Vendor Program Strategy Director - Global Clinical Operations

Salary Range

£83,510.00 - £155,090.00

Location & Hybrid Working

Westworks, London, UK

Novartis operates a Hybrid working policy, with an expectation of 12 days per month onsite.

Remote Home Worker contracts can be offered based on eligibility criteria being met. This can be discussed at interview, if applicable.

Relocation Support: This role is based in London, UK. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Job Description

Successful clinical development depends on clear program‑level vendor strategy, early planning, and effective coordination across the clinical program lifecycle. As Vendor Program Strategy Director – Global Clinical Operations, you will act as the vendor strategy business partner to the GCO Sub Team, translating the program pipeline and clinical strategy into an integrated, efficient vendor approach from early concept through program closeout.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the vendor program‑level business partner for vendor strategy across the clinical program lifecycle, from early concept and protocol planning through program closeout.
• Partner with Clinical Operations Program Heads, Vendor Alliance Leads, Procurement, clinical teams, and other key stakeholders to align portfolio program needs with vendor category supplier capabilities and strategies.
• Lead the development and execution of master vendor strategies, including vendor identification, early pricing assessments, selection, and risk mitigation, while optimizing operational and bundling efficiencies.
• Maintain a program‑level perspective on vendor delivery, performance, and risk across clinical trials, driving efficiencies and promoting best practices through data‑driven insights and lessons learned.
• Enable early vendor engagement from concept and protocol development through feasibility, including high‑level service requirements and preliminary pricing inputs to support effective frontloading and study planning.
• Drive program‑level productivity, operational efficiency, and value realization by identifying opportunities across studies and supporting the tracking and reporting of agreed benefits.
• Provide strategic direction and program context to Trial Vendor Managers and Vendor Start‑up Managers, supporting consistent execution of the program vendor strategy without replacing study‑level operational ownership.

Essential Requirements

• Advanced degree in a scientific or business discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Significant clinical development and clinical operations experience, including strategic leadership of outsourced trial activities and cross‑study vendor planning.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical capabilities, with the ability to assess complex challenges and translate strategy into effective action.
• Strategic mindset with demonstrated success leading complex programs and cross‑functional initiatives in a global environment.
• Experience leading through change and transformation, fostering collaboration, resilience, and positive outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial methodology, Good Clinical Practice, vendor services, and applicable quality and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills, with a track record of building productive internal and external partnerships.

Desirable Requirements

• Strong operational background with experience supporting clinical development within Oncology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic diseases.
• Experience shaping program‑level vendor strategies and cross‑functional ways of working across global, multi‑country clinical development programs.

Benefits & Rewards

• Insurance plans
• Retirement plans
• Wellbeing resources
• Global recognition programs
• Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible
• Minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

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