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- Tasks: Lead and oversee multiple clinical programmes, ensuring strategic delivery and governance.
- Company: Dynamic clinical research organisation based in London with a collaborative team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and hands-on leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical research while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in clinical research and strong leadership abilities required.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant environment with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are delighted to be looking for an interim Clinical Programme Director to work at our client's site in London. The Programme Director will be responsible for the strategic oversight, delivery and governance of multiple clinical programmes across the company. The role requires hands-on leadership, strong client engagement and the ability to balance operational delivery with strategic planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategy & Portfolio Leadership: Provide strategic oversight of multiple clinical programmes, defining and owning the end-to-end programme vision aligned with business strategy. Translate strategic objectives into actionable, cross-functional delivery plans. Ensure programmes meet sponsor objectives for timelines, budgets, quality, and compliance. Monitor risks, dependencies and milestones, acting as the senior escalation point for complex issues.
- Client & Stakeholder Management: Serve as the primary senior contact for assigned sponsors and partners. Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships based on trust, transparency and performance. Lead or support sponsor meetings, steering committees and programme reviews. Contribute to business development activities including bid defence meetings, proposals and scope development.
- Operational Oversight: Provide leadership and guidance to Project Leads, Project Managers and cross-functional teams. Ensure consistent application of SOPs, processes and best practices across all programmes. Support resourcing strategies, including capacity planning and prioritisation across studies.
- Quality, Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all programmes are conducted in compliance with ICH-GCP, regulatory requirements and internal quality standards. Proactively identify quality and compliance risks and drive corrective and preventive actions. Support audits and inspections, including sponsor and regulatory authority interactions.
- People Leadership & Development: Mentor and develop both junior and senior clinical operations staff. Foster a collaborative, accountable and high-performance culture. Support performance management, succession planning and talent development initiatives.
- Budget and Resource Management: Plan programme budgets, monitor expenditure, and ensure financial resources are utilised within agreed limits. Ensure all programmes are appropriately resourced, with staff, equipment and vendors available and used efficiently.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline (advanced degree preferred).
- Significant experience in clinical research within a CRO or pharmaceutical/biotech environment.
- Proven experience leading multiple clinical programmes or large, complex clinical projects.
- Strong understanding of clinical trial operations, regulatory requirements and quality systems.
- Demonstrated success in senior sponsor-facing roles.
- Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on operational capability.
- Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills.
- Commercial awareness, including budgeting, forecasting, and change management.
- Ability to manage complexity, competing priorities, and ambiguity.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Collaborative mindset with the confidence to challenge and escalate when necessary.
- Appropriate working knowledge of GPP, GCP and the regulatory framework for clinical research.
Candidates must be experts in clinical research and be able to work at our client's London office 3 days/week.
Clinical Programme Director employer: Pop Science
Contact Detail:
Pop Science Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Programme Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the clinical research field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clinical programmes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in strategic oversight and operational delivery. Show them you’re the hands-on leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Clinical Programme Director role. We want to see your application and help you take the next step in your career journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Programme Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Clinical Programme Director role. Highlight your experience in clinical research and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational capabilities. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading teams and managing multiple programmes, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored others or led successful projects. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide a team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pop Science
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the clinical programmes the company is running. Understand their goals, challenges, and how they align with the business strategy. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience can directly contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams through complex projects or programmes. Highlight your ability to mentor others and foster a high-performance culture, as this role requires strong people leadership.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Since client and stakeholder management is key, think about past experiences where you've built strong relationships with sponsors or partners. Be ready to share how you’ve navigated challenging conversations or escalated issues effectively, demonstrating your communication and influencing skills.
✨Understand Compliance and Quality Standards
Brush up on ICH-GCP guidelines and other regulatory requirements relevant to clinical research. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you proactively identified risks. This will show that you’re not just operationally savvy but also committed to maintaining high-quality standards.