At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and vendor delivery in cardiac safety and respiratory diagnostics.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in global clinical operations with a focus on patient safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: High visibility role with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient safety and regulatory success in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree in Life Sciences and significant experience in vendor management required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Employment Type: Full‑time. Hybrid or Remote (if eligible; can be discussed at interview).
Office Locations: London (The Westworks). Remote working in the UK can be discussed at interview.
About the Role
Novartis is seeking an experienced Vendor Alliance Lead Associate Director to lead strategic partnerships and vendor delivery across cardiac safety, cardiac disease and respiratory diagnostics within Global Clinical Operations (GCO). This is a senior, stand‑alone role with high visibility and accountability and significant oversight of Contract Vendor Start‑Up Managers. You will act as the primary face of Novartis to specialist vendors and CRO partners, ensuring high‑quality, compliant and timely delivery of diagnostic services critical to patient safety and regulatory success. You will operate in a global, matrixed environment, overseeing vendor performance, qualification and risk management, while indirectly leading Contract Vendor Start‑Up Managers embedded within CROs.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end vendor oversight, governance and performance across cardiac and respiratory diagnostic services.
- Act as the senior escalation point for vendor issues, driving structured issue resolution and root‑cause analysis.
- Proactively identify and manage operational, quality and compliance risks.
- Oversee vendor qualification and re‑qualification in partnership with Quality and Procurement.
- Represent Novartis in key vendor discussions, governance forums and business reviews.
- Indirectly oversee CRO‑based Vendor Start‑Up Managers (approx. 3 indirect reports).
- Support audits and Health Authority inspections, ensuring inspection‑ready documentation.
Qualifications
Education: Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Professional Experience (Essential):
- Significant experience working in a GxP‑regulated environment.
- Proven experience in vendor and CRO management within clinical development.
- Strong programme management capability, managing multiple vendors and studies concurrently.
- Hands‑on experience in the cardiac and respiratory diagnostic space, including deep understanding of vendor capabilities and market landscape.
- Demonstrated ability to independently engage, challenge and lead senior vendor stakeholders.
- Experience supporting inspections, audits and regulatory interactions.
Leadership & Style:
- Self‑starter with the confidence to "step in", assess situations quickly and take ownership.
- Comfortable operating as a stand‑alone role with indirect reports.
- Technically fluent enough to lead detailed vendor discussions without reliance on others.
- Strong communicator who can drive outcomes in complex, matrixed environments.
Vendor Alliance Lead Associate Director (Cardiac Safety and Respiratory Diagnostics) employer: Novartis Farmacéutica
At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our London office, located in The Westworks, provides a vibrant environment where employees can thrive, with flexible hybrid and remote working options to suit individual needs. We are committed to employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the fields of cardiac safety and respiratory diagnostics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vendor Alliance Lead Associate Director (Cardiac Safety and Respiratory Diagnostics)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work with vendors or CROs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its vendor partnerships. Show us you know your stuff about cardiac safety and respiratory diagnostics – it’ll impress the hiring managers and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in vendor management and how you've tackled challenges in the past. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that expertise to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Vendor Alliance Lead Associate Director (Cardiac Safety and Respiratory Diagnostics)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Vendor Alliance Lead Associate Director role. Highlight your experience in vendor management and clinical development, especially in cardiac and respiratory diagnostics. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead vendor partnerships and manage compliance risks. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves indirect leadership, make sure to highlight your leadership style and experiences. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can step in and take charge when needed!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis Farmacéutica
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cardiac safety and respiratory diagnostics. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the industry, as well as Novartis' specific role in this space. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves indirect management of Vendor Start-Up Managers, be ready to discuss your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in a GxP-regulated environment. Highlight your ability to engage and challenge senior stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around vendor issues and risk management. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to resolve conflicts or manage compliance risks, and be ready to walk the interviewer through your thought process and actions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about Novartis' current partnerships or how they measure vendor performance. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your understanding of the complexities involved in vendor management.
