At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Vendor Program strategy and oversee trial management in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a global leader in clinical operations with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, generous parental leave, and comprehensive insurance plans.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead high-performing teams and engage with senior leaders.
- Why this job: Shape vendor practices and drive transformation while making a real impact on patient outcomes.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences and 10+ years in pharmaceutical clinical development.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Overview
In this role, you will lead the Vendor Program strategy for the Development Unit within GCO Development, overseeing vendor portfolio, governance, and trial management.
You will partner with DU leadership and cross-functional teams to align vendor activity with development priorities, delivery goals, and patient impact.
The role focuses on improving quality, efficiency, and timely outsourcing outcomes in a complex matrix environment.
This is a senior, strategic position with scope to shape vendor practices and drive transformation at scale.
- Pay / Benefits
- flexible and hybrid working options
- minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave
- insurance plans
- retirement plans
- wellbeing resources
- global recognition programs
Responsibilities
- Lead the DU-aligned Vendor Program Strategy Directors, Trial Vendor Management Community Leads, and Trial Vendor Managers to meet DU objectives
- Own the DU-level vendor strategy and ensure execution aligns with development priorities, goals, portfolio demand, and trial milestones
- Build and develop high-performing teams emphasizing accountability, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Assess DU portfolio health and evolve vendor strategies using lessons learned and innovation
- Serve as the primary VPG partner to the DU Head and align with Global Clinical Operations and Development leadership
- Represent VPG in DU strategic planning and portfolio forums, highlighting demand, risks, and opportunities for standardization or innovation
- Lead through complexity, enabling teams to maintain focus on quality, delivery, and patient impact
- Key requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Healthcare, or a related discipline
- Typically 10+ years of experience with pharmaceutical clinical drug development
- Proven experience leading global teams within a complex matrix organization
- Extensive knowledge of clinical development processes and aligning vendor objectives with DU priorities
- Strong leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to implement new ways of working
- Exceptional stakeholder management and relationship-building, including engagement with senior DU and Development leaders
- Proven ability to lead across organizational boundaries, navigate ambiguity, and drive outcomes in a complex matrix environment
- Leadership
- Stakeholder management
- Influence and collaboration
- Vendor Management
- Vendor Oversight
- Program Governance
Vendor Program Head - Global Clinical Operations 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.
