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 with 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.
Requirements
- 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
What You Will Bring To The Role
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
Why Novartis
Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
Benefits and Rewards
Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Vendor Alliance Lead Associate Director (Cardiac Safety and Respiratory Diagnostics) employer: Novartis UK
Novartis is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly in the dynamic fields of cardiac safety and respiratory diagnostics. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Novartis offers extensive professional development opportunities and encourages a supportive environment where passionate individuals can thrive. Located in vibrant London or Dublin, employees benefit from a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance while contributing to meaningful advancements in patient care.
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 any relevant projects in cardiac safety or 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 at Novartis. Share specific examples of your leadership in vendor oversight and how you've tackled challenges in a GxP-regulated environment. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a senior role, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders and lead discussions. We want to see how you can drive outcomes in complex environments, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant experiences!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our community at Novartis. We can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis UK
✨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 these areas, as well as Novartis' specific approach to vendor management. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves indirect leadership, be prepared to discuss your experience managing teams and driving outcomes in complex environments. Share specific examples where you've successfully led vendor discussions or resolved issues, highlighting your ability to take ownership and act decisively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around vendor oversight and compliance risks. Think of scenarios from your past experiences where you had to manage conflicts or ensure quality delivery, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions taken.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about Novartis' future plans in cardiac and respiratory diagnostics or how they measure vendor performance. This shows that you’re engaged and thinking long-term.
