At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation in clinical trials using cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven solutions.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in global clinical operations with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and generous parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare by driving impactful innovations in clinical trials.
- Qualifications: Experience in clinical trials and a strong understanding of drug development.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 155090 £ per year.
This role is based in London, UK. It is also available in Dublin, Ireland. Please apply to the specific advertisement for this location.
Relocation Support: Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if our London office is accessible. Remote working for UK based applicants can be considered, subject to eligibility criteria, which can be discussed at interview.
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.
About The Role
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.
Benefits & Rewards
Expected Annual Base Salary Range: £83,510.00 - £155,090.00. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance‑based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long‑term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Additional benefits include flexible and hybrid working options, insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, global recognition programs, and a minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave. 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.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Portfolio Innovation Director - Global Clinical Operations in London employer: Novartis UK
At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the role of Portfolio Innovation Director in our London office. Our commitment to innovation in clinical trials is matched by a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and creativity, offering employees ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, we ensure that our team members feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Innovation Director - Global Clinical Operations in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Innovation Director - Global Clinical Operations in London
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 Novartis UK!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis UK
✨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 Novartis UK that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
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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.
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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.
