At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee multiple clinical programmes, ensuring strategic delivery and operational excellence.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the heart of London focused on innovative clinical research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Work 3 days a week in London with opportunities for mentorship and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical research while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in Life Sciences; experience in clinical research and project management required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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 in London employer: Pop Science
As an interim Clinical Programme Director at our client's London site, you will join a dynamic and collaborative team dedicated to delivering high-quality clinical programmes. The company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and offers opportunities for mentorship and growth, ensuring that you can thrive in your role while making a meaningful impact in the field of clinical research. With a focus on strategic oversight and hands-on leadership, this position not only allows for professional advancement but also provides the unique advantage of working closely with clients and stakeholders in a vibrant city known for its innovation in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Programme Director in London
✨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 hunt for a Clinical Programme Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your strategic thinking and operational delivery skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex clinical programmes and built strong client relationships. We want to see that hands-on leadership in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and expertise. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and tailor your approach to show how you can contribute to their success in managing clinical programmes.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the Clinical Programme Director role.
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Programme Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Clinical Programme Director role. Highlight your leadership in clinical programmes and any hands-on experience you have, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for clinical research and how your strategic thinking aligns with our goals. Don’t forget to mention your client engagement skills!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a project that came in under budget or ahead of schedule? We love numbers that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in London!
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, milestones, and any recent developments. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your hands-on leadership experience. Think of specific instances where you successfully led teams or managed complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you balanced operational delivery with strategic planning, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Client Management Scenarios
Since client engagement is key, think about past experiences where you built strong relationships with sponsors or stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you handled challenging situations and maintained trust and transparency, which are vital for this position.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Prowess
Anticipate questions around risk management and compliance. Prepare to share examples of how you've identified potential risks in clinical trials and the steps you took to mitigate them. This will showcase your proactive approach and understanding of regulatory requirements.
