At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage budgets for life-changing clinical trials and provide financial insights.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in innovative medicine and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid or remote work options, competitive salary, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient lives through smart financial decision-making.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in relevant field and experience in clinical trial budget management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
This job is with Novartis, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Primary Location: London, United Kingdom - Hybrid or Remote
Other Locations: Dublin, Ireland - Hybrid
The office location for the role is Westworks, London, UK and can be either a Hybrid or Remote. Remote working can be considered, subject to eligibility criteria, and can be discussed at interview stage. This role is also available in Dublin, Ireland. If you are based in this location please apply to the Dublin advertisement.
Relocation Support: This role is based in London, United Kingdom. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.
Join a team where your financial insight directly enables the success of life-changing clinical trials. As a Global Clinical Operations Budget Manager, you will sit at the intersection of clinical operations and finance - translating complex study assumptions into clear, actionable financial insights that guide decision-making. You will take ownership of budget planning, rolling forecast, and performance across a portfolio of clinical trials, working closely with Clinical Trial Teams and finance stakeholders to ensure transparency and accuracy at every stage. This role offers the opportunity to combine analytical expertise with real influence - partnering across a global, matrix environment to drive smarter decisions, optimize trial delivery, and ultimately accelerate the development of innovative medicines for patients.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities
- Understand and translate study assumptions into clear financial forecasts and explain drivers to clinical teams and finance partners.
- Analyze variances between actuals and forecasts, provide root-cause rationale, and drive actions to reduce volatility.
- Update clinical work packages and financial data in source systems to ensure accuracy and audit readiness.
- Manage scope changes to endorsed budgets, document rationale, and prepare materials for governance reviews.
- Ensure compliance with Development operational and forecasting processes.
- Identify cost-avoidance opportunities and partner with stakeholders to optimise trial-level financial performance.
- Partner with Clinical Trial Teams and Finance to align on reporting and decision-making.
- Act as subject matter expert for budgeting tools, analytics, and reporting, driving process improvements.
- Support training, implementation, and compliance with operational and financial governance standards.
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, finance, business, or related discipline.
- Experience in clinical trial budget management, project management, or financial planning within pharmaceutical or contract research organization environments.
- Strong financial analysis capability, with ability to interpret, forecast, and clearly explain budget performance.
- Understanding of clinical trial processes and ability to translate study assumptions into financial outputs.
- Proven ability to operate effectively in a global matrix environment and manage diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to both clinical teams and finance partners.
- Experience working with financial systems, dashboards, or reporting tools to support accurate forecasting and tracking.
- Strong learning agility, enabling independent management of a clinical trial portfolio after onboarding.
Desirable Requirements
- Curiosity and openness to adopting new tools, including artificial intelligence, to optimise processes and ways of working.
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.
Global Clinical Operations Budget Manager employer: Novartis
At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that values diversity and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Global Clinical Operations Budget Manager based in London, you will enjoy the flexibility of hybrid or remote working arrangements, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development within a global matrix environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives while benefiting from our commitment to employee well-being and innovative practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Clinical Operations Budget Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Novartis or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to budget management and clinical trials. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your experience clearly and effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've translated complex financial data into actionable insights in past roles. This is key for the Global Clinical Operations Budget Manager position.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Clinical Operations Budget Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Global Clinical Operations Budget Manager role. Highlight your experience in clinical trial budget management and financial analysis, as these are key for us at Novartis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention your understanding of clinical trial processes and your ability to communicate complex financial concepts.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your analytical expertise. We want to see how you can translate study assumptions into actionable financial insights, so give us examples of your past work!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Global Clinical Operations Budget Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Prepare examples of how you've translated complex study assumptions into clear financial forecasts.
✨Understand the Clinical Landscape
Familiarise yourself with clinical trial processes and the specific challenges faced in budget management within this context. Being able to articulate how you can optimise trial delivery through effective financial planning will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires collaboration across various teams. Be prepared to share experiences where you've successfully partnered with diverse stakeholders. Highlight your ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to both clinical teams and finance partners.
✨Embrace New Tools and Technologies
Novartis values curiosity and innovation. Discuss any experience you have with financial systems, dashboards, or even AI tools that can enhance budgeting processes. Showing your willingness to adopt new technologies will demonstrate your proactive approach to optimising workflows.
