At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical operations and manage a high-performing team to deliver impactful drug development projects.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, the world's only charity-funded drug development organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and collaboration with top professionals in the field.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in oncology while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in drug development and clinical trials, preferably in pharma or biotech.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary: Grade M3 - competitive salary
Reports to: Director of the Centre for Drug Development
Department: Research & Innovation
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week (other flexible‑working requests will also be considered if it meets business needs)
Location: Stratford, London with high flexibility (we would expect you to be in the office 1-2 days per week). This position requires some UK and European travel to clinical sites and relevant conferences.
Closing date: Sunday 3rd May 2026 at 23.59
Visa sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this vacancy. If this applies to you, please ensure that this is clearly marked on your application.
The Cancer Research UK Centre for Drug Development (CDD) is the world's only charity-funded drug development organisation and sponsors early‑phase and precision‑medicine clinical trials in oncology. Its portfolio rivals that of a medium-sized pharmaceutical company and spans antibodies, cell therapies, vaccines, drug conjugates and small molecules.
What will I be doing?
- Lead and manage the Clinical Operations function, including Clinical Study Managers, Clinical Research Associates, Site Start‑Up Specialists and Clinical Study Coordinators, to deliver CDD objectives.
- Partner with functional leaders to ensure clinical trials are delivered on time, within budget, and with appropriate resourcing and efficient processes.
- Hold accountability for clinical project delivery to agreed timelines, including patient recruitment targets.
- Build, develop and motivate a high‑performing Clinical Operations team, strengthening performance management and capability.
- Ensure full compliance of all clinical activities with ICH GCP, UK and EU clinical trial regulations, and relevant EMA guidelines.
- Maintain sponsor oversight for international CDD trials, including European site management and monitoring conducted by service providers.
- Enable teams to operate effectively both within functional structures and as part of cross‑functional matrix project teams.
- Drive continuous improvement of Clinical Operations processes and procedures to optimise development speed, quality and regulatory compliance.
- Act as a key CDD contact for CRUK Technology and serve as system owner for validated clinical systems (e.g. Veeva eTMF, Stitch Trialmap, Adobe Sign), ensuring ongoing validated state.
- Build close working relationships with investigators and site staff across the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) network, and act as a point of escalation with sites as required.
- Contribute as a member of the CDD leadership team, supporting strategic planning, budget management, external representation and deputising for the Director of Drug Development as required.
What skills are we looking for?
Essential
- Extensive experience of working in a drug development, clinical trial environment preferably in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Science graduate, PhD/MD or substantial relevant experience gained in a drug development capacity.
- Extensive experience of drug development within the Pharma/Biotech/CRO industry.
- Extensive clinical operations management experience, involving the design and delivery of complex processes to GCP standards.
- Extensive team management experience (including working within matrix team systems).
- Working knowledge of current legal and regulatory requirements for early clinical trials in the UK and EU, and regulations and guidelines for computerised systems.
- Working knowledge of UK and EU GDPR and data privacy legislation.
Desirable
- Oncology experience.
- Experience of early phase trials.
- Experience of financial management.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high‑quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work‑life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
Head of Clinical Operations in London employer: Radix Solutions
Contact Detail:
Radix Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Clinical Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the clinical operations field, especially those who might know someone at Cancer Research UK. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s mission and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for drug development and how you can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about your past experiences in clinical operations, so structure your answers to highlight your skills and achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Clinical Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Clinical Operations role. Highlight your extensive experience in drug development and clinical trials, and don’t forget to showcase your team management skills. We want to see how you can lead and motivate a high-performing team!
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 your experience with GCP standards and any relevant oncology background. We love seeing passion and clarity in applications, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to highlight specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to deliver clinical trials on time and within budget. We’re looking for concrete evidence of your success in managing complex processes and teams.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, if you need visa sponsorship, make sure to mention it clearly in your application. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Radix Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of clinical operations and drug development. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in oncology and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. This will show that you're not just interested, but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Clinical Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments. Highlight your approach to performance management and team development.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
Since compliance is crucial in clinical trials, make sure you can talk confidently about ICH GCP, UK and EU regulations, and data privacy laws. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and any challenges you've faced.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the organisation's clinical operations and future projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture and goals align with your own.