At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regulatory operations for impactful cancer clinical trials and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join the prestigious Cancer Research UK & UCL Cancer Trials Centre, a leader in oncology research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care and clinical practice through innovative cancer research.
- Qualifications: Experience in clinical trials regulation and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior stakeholders in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 76000 £ per year.
The Cancer Research UK & UCL Cancer Trials Centre (CTC) is one of the largest and most established cancer clinical trials units in the UK, delivering high-quality Phase I-III studies that have changed national and international clinical practice. The Centre brings together clinicians, scientists and professional services specialists to design and deliver complex oncology trials across the UK and internationally.
We are seeking an experienced Clinical Trials Operations Manager (Regulatory) to join the CTC Senior Management Group and provide strategic operational leadership across our regulatory-critical functions. This is a senior, influential role with real autonomy. You will have oversight of:
- Quality Assurance
- Monitoring
- Key elements of data management infrastructure
Working closely with the CTC Director, Clinical Leads and senior colleagues, you will shape how trials are set up, governed and delivered - ensuring compliance with GCP, MHRA and HRA requirements, while also improving efficiency, systems and timelines across a complex and varied portfolio.
You will:
- Lead and develop Grade 7 and 8 operational specialists
- Streamline and modernise SOPs, systems and infrastructure
- Play a key role in MHRA inspection readiness
- Act as a senior point of contact with regulators and partners
- Represent the CTC at national and international forums
- Contribute to centre-wide strategy and cross-CTU collaboration at UCL
This role is not about day-to-day trial delivery. It is about setting direction, solving complex problems, and enabling others to deliver safely, efficiently and at scale. The post is funded for three years in the first instance, on a renewable Cancer Research UK programme grant.
We are looking for someone who already operates comfortably at senior CTU or sponsor level and wants to apply their expertise in a large, high-impact academic trials environment. You will bring:
- High-level knowledge of UK (and EU) clinical trials regulation, including pharmacovigilance
- Strong understanding of QA, monitoring and clinical data management
- Experience delivering IMP trials (licensed and unlicensed)
- Confidence providing regulatory leadership and judgement, not just compliance
- Proven line management and leadership experience
- The ability to improve systems and infrastructure, not simply maintain them
- A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to complex operational challenges
You enjoy working independently, influencing senior stakeholders, and balancing regulatory rigour with real-world delivery in a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to play a senior leadership role in one of the UK's most respected cancer trials centres
- Work that has direct, measurable impact on patient care and clinical practice
- A supportive, expert and highly collaborative culture
- Hybrid working with flexibility around start and finish times (staff are expected to work on site around 60% FTE, typically 3 days per week for full-time roles)
- Competitive Grade 9 salary (£68,284-£76,244 per annum, including London Allowance)
- Access to UCL's extensive professional development, wellbeing and benefits package
UCL is committed to inclusive, sustainable and flexible ways of working. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion includes encouraging applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.
Clinical Trials Operations Manager (Regulatory) employer: UCL
Contact Detail:
UCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Trials Operations Manager (Regulatory)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the clinical trials field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the CTC and its recent studies. We want to see your passion for oncology trials and how you can contribute to our mission. Show us you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around regulatory challenges and leadership experiences. We love candidates who can articulate their thoughts clearly and demonstrate their problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We appreciate candidates who take the time to express their gratitude and reaffirm their interest.
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Trials Operations Manager (Regulatory)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in clinical trials and regulatory compliance. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Clinical Trials Operations Manager role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in a clinical trials context. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and lead others!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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 UCL
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on UK and EU clinical trials regulations, especially around pharmacovigilance. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with compliance but can also provide regulatory leadership.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in managing Grade 7 and 8 operational specialists, as this role requires strong line management and leadership capabilities.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
Think about complex operational challenges you've faced and how you solved them. The interviewers will be looking for a pragmatic approach, so come ready to discuss how you can improve systems and infrastructure rather than just maintain them.
✨Engage with the Mission
Familiarise yourself with the CTC's mission to improve patient outcomes through high-quality research. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.