At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for clinical trials, ensuring efficiency and compliance across multiple functions.
- Company: Richmond Pharmacology, a pioneering Clinical Research Organisation in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical and dental, pension, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic contribution and career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in early-phase clinical research.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in operations leadership, with strong knowledge of clinical trial 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
Application: If you are interested in the role, please register your details, including a copy of your CV. Please note, while we try to respond to every candidate, the high volume of applications anticipated may make this impossible and we ask for your patience and understanding.
Director of Operations in London employer: Richmond Pharmacology
Richmond Pharmacology is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London Bridge, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including private medical and dental care, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional development within a pioneering Clinical Research Organisation. Join us to be part of a world-renowned team dedicated to delivering excellence in clinical trials while ensuring a safe and compliant environment for all participants.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Director of Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Richmond Pharmacology thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve led teams, improved processes, and delivered results in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit for the Director of Operations position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Richmond Pharmacology and ready to contribute to their exciting work in clinical research.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in London
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 data-driven decision-making skills!
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 of how you've improved operational efficiency or led successful teams in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As this is a leadership role, be sure to convey your leadership style in your application. Talk about how you build high-performing teams and foster collaboration across functions to achieve shared goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond Pharmacology
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of clinical trial regulations and GCP. Richmond Pharmacology is looking for someone with a strong background in these areas, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Director of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, improved operational efficiency, and driven performance in previous roles. This will show them you're the right fit for their high-performing environment.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Richmond values teamwork across functions. Be prepared to talk about how you've fostered collaboration in past positions, especially in matrix environments. Highlight any experiences where you reduced friction between teams or improved ways of working.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role requires a strong focus on data-driven decision-making, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to inform your strategies and improve outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to align with their goal of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
