Senior Director, GMA Study Management

Senior Director, GMA Study Management

Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Novartis

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global medical affairs studies and drive excellence in study operations.
  • Company: Join Novartis, a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role based in Dublin, London, or Barcelona with no relocation support.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on patient care and scientific knowledge globally.
  • Qualifications: Master’s degree required; 12+ years in pharma with leadership experience.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Step into a high-impact leadership role where your expertise will shape the future of global medical affairs studies at Novartis. You will drive excellence in study operations, lead a talented team, and collaborate with cross‑functional partners worldwide. Your strategic vision and operational expertise will ensure the successful delivery of innovative, high‑quality studies that advance patient care and scientific knowledge. Join us to make a meaningful difference on a global scale, while fostering a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Location: Dublin, Ireland / London, UK / Barcelona, Spain. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Responsibilities

  • Lead GMA study operations for assigned therapy area from strategic planning through execution and delivery.
  • Oversee Study Management Team to ensure timely, high‑quality delivery of studies in the portfolio.
  • Liaise with stakeholders to plan, consolidate, and forecast budgets and resources at the therapy area level.
  • Drive prioritisation and provide operational input into early planning and budgeting of studies.
  • Oversee planning and resourcing of interventional studies, collaborating with Global Clinical Operations (GCO) and Clinical Development (CD) teams.
  • Deliver non‑interventional studies, research collaborations, and investigator‑initiated trials, managing spend and forecasts.
  • Represent Study Management operations at Therapy Area Medical Affairs Team meetings.
  • Serve as single point of contact for high‑level study management activities within assigned therapy area.
  • Build and maintain external relationships with institutions and key opinion leaders involved in GMA studies.
  • Foster a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Study Management Team.

Essential for the Role

  • Master’s degree in a scientific discipline; PhD or Doctor of Pharmacy preferred.
  • At least 12 years of pharmaceutical industry experience with global development and clinical operations expertise.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex, international, multidisciplinary teams in a matrix environment.
  • Strong understanding of clinical development activities, trial management, and outsourcing processes.
  • Proven leadership, strategic thinking, analytical, and organisational skills.
  • Experience in operational aspects of clinical studies, including planning, execution, and budget management.
  • Excellent English language skills, both written and verbal.
  • Strong problem‑solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.

Desirable for the Role

  • Experience in Cardio, Renal, and Metabolism therapy areas.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

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

Senior Director, GMA Study Management employer: Novartis

At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As a Senior Director in GMA Study Management, you will not only lead a talented team but also have the opportunity to make a significant impact on global medical affairs studies from our vibrant locations in Dublin, London, or Barcelona. We offer a supportive work environment that fosters professional growth, encourages diversity, and provides the resources needed to drive innovative solutions in patient care.

Novartis

Contact Details:

Novartis Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Director, GMA Study Management

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Novartis or in similar roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that Senior Director position.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Novartis' recent studies and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for advancing patient care and how your experience aligns with their mission.

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to contribute to the culture of empowerment and collaboration at Novartis.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, GMA Study Management

Leadership
Strategic Planning
Study Management
Budget Management
Clinical Development
Operational Expertise
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to drive excellence in study operations.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about global medical affairs and how your strategic vision can contribute to our mission at Novartis. Be genuine and let your personality come through.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your operational expertise and leadership skills. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact and show us how you've made a difference in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your progress!

How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of global medical affairs and clinical operations. Understand the latest trends in the industry, especially in Cardio, Renal, and Metabolism therapy areas. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

Showcase Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading complex, multidisciplinary teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you navigated them. This is your chance to show how you foster collaboration and empowerment within a team.

Be Budget Savvy

Since budget management is key for this role, come ready to discuss your experience with forecasting and managing study budgets. Have a few examples of how you've successfully handled financial planning in previous roles to illustrate your capabilities.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the company’s goals and the role's responsibilities. Inquire about their approach to continuous improvement and how they foster a culture of collaboration. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their mission.