At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage vendor relationships to ensure successful clinical trial execution and patient impact.
- Company: Join Novo Nordisk, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to defeating chronic diseases.
- Benefits: Opportunities for learning, development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with ongoing application reviews until 28 May 2026.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of clinical research, making a real difference in patients' lives.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or Business, with experience in clinical operations preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Shape the future of clinical research by building partnerships that bring life-changing treatments to patients faster.
Your new role
As Local Vendor Manager, you'll be at the center of clinical trial execution, managing the vendor relationships and services that enable our studies to succeed. You'll serve as the vital link between our internal teams and external partners, ensuring vendor activities deliver on time, within quality standards, cost effective and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading end-to-end vendor relationship management at the country level, driving performance excellence and strategic partnership development across FSP, FSO, and clinical trial vendors.
- Acting as the primary interface between CDCs, regional teams, and Global Trial Portfolio to ensure alignment with global vendor strategy while addressing local execution needs.
- Proactively identifying and managing vendor-related risks and issues, working with CRAs, COMs, and cross-functional teams to implement mitigation strategies that maintain operational efficiency.
- Driving vendor selection, qualification, and onboarding processes in alignment with global sourcing strategies and company policies.
- Supporting Trial Teams with vendor coordination for Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs), ensuring seamless local delivery and site engagement.
- Leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance vendor efficiency, service quality, and compliance with GCP and regulatory standards.
- Identifying and engaging innovative vendor solutions in coordination with local finance and procurement teams, managing contracts and ensuring inspection readiness.
Your new department
In Research & Development, you'll be part of a unit that explores bold scientific ideas and advances them into clinical testing. We combine curiosity, AI tools, and human data to develop transformative therapies. Through collaboration and operational excellence, we shape and deliver an innovative pipeline to meet future patient needs. You'll join the Business Operations Function of Clinical Development Centre (CDC) UK, part of our Global Trial Portfolio. This team is responsible for executing clinical trials within the UK, working closely with sites, vendors, and cross-functional partners to deliver high-quality studies that advance our pipeline. Your role will be critical in optimizing our vendor ecosystem to support successful study delivery and patient impact.
Your skills & qualifications
We're looking for a strategic relationship builder with deep clinical operations expertise and a proven track record in vendor management. You'll bring:
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
- Experience in clinical operations with exposure to vendor management, contracting, or site-related collaborations would be considered a plus.
- Comprehensive understanding of clinical vendors, outsourcing models (FSP/FSO), and contract management processes.
- Strong business acumen with proven ability to negotiate effectively, resolve conflicts, and deliver solution-oriented outcomes with diverse stakeholders.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with experience fostering collaboration across matrixed and cross-functional teams.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and decision-making capabilities, with proficiency in project management principles and vendor management systems.
- Knowledge of ICH-GCP (GxP/GMP), regulatory standards, and quality compliance requirements is considered a plus together with a proactive approach to identifying issues and driving continuous improvement.
Working at Novo Nordisk
Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with determination, constant curiosity and a commitment to finding better ways forward. For over 100 years, this dedication has driven us to build a company focused on lasting change for long-term health. One where diverse thinking, shared purpose and mutual respect come together to create extraordinary results. When you join us, you're not just starting a job – you're becoming part of a story that spans generations.
What we offer
There is, of course, more on offer here than the uniqueness of our culture and the extraordinary results we produce. Being part of a global healthcare company means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us, while our benefits are designed with your career and life stage in mind.
Deadline: 28 May 2026 (Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis)
We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and preventing diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.
Local Vendor Manager in London employer: Novo Nordisk
At Novo Nordisk, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of the UK. As a Local Vendor Manager, you'll benefit from extensive opportunities for professional growth within a global healthcare leader dedicated to making a lasting impact on chronic diseases. Our commitment to employee development, inclusive practices, and a supportive environment ensures that you are not just part of a team, but part of a legacy that spans generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Vendor Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨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 tailor your responses and show them you're a perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the real interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Vendor Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Local Vendor Manager role. Highlight your experience in vendor management and clinical operations, and show us how your skills align with our mission to bring life-changing treatments to patients.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of how you've driven performance excellence or improved vendor relationships in your previous roles. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novo Nordisk
✨Know Your Vendors
Before the interview, research the key vendors relevant to the role. Understand their services, strengths, and any recent news about them. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge of the vendor landscape and how you can effectively manage those relationships.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Local Vendor Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex conversations or resolved conflicts. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to foster collaboration.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific instances where you identified risks or implemented improvements in vendor management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with ICH-GCP and other regulatory requirements relevant to clinical trials. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in vendor activities. This shows your commitment to quality and operational excellence, which is crucial for the role.
