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- Tasks: Lead vendor alliances and ensure top-notch service delivery in clinical outsourcing.
- Company: Join Novartis, a global leader in reimagining medicine for better lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, diverse teams, and a commitment to inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that makes a real impact on patients' lives.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in BioPharma or clinical research with strong vendor management experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cross-functional teams and drive innovation in clinical trials.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
This job is with Novartis, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Summary
LOCATION: London, UK or Dublin Ireland
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid Working, #LI-Hybrid
The Head Vendor Alliance (HVA), Clinical Outsourcing Services is responsible for ensuring excellence in vendor service delivery through collaboration with internal and external partners. Working closely with Vendor Program Strategy Directors (VPSD), the HVA defines effective vendor strategies, proactively reduces risks, and leads multidisciplinary External Relationship Management Teams to ensure best-in-class service delivery and accelerate study timelines. The HVA establishes strategic vendor alliances, manages vendor performance and compliance, and acts as a business partner to country organizations, addressing region-specific vendor issues, risks, and projects to improve site and patient experiences.
About the Role
ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Collaborates with VPSD to define and implement global and local vendor strategies, optimizing service delivery and reducing costs.
- Manages vendor footprint and ensures strategic selection and qualification of preferred vendors to address service gaps and support local vendor involvement.
- Provides category expertise to support local vendor issue resolutions, standardizing service delivery, and accelerating study start-up cycle times.
- Proactively identifies and mitigates vendor and service risks, driving continuous improvement and alignment with GCO-funded studies and enterprise goals.
- Leads multiple cross-functional teams, each with a unique service area (e.g., full outsourcing, recruitment/retention, and functional service provider) OR (central laboratories, biomarkers, ancillary supplies) to manage vendor services, optimize delivery, and drive innovation and improvements.
- Ensures alignment with Novartis goals and senior leaders, significantly interacting with internal and external stakeholders to enhance communication and partnership.
- Accountable for vendor performance across global vendors, ensuring high-quality services, proactive risk management, and continuous improvement aligned with Novartis goals.
REQUIREMENTS
- 10+ years relevant industry experience (BioPharma or with a clinical research organization) including expertise in clinical operations, management of outsourced trial activities or vendor management accountabilities.
- Significant background in vendor and outsourcing management with preference for extensive experience within large CROs and/or large-scale laboratories.
- Experience managing large, multi-service vendor partnerships for Pharmaceutical companies or laboratories.
- Exposure to working in highly visible, senior/executive level leaderships - background in Business Development along with outsourcing management combined with expertise of clinical development operations.
- Excellent understanding of clinical trial methodology, GCP and medical terminology.
- Thorough understanding of clinical research and development including quality & regulatory standards and policies relevant to defined services.
- Management of virtual teams. Demonstrated ability to lead teams and build capabilities.
- Able to lead diverse service types (outsourced trial services, recruitment services, M&A implementation).
- Demonstrated ability of completing projects on time and within budget.
- Extensive organizational awareness, including significant experience working cross-functionally and in global teams.
- Thorough understanding of contracts (including basic legal understanding of terms and conditions).
- Profound knowledge in finance (understanding of cost drivers for clinical trials) as it relates to contracts and cost reductions.
Why Novartis: Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us!
You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Head Vendor Alliance, Clinical Outsourcing Services employer: Novartis
Contact Detail:
Novartis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Vendor Alliance, Clinical Outsourcing Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the BioPharma and clinical research sectors. Attend industry conferences or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or partners who might provide insights into Novartis' culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Novartis' recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to vendor management and clinical outsourcing. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing vendor relationships and how you've successfully mitigated risks in past roles. Use specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and ability to drive continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of clinical trial methodologies and regulatory standards during discussions. Being able to articulate these concepts clearly will position you as a knowledgeable candidate who can contribute to Novartis' goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Vendor Alliance, Clinical Outsourcing Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in vendor management and clinical operations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage vendor performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with Novartis' goals and values, particularly in improving patient experiences and driving innovation.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on achievements that showcase your expertise in managing large-scale vendor partnerships and your understanding of clinical trial methodologies. Quantify your successes where possible.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership experience, especially in managing virtual teams and cross-functional collaborations. Provide examples of how you've successfully completed projects on time and within budget.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head Vendor Alliance role. Familiarise yourself with vendor management, clinical operations, and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Given the seniority of this position, be prepared to discuss your leadership experiences. Highlight instances where you've successfully led cross-functional teams or managed large vendor partnerships. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to drive results and foster collaboration.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and risk management abilities. Think of past challenges you've faced in vendor management or clinical operations and how you overcame them. This will showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
✨Align with Novartis' Values
Research Novartis' mission and values, particularly their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive work environment. This will demonstrate your cultural fit within the company.
