past roles. We’re looking for candidates who can clearly communicate their vision and inspire teams to achieve high-quality project delivery.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Clinical Operations & Trial Delivery Excellence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director of Operations. Highlight your experience in clinical trials 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 from your past that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and deliver high-quality project outcomes.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, make sure to emphasise your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Talk about how you've built strong collaborations and driven continuous improvement in previous positions.
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 Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of clinical trial regulations and GCP. Richmond Pharmacology is looking for someone with a strong background in these areas, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Director of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, improved operational efficiency, and driven performance in previous roles. This will show them you're the right fit for leading their diverse functions.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Richmond Pharmacology values teamwork across various functions. Be prepared to talk about how you've fostered collaboration in past projects, reduced friction between teams, and ensured everyone is aligned towards common goals. This will highlight your ability to work effectively in a matrix environment.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role requires a strong focus on data-driven decision-making, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to improve processes or outcomes. Discuss specific metrics you've tracked and how they influenced your decisions, showcasing your analytical skills.
