Overview
In this role you will lead and strengthen vendor operations for Global Clinical Operations, focusing on inspection readiness and regulatory audits. You will provide subject-matter expertise across vendor compliance, quality management, CAPA, and inspection readiness, partnering with global stakeholders to meet regulatory expectations. You will drive process improvements, governance, and training to ensure vendor activities align with Novartis standards. This hybrid London-based position offers engagement across external partnerships to support regulatory readiness and successful inspections.
Pay / Benefits
- base salary 67,900-126,100 GBP
- performance-based bonus eligibility
- competitive benefits in kind
- insurance plans
- retirement plans
- wellbeing resources
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement vendor operations standards, processes, and governance frameworks
- Lead inspection readiness and support regulatory inspection activities across vendor partnerships
- Ensure consistent vendor risk assessment, selection, and compliance processes
- Oversee vendor quality and compliance metrics, identifying trends and improvement opportunities
- Develop templates, tools, and resources for vendor governance and compliance
- Support audit planning, preparation, and CAPA management
- Act as SME on vendor compliance, inspection readiness, and quality management
- Partner with global/local stakeholders to strengthen operational consistency and regulatory compliance
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance vendor performance and inspection readiness
- Deliver training and communications to support adoption of systems and compliance requirements
Key requirements
- University degree in business or relevant field, or equivalent professional experience
- Typically 8-10+ years’ experience in clinical operations, including systems, regulatory requirements, and third-party/vendor management
- Strong knowledge of GCP, GxP and ICH regulations
- Demonstrated experience supporting/regulatory inspections and managing back-room activities
- Experience with inspection readiness, evidence collection, and regulatory document request management
- Experience supporting corporate or supplier audits and developing CAPAs
- Strong understanding of clinical trial design, vendor compliance, and third-party requirements across clinical operations
- Proven global matrix leadership with independent ownership and stakeholder influence
- diplomatic stakeholder influence
- analytical decision-making
- cross-functional collaboration
- GCP/GxP and ICH knowledge
- vendor risk management
- inspection readiness
Vendor Operations Lead - Global Clinical Operations (GCO) in London employer: Novartis
Novartis is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, where passionate individuals come together to drive breakthroughs in precision medicine. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and robust learning and development opportunities, employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives. Located in vibrant cities like London, Barcelona, and Dublin, Novartis offers a dynamic workplace that values diversity and encourages innovation.
