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- Tasks: Manage quality oversight for external service providers in global clinical trials.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in global healthcare making a real impact.
- Benefits: Flexible contractor role with opportunities to gain new skills and experiences.
- Other info: Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a community that collaborates to change patients' lives.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in pharmaceutical development and a relevant degree required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is a temporary contractor opportunity at Novartis. Novartis touches the lives of a tenth of the world’s population. Every role here, regardless of contract type, makes an impact on human life! Novartis partners with external managed service provider Magnit Global to offer engaging temporary contractor opportunities like this, to those who are looking for flexibility in their career while looking to gain new skills and experiences providing services to an inclusive global medicines company.
As our AD External Service Provider QA, you’ll have the thrilling opportunity to manage quality oversight for Development (Clinical, PV, GLP) external service providers for Development. You will play a pivotal role in managing external service providers supporting Global Clinical Trials in R&D Quality, ensuring that our partners meet the highest standards of excellence.
Key Responsibilities- Responsible for review and approval of External Service Providers (ESPs) qualification for global clinical trials and Medical affairs studies (RCs, PASS, NIS etc).
- Responsible for negotiation and execution Quality Assurance Agreements (QAA) / quality terms with ESPs.
- Review and approval of external service provider Quality Risk Assessments (QRAs) to enable identification and evaluation of various metrics, risks, trends, and potential quality and performance issues with the ESP in a proactive manner.
- Ensure communication and support mitigation of actions for potential risks.
- Responsible for review and approval of quality issues related to ESPs and ensure appropriate escalation of major and critical issues.
- Support assessment of serious breach and reporting to health authorities.
- Collaboration with business partners such as Global Medical Affairs, Vendor Partnership and Governance, Study Startup Organisation, Country Development Quality and Procurement to ensure their involvement in the risk evaluation and timely communication to the business and follow-up on required actions.
- Review quality metrics, monitoring and reporting including follow-up with line functions and escalation.
- Ensure inspection readiness of local ESP related activities and support for internal and external audits and health authority (HA) inspections pertaining local ESP management.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (GCP, GLP, GVP, GMP) and continuous improvement of quality relevant processes within area of responsibility.
12+ years’ experience in pharmaceutical development and excellent knowledge of the quality management system, clinical operations processes and vendor management related activities is preferred.
EducationMinimum a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy or Medicine, or other related discipline required.
LanguagesFluent English (both spoken & written).
Workload7 hours per day
Role typeOnsite
Required start date1 June 2026
Contract18 months
Why NovartisHelping 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?
EEO StatementThe Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
AccommodationIf you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Magnit at directsourceproteam@prounlimited.com.
Associate Director (AD), External Service Provider Quality Assurance (ESPQA) employer: Novartis
Contact Detail:
Novartis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director (AD), External Service Provider Quality Assurance (ESPQA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmaceutical industry, especially those who have experience with Novartis or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and even referrals that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Novartis' values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission of improving lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director (AD), External Service Provider Quality Assurance (ESPQA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Director role. Highlight your experience in quality assurance and vendor management, as these are key for this position. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality assurance in clinical trials and how your skills can contribute to Novartis. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear connection to our mission.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your relevant experience in pharmaceutical development and quality management systems. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage external service providers effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your application in the context of our overall recruitment process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis
✨Know Your Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with the key quality management systems and regulatory requirements relevant to the role. Understanding GCP, GLP, GVP, and GMP will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your 12+ years in pharmaceutical development that highlight your expertise in managing external service providers. Be ready to discuss how you've handled quality risk assessments and resolved quality issues in past roles.
✨Collaborative Mindset
This role requires collaboration with various business partners. Think of instances where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve facilitated timely actions in response to quality metrics or risks.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Novartis' approach to quality assurance and their expectations for the AD role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.