At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage vendor operations for global clinical trials, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading clinical trial team with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical research while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in clinical operations and vendor management; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Homeworking UK or Ireland or Hybrid Working at Westworks London or Dublin. Please apply only if any of these locations are accessible to you, as relocation support is not available.
Role Type: Homeworking, or Hybrid working
About the Role: We are currently looking for a Trial Vendor Senior Manager to join our team. The main purpose of this position is to be accountable for all vendor‑related operational trial deliverables, according to timelines, budget, operational procedures, quality/compliance and performance standards. You will collaborate with the Vendor Start-up Manager (VSM) for the VSM’s category specific responsibilities and be responsible for all activities for which no VSM is assigned, as well as for all of the service deliveries after Study Start‑up when the VSM is no longer assigned to the study. As a core member of the Clinical Trial Team (CTT), you will independently manage all vendor‑related aspects of global clinical trial(s) to deliver study outcomes within schedule, budget, quality/compliance and performance standards. You will be accountable for vendor service delivery at study level and collaborate closely with the VSM for selected services during study start‑up while leveraging your technical and study start‑up expertise to ensure a timely study start‑up. You will proactively manage vendor‑related risks and potential issues and implement global vendor strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate closely with the study team lead and members throughout the study lifecycle.
- Review vendor‑related protocol sections during protocol development.
- Drive or support the development and completion of Study Specification Worksheet (SSW) to facilitate vendor bid processes.
- Manage vendor interfaces in cooperation with partner functions, including quote reviews and contract negotiations.
- Oversee vendor cost control, budget reviews, invoice reconciliation, and purchase order (PO) close‑out.
- Ensure vendor service excellence at the study level, meeting quality and service standards.
- Optimize study start‑up processes and manage central vendor‑related activities (e.g., site activation, supply tracking).
- Monitor vendor risk and performance using tools such as FIRST, Unified Vendor Portal (UVP), and Clinical Insights, implementing corrective actions as needed.
Essential Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
- Fluency in English (oral and written).
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in clinical operations and vendor management processes.
- Strong knowledge of Good Practice (GxP) and International Council for Harmonization (ICH) regulations, clinical trial design, and supplier service specifications.
- Proficiency in vendor management, contracting, and site‑related collaborations, including Information Technology Service Management (UAT) for eCOA and IRT systems.
- Results‑driven with proven ability to complete projects within timelines.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, problem‑solving, and communication skills in a matrixed environment.
- Demonstrated networking abilities, team collaboration, and decision‑making capabilities.
Trial Vendor Senior Manager employer: Novartis UK
As a leading employer in the clinical trial sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that prioritises collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement, all while enjoying the flexibility of homeworking or hybrid arrangements from vibrant locations like London or Dublin. Join us to be part of a team that values quality, compliance, and performance, ensuring that your contributions make a meaningful impact on global health outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trial Vendor Senior Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the clinical trial space and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your answers to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in vendor management and clinical operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Trial Vendor Senior Manager.
✨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 proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Trial Vendor Senior Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trial Vendor Senior Manager role. Highlight your experience in clinical operations and vendor management, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of GxP and ICH regulations. We want to see how your skills match 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. Mention specific experiences that relate to vendor management and how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in clinical trials. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of collaboration, make sure to highlight your communication skills in your application. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, give examples of how you've effectively communicated with teams or managed vendor relationships in the past. We love a good communicator!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis UK
✨Know Your Vendors
Before the interview, do your homework on the vendors relevant to the role. Understand their services, strengths, and any recent news. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're proactive about vendor management.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed vendor relationships or clinical trials. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Understand Compliance Standards
Brush up on Good Practice (GxP) and ICH regulations as they are crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous projects and how you would approach it in this position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's vendor strategy and how they measure success in vendor performance. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
