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- Tasks: Lead vendor strategy for clinical operations, ensuring top-notch supplier performance throughout the study lifecycle.
- Company: Join Novartis, a global leader in medicine dedicated to improving lives and fostering inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, diverse teams, and comprehensive benefits to support your personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that collaborates to create breakthroughs in healthcare and positively impact lives.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in clinical operations with strong leadership and strategic relationship management skills required.
- Other info: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of clinical trials in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Job Description
This job is with Novartis, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
Summary LOCATION: London or Dublin
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid Working, #LI-Hybrid
The Vendor Program Strategy Director (VPSD) acts as the Business Partner for all vendor activities with the Clinical Operational Program Head (COPH). The VPSD, in collaboration with the COPH, Portfolio Innovation Director (PID), the External Relationship Management Teams (ERMT) and Procurement defines the program vendor strategy end-to-end. The VPSD is accountable at program level for the vendor delivery across the clinical study lifecycle from study start-up, recruitment, maintenance and closeout in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), and regulations. About the Role
Major accountabilities:
- End-to-end accountability for all supplier related activities at a program level across Global Drug Development (GDD) Portfolio
- Manages a program view of supplier performance​ relative to the defined strategy
- Defines and aligns program strategies in close collaboration with Alliance Lead, ERMT, PID and Procurement
- In collaboration with Vendor Alliance Leads, reviews geographic scope of global vendors and drives local vendor service delivery discussions with country representatives in case of gaps
- Understands upcoming portfolio demand within Program through COPH role (new trials, new program, Business Development and Licensing (BD&L), research collaboration) and pushes information to Vendor organization​
- Understands and translates new service needs, in advance, and engages with Vendor Alliance Lead for vendors to be identified, qualified, and contracted to support future Programs/Trials​
- Support activities for Health Authority (HA) inspections/Audit readiness
- Enables early engagement with suppliers during protocol development & feasibility stage​ and serves as single point of contact for Trial Vendor Management Team representative for program level strategies
Key performance indicators:
End-to-end Supplier Service Delivery at the Program and Trial Level – Accountable for all external clinical activities for defined program strategies.
- Lead supplier decision making sessions with other key internal and external partners.
- Provide program pipeline visibility​
- In collaboration with the ERMT, proactive vendor risk management, assessing trends, quality issues, and contract issues, driving suppliers quality improvement at program level
- Trial and Program timelines through supplier related start-up, recruitment, maintenance and closeout activities
Minimum Requirements:
- 10+ years relevant industry experience, including expertise in clinical operations leadership of multidisciplinary teams, experience management outsourced trial activities at an operational and strategic level
- Advanced degree in science or business with equivalent experience
- Demonstrated executive leadership in developing and managing external and internal strategic relationships
- Experience with clinical processes and associated supplier services, with excellent understanding of trial management, trial monitoring and overall integration of clinical data system and processes
- Strong technical and problem solving skills Excellent understanding of clinical trial methodology, GCP and medical terminology
- Excellent understanding of clinical development, quality & regulatory standards and policies relevant to defined services
- Provide thought-leading insights to the competitive environment and internal partner interfaces
- Outstanding skills to facilitate/optimize contribution of team members as individuals and members of cohesive team
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! Learn more here:
https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
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 here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network
Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards
#LI-DNI
Vendor Program Strategy Director employer: Novartis
Contact Detail:
Novartis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vendor Program Strategy Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the clinical operations field, especially those who have experience with vendor management. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in vendor strategies.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Novartis' values and mission. Understanding their commitment to diversity and inclusion can help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing how you can contribute to their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on regulatory changes and advancements in clinical trial methodologies. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your proactive approach to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed vendor relationships and improved supplier performance in previous roles. Tailoring your experiences to reflect the responsibilities outlined in the job description will make you a standout candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Vendor Program Strategy Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in clinical operations and vendor management. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements for the Vendor Program Strategy Director role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your leadership experience and strategic thinking in managing supplier relationships. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in clinical trials or vendor management.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), trial management, and regulatory standards. Make sure to include any advanced degrees or certifications that are relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as improvements in supplier performance or successful project completions. This will help illustrate your impact in previous roles and align with Novartis's focus on results.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Vendor Program Strategy Director role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with Novartis' goals. This will help you articulate your fit for the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Given the emphasis on executive leadership in the job description, prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage strategic relationships effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to clinical operations, trial management, and regulatory standards. Brush up on your knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines, and any relevant clinical processes to showcase your expertise.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Fit
Novartis values diversity and inclusion, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to an inclusive work environment. Share experiences that highlight your ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and support a positive workplace culture.