At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for clinical trials, ensuring efficiency and high-quality delivery.
- Company: Richmond Pharmacology, a pioneering Clinical Research Organisation in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical and dental, pension, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical research while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in operations leadership, strong knowledge of clinical trials and regulations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London Bridge, SE1
Term: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Benefits (Private Medical, Private Dental, Pension, 25 days Annual leave plus bank holidays & Many more)
Richmond Pharmacology are an early phase Clinical Research Organisation (CRO), where we are conducting pioneering early phase healthy participants and patient participant trials. Our experienced and world-renowned team, our central London location and our global reach contribute to making Richmond Pharmacology an exciting and dynamic place to work.
Purpose of the job
The Director of Operations is accountable for a significant proportion of the operational activity required to deliver clinical trials at Richmond. This role leads Clinical Operations, Laboratory Services, Data Science, Catering, Clinical Project Delivery, and Acute Clinical Management, ensuring these functions operate in a coordinated and aligned way to support high-quality project delivery. The focus is to ensure that these operational areas run safely, compliantly, efficiently, and effectively, with engaged teams and a relentless focus on improving how work gets done. This is a leadership role. The Director sets direction, creates clarity, and holds leaders accountable for delivering excellence across their areas, while working closely with other Directors to ensure end-to-end trial success.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Operational Leadership and Performance
- Own performance and delivery across assigned operational functions
- Ensure operational delivery is efficient, coordinated, and aligned to study requirements
- Work in partnership with peers and seniors to enable end-to-end study delivery
- Reduce friction between functions and improve ways of working
- Ensure clear accountability for outcomes within and across functions
- Participant Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure all operational areas meet the highest standards of participant safety
- Maintain regulatory compliance across all accountable functions
- Embed a culture where safety and quality are non-negotiable
- Ensure ongoing inspection readiness
- Project Delivery
- Support the effective delivery of clinical trials through strong operational execution
- Improve predictability, timelines, and quality of delivery within accountable areas
- Reduce delays, rework, and operational inefficiencies
- Strengthen ownership and accountability at the project level
- Functional Leadership
- Provide leadership across: Clinical Operations, Laboratory Services, Data Science (data management and statistics), Clinical Project Delivery, Acute Clinical Management, Catering
- Ensure each function is high performing, well-structured, and clearly aligned to shared goals
- Build strong collaboration across functions and with the wider organisation
- Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence
- Drive continuous improvement across operational processes and systems
- Identify and eliminate inefficiencies and duplication
- Use data and insight to prioritise improvements
- Promote smarter, simpler ways of working, including use of technology where appropriate
- People Leadership and Capability
- Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team
- Set clear expectations and hold leaders accountable for delivery and behaviour
- Build capability and succession across functions
- Ensure teams are structured to deliver sustainably and effectively
- Financial and Operational Efficiency
- Support strong financial performance through efficient operational delivery
- Contribute to budgeting and performance tracking across functions
- Ensure resources are deployed effectively without compromising quality or safety
- Strategic Contribution
- Contribute to organisational strategy and growth plans
- Ensure operational capability supports increasingly complex and high-value studies
- Support Richmond’s ambition to be a partner of choice for early-phase clinical research
Skills and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, or related discipline.
- Strong working knowledge of GCP and clinical trial regulations
- Strong background in data-driven decision-making and performance management.
- Minimum 15 years of progressive operations leadership experience, with at least 5 years in senior management roles.
- Senior leadership experience in clinical research
- Strong understanding of clinical trial delivery and regulatory requirements
- Proven ability to manage audits and regulatory inspections successfully
- Track record of reducing delays, rework, or inefficiencies
- Proven ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including interaction with cross-functional teams, boards and regulatory bodies
- Ability to operate effectively in a matrix environment
- Data-driven and outcome-focused
Director of Operations employer: Richmond Pharmacology
Richmond Pharmacology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London Bridge, where innovation meets excellence in clinical research. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide competitive benefits including private medical and dental care, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative and high-performing team. Join us to lead impactful clinical trials while being part of a culture that prioritises safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. We can help you refine your answers and boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows that you’re polite and professional, which is always a bonus in our book.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Operations role. Highlight your experience in clinical research and operational leadership, and don’t forget to showcase your achievements in improving efficiency and compliance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Richmond Pharmacology. Mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and deliver successful clinical trials.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As this is a leadership role, make sure to emphasise your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Talk about how you've built strong collaborations and driven continuous improvement in your previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond Pharmacology
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of clinical trial processes and regulations. Brush up on GCP guidelines and be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated audits or inspections in the past.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Director of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and improved operational efficiency in previous roles.
✨Be Data-Driven
Highlight your experience with data-driven decision-making. Be prepared to discuss specific metrics you've used to track performance and how you've leveraged data to enhance project delivery.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Emphasise your ability to work across functions and with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and reduced friction between teams to achieve common goals.
