Trial Vendor Senior Manager

Trial Vendor Senior Manager

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Novartis

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage vendor operations for global clinical trials, ensuring quality and compliance.
  • Company: Join Novartis, a leader in transforming healthcare and improving lives.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive work environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission to reimagine medicine and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in clinical operations and vendor management; strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

When we put our heads together, we can do brilliant work. And when we do brilliant work, we can achieve remarkable things for patients as we positively transform healthcare.

We are currently looking for a Trial Vendor Senior Manager to join our team. The main purpose of this position is to be accountable for all vendor related operational trial deliverables, according to timelines, budget, operational procedures, quality/compliance and performance standards. To collaborate with the Vendor Start-up Manager (VSM) for the VSM's category specific responsibilities and be responsible for all activities for which no VSM is assigned with, and for all of the service deliveries after Study Start-up when the VSM is no longer assigned to the study.

LOCATION: Westworks London or Dublin: Please apply only if either of these locations are accessible to you, as relocation support is not available.

ROLE TYPE: Hybrid Working, #LI-Hybrid

As a Core member of the Clinical Trial Team (CTT) you will independently manage all vendor-related aspects of global clinical trial(s) to deliver study outcomes within schedule, budget, quality/compliance and performance standards. You will be accountable for vendor service delivery at study level and collaborate closely with the VSM for selected services (central labs, electronic clinical outcomes assessment/electronic patient reported outcomes (eCOA/ePRO), interactive response technology (IRT), cardiac and respiratory diagnostics, patient recruitment and retention (PR&R), and imaging reading) during study start-up and leverage your technical and study start-up (SSU) expertise to ensure a timely study start-up. You will proactively manage vendor-related risks and potential issues and implement global vendor strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate closely with the study team lead and members throughout the study lifecycle.
  • Review vendor-related protocol sections during protocol development.
  • Drive or support the development and completion of Study Specification Worksheet (SSW) to facilitate vendor bid processes.
  • Manage vendor interfaces in cooperation with partner functions, including quote reviews and contract negotiations.
  • Oversee vendor cost control, budget reviews, invoice reconciliation, and purchase order (PO) close-out.
  • Ensure vendor service excellence at the study level, meeting quality and service standards.
  • Optimize study start-up processes and manage central vendor-related activities (e.g., site activation, supply tracking).
  • Monitor vendor risk and performance using tools such as FIRST, Unified Vendor Portal (UVP), and Clinical Insights, implementing corrective actions as needed.

Essential Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
  • Fluency in English (oral and written).
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in clinical operations and vendor management processes.
  • Strong knowledge of Good Practice (GxP) and International Council for Harmonization (ICH) regulations, clinical trial design, and supplier service specifications.
  • Proficiency in vendor management, contracting, and site-related collaborations, including Information Technology Service Management (UAT) for eCOA and IRT systems.
  • Results-driven with proven ability to complete projects within timelines.
  • Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills in a matrixed environment.
  • Demonstrated networking abilities, team collaboration, and decision-making capabilities.

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.

Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network.

Skills Desired: Budget Management, Clinical Trials, Negotiation Skills, Process Improvement, Project Planning, Vendor Management, Waterfall Model.

Trial Vendor Senior Manager employer: Novartis

At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the pharmaceutical industry. With a commitment to enhancing customer experiences for healthcare professionals and patients alike, joining our team means contributing to meaningful work that makes a difference in people's lives.

Novartis

Contact Details:

Novartis Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Trial Vendor Senior Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience in vendor management and clinical operations.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our mission to transform healthcare.

We think you need these skills to ace Trial Vendor Senior Manager

Vendor Management
Clinical Operations
Budget Management
Contract Negotiation
Good Practice (GxP) Knowledge
International Council for Harmonization (ICH) Regulations
Project Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trial Vendor Senior Manager role. Highlight your experience in clinical operations and vendor management, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of GxP and ICH regulations. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to managing vendor relationships and delivering projects on time.

Showcase Your Results:When detailing your past roles, focus on the results you achieved. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve successfully managed budgets, improved processes, or enhanced vendor performance. We love seeing concrete evidence of your impact!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis

Know Your Vendors

Before the interview, research the vendors relevant to the role. Understand their services and how they fit into clinical trials. This knowledge will help you discuss vendor management strategies confidently.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your experience in managing vendor relationships and clinical operations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Understand Compliance Standards

Brush up on Good Practice (GxP) and ICH regulations. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous projects, as this is crucial for the Trial Vendor Senior Manager role.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's vendor management processes and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.