Portfolio Innovation Director in London

Portfolio Innovation Director in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Meeveem Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive innovation in clinical trials using cutting-edge technologies and AI solutions.
  • Company: Join Novartis, a leader in reimagining medicine with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and comprehensive wellbeing resources.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and global recognition.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on patient experiences and trial efficiency through innovative solutions.
  • Qualifications: Experience in clinical trials and a strong understanding of drug development processes.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Shape the future of clinical trials through operational innovation that delivers measurable impact. As Portfolio Innovation Director - Global Clinical Operations (GCO), you will play a significant hands‑on role in identifying, evaluating, and embedding cutting‑edge technologies, services, or new business models—particularly AI‑driven solutions—into clinical programs. This role is for someone scientifically curious about disease areas, patient pathways, and trial design, with an in‑depth understanding of the clinical landscape, the drug development lifecycle and an innate drive to innovate.

Acting as the voice of innovation within the GCO sub‑team, you will shape decisions on which innovations are pursued, how they are implemented, and potential trade‑offs they require. You will continuously seek out opportunities to improve how trials are designed and delivered, bringing a mindset focused on portfolio and business impact to uncover where innovation can drive efficiency, enhance patient experience, and accelerate outcomes. With accountability to the business, you will partner across a complex matrix to influence, align and deliver innovation strategies that translate into measurable value, ensuring new opportunities are not only identified, but successfully implemented and scaled across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities
  • Identify and evaluate operational innovation opportunities across clinical programs, with a focus on accelerating trial recruitment, increasing patient access to trials and advancing innovative trial operations including AI‑driven and technology‑enabled solutions.
  • Critically assess opportunities by balancing value, feasibility, risk, and scalability, ensuring innovation decisions are grounded in operational reality and impact.
  • Integrate fit‑for‑purpose innovations into Operational Execution Plans aligned to program strategy as well as site and patient needs.
  • Drive assessment of solutions with stakeholders, providing risk evaluation and value‑driven recommendations for adoption.
  • Engage cross‑functional stakeholders to align on priorities, influence decision making, and drive execution of innovation strategies.
  • Proactively identify unmet needs within trials and translate them into actionable and value‑driven innovation opportunities.
  • Partner with internal teams and external partners to source, assess, and enable scaling of innovative solutions across the portfolio.
  • Ensure Clinical Trial Teams are fully supported in the implementation of innovative solutions across clinical studies.
Essential Requirements
  • Significant hands‑on experience delivering innovation and technology‑led solutions within clinical trials.
  • Strong understanding of the clinical landscape, drug development lifecycle, and patient‑centric trial design.
  • Proven experience identifying opportunities and driving adoption of innovative, including artificial intelligence‑driven, solutions.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and influence stakeholders within a complex matrix organization.
  • Experience evaluating solutions across the lifecycle, including risk assessment and value‑driven decision making.
  • Advanced knowledge of clinical development processes, regulatory requirements, and Good Clinical Practice standards.
  • Higher level qualification such as a Bachelors degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline; advanced degree advantageous.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English.

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance‑based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programmes. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave. You may be eligible for a company vehicle or a car allowance in accordance with the applicable local Novartis policies and guidelines.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics. Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Portfolio Innovation Director in London employer: Meeveem Limited

At Novartis, we are dedicated to reimagining medicine and fostering a culture of innovation that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Portfolio Innovation Director, you will benefit from a collaborative work environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages professional growth through cutting-edge projects in clinical trials. With competitive benefits, flexible working options, and a commitment to inclusivity, Novartis is an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in the healthcare sector.

Meeveem Limited

Contact Details:

Meeveem Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Portfolio Innovation Director in London

Unlock Networking Opportunities

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Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like Meeveem Limited.

Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles

If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like Meeveem Limited. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.

Tailor Your Approach

When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what Meeveem Limited is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Innovation Director in London

Operational Innovation
AI-driven Solutions
Clinical Trial Design
Patient-Centric Approach
Cross-Functional Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Risk Assessment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Meeveem Limited!

Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Meeveem Limited that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!

Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Meeveem Limited!

Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Meeveem Limited, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.

How to prepare for a job interview at Meeveem Limited

Understand the Science

Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Meeveem Limited that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.

Showcase Relevant Experience

If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.

Know Their Products

Take some time to familiarise yourself with Meeveem Limited’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.

Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios

In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.