At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver life-changing clinical trials across the North of England.
- Company: Join Novo Nordisk, a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a legacy that spans generations and drives lasting change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of clinical research and improve patient lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in clinical research management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Shape the future of clinical research across the North of England in this full-time, field-based role, leading a team that brings life-changing treatments to patients.
Your new role
As Clinical Operations Manager (North) within our Clinical Development Centre (CDC) UK, you'll lead a regional team of Clinical Research Associates covering Scotland, Northern Ireland, North Wales and the North of England, including Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle (does not include Leeds). This role puts you at the intersection of strategic leadership and operational excellence—balancing trial delivery with relationship building, compliance with innovation, and team development with stakeholder collaboration across a vibrant network of northern research sites.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing strategic leadership to the Regional CRA Team, aligning with CDC objectives, driving operational excellence across multiple therapy areas and driving a risk-based quality management mindset.
- Overseeing the development, implementation and delivery of clinical trials at sites across the UK, ensuring full compliance with ICH GCP, regulatory requirements and ABPI Code of Practice.
- Acting as the key relationship owner for long-term partnerships with investigators, site governance teams, NIHR and other clinical research networks.
- Leading data-driven resource planning across the CRA team, balancing efficiency with quality while considering therapy area knowledge and site relationships.
- Supporting your team to develop site tactical plans and monitoring strategies, using accompanied site visits and available data reporting tools to ensure trial delivery meets all milestones.
- Conducting research pipeline and planning visits to existing and potential sites, collaborating with start-up, therapy area and clinical medical teams to expand our research network.
- Contributing to CDC UK strategy as part of the extended Leadership Team, creating realistic goals and inspiring your team to reach their full potential.
Your new department
Clinical Development Centre UK is at the forefront of bringing innovative treatments to patients. Our team works across multiple therapy areas, partnering with leading research sites and investigators throughout the UK. We foster a culture of risk-based quality management and continuous improvement, ensuring that every trial we deliver meets the highest standards while advancing medical science.
Your skills & qualifications
We're looking for an experienced clinical research leader who thrives in complex, matrix environments and can inspire teams to achieve excellence. You'll bring with you:
- A life science degree or equivalent, with post-graduate qualification in research being desirable.
- Extensive experience in clinical research management, with a proven track record of leading successful clinical trials and CRA teams.
- Strong leadership competencies including the ability to coach, motivate and develop talent while conducting regular talent discussions and executing robust succession plans.
- Excellent knowledge of UK and European clinical trial regulations, ICH-GCP requirements, clinical trial methodology and drug development processes.
- Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills, with experience building and maintaining networks of clinical research sites, investigators and NHS research governance teams.
- The ability to work effectively in an international matrix organisation, balancing multiple priorities and adapting quickly to new situations in a continuously developing environment.
- Strong analytical capabilities with attention to detail, including experience using data reporting tools and managing complex organizational tasks.
- Fluency in written and spoken English, with excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
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.
Deadline: 26 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.
Sr Manager, Clinical Operations in London employer: Novo Nordisk
At Novo Nordisk, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous development opportunities and a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Located in the vibrant North of England, our Clinical Development Centre is at the forefront of clinical research, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to advancing healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr Manager, Clinical Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the clinical research field, attend industry events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you showcase how you can contribute to their mission of bringing life-changing treatments to patients.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive operational excellence and foster collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in being part of our mission at Novo Nordisk.
We think you need these skills to ace Sr Manager, Clinical Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership competencies and clinical research management experience to show us you're the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about clinical research and how your background aligns with our mission. Share specific examples of your achievements in leading successful clinical trials and building stakeholder relationships.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, include examples of how you've used data reporting tools in past projects. We want to see how you balance efficiency with quality in your work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application is reviewed promptly and you get the best chance to join our team at Novo Nordisk!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novo Nordisk
✨Know Your Clinical Research Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in clinical research, especially ICH-GCP and UK trial regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This role is all about inspiring others, so be ready to demonstrate your leadership style and how it aligns with their values.
✨Build a Connection with Stakeholders
Since this position involves a lot of relationship management, think about how you can establish rapport with various stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your experience in building and maintaining networks, and be ready to discuss how you would approach new partnerships.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Familiarise yourself with data reporting tools and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Highlight your analytical skills and how they can contribute to operational excellence in clinical trials, as this is a key aspect of the job.