Associate Director, Program Data Lead in London

This role is based in our Westworks, London office, with a preferred Hybrid working expectation of 12 days per month onsite. Remote working can also be considered, based on eligibility criteria being met. Please note that remote working can only be considered for applicants based more than 50 miles from our London offices. Relocation support is not available for this position.

The Associate Director Program Data Lead is a strategic clinical data leader responsible for driving and overseeing program-level data strategy across multiple clinical trials within a development program. This role serves as the primary Clinical Data Operations representative at the program level, ensuring alignment between trial execution, program objectives, enterprise standards, and regulatory expectations. The position combines strategic leadership, operational oversight, stakeholder engagement, and people management to enable high-quality, consistent, and scalable clinical data delivery.

By partnering across Global Clinical Operations and leading Study Data Leads, the Associate Director Program Data Lead plays a critical role in accelerating evidence generation, enabling informed development decisions, and advancing innovative therapies for patients.

Who Will Thrive in This Role

This role is ideal for a strategic and collaborative clinical data leader who excels in complex, matrixed environments, is passionate about developing people, and is motivated by driving program-level impact through data-driven decision-making, operational excellence, and cross-functional influence. The successful candidate is a forward-thinking leader who combines strategic vision, operational rigor, and strong stakeholder engagement skills to drive consistent, high-quality clinical data outcomes across an entire development program.

What You’ll Contribute

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for clinical data strategy across an assigned development program or project.
• Serve as the primary Clinical Data Operations representative at the program level, ensuring alignment between study-level execution, program objectives, and enterprise standards.
• Lead end-to-end execution of program-level clinical data strategies across multiple clinical trials.
• Drive consistency in data collection, review, quality management, and delivery approaches across studies.
• Represent Clinical Data Operations on Global Clinical Teams and key governance forums.
• Provide direction, coaching, and leadership to Study Data Leads to ensure effective execution and professional growth.
• Identify, assess, and escalate program-level risks, dependencies, and operational challenges.
• Influence operational delivery strategies and ensure data considerations are integrated into broader development planning.
• Promote Quality by Design principles and support lean, fit-for-purpose data collection practices.
• Partner with stakeholders to enhance delivery predictability, operational efficiency, and stakeholder experience.

What Differentiates This Role

• Operates at the program level, providing leadership across multiple studies and serving as the central coordination point for clinical data strategy within a development program.
• Ownership of data strategy across an entire program rather than a single trial.
• Direct leadership, line management, and development responsibility for multiple Study Data Leads.
• Representation of Clinical Data Operations in cross-functional program governance and strategic decision-making forums.
• Accountability for identifying trends, risks, and opportunities across studies and translating them into program-level actions.
• Significant influence on clinical development execution through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and operational leadership.
• Opportunity to shape future operating models, standards, and organizational capabilities through enterprise-wide collaboration.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Data Sciences, Statistics, or a related discipline. Advanced scientific or business qualifications are an advantage.
• Typically a minimum of 10 years of experience in clinical data management, clinical data operations, or related disciplines within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple clinical trials, programs, or complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience providing strategic oversight, risk management, and stakeholder leadership in cross-functional environments.
• Previous people leadership, coaching, or team development experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of clinical trial processes, clinical data management, data standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of quality management principles and risk-based approaches to clinical development.
• Experience with program-level planning, governance, and operational execution.
• Proven ability to influence and lead in a matrix organization without direct authority.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic mindset combined with strong execution and delivery focus.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, prioritise effectively, and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and talent development.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. The expected annual base salary range for this role is £67,900.00 - £126,100.00 GBP. The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies, and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook.