Associate Director ESP Quality

Novartis UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

Global benefits package

Job summary

Novartis UK seeks an Associate Director External Service Provider QA to provide expert QA support in third-party due diligence, qualification and ongoing governance for tech-enabled services used in clinical trials.

The role involves overseeing DHT/SaMD/SaaS implementations, ensuring GxP compliance, and maintaining inspection readiness across global teams in a highly matrixed environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical development and quality management systems.
• Strong knowledge of GxP, GMP, GLP, and regulatory expectations.
• Experience with vendor management and third-party oversight in clinical trials.
• Proficiency in documenting, auditing and ensuring inspection readiness.

Responsibilities

• QA support for Third Party qualifications and governance as a QA SME.
• Identify risks with new Third Parties for GxP use and from exploratory to regulated use.
• Support clinical trial teams with trial-specific assessments for fit-for-purpose technology.
• Review quality issues and escalate major/critical problems; report to health authorities as needed.
• Lead Quality with Technology discussions with Third Party teams to resolve quality challenges.

Skills

Pharma QA experience

GxP knowledge

Vendor management

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy or Medicine

M.Sc. IT/Engineering/Scientific discipline

Ph.D. in Scientific/Engineering

Job description

Summary

Location: London, UK

This role is based in London, UK. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role. Please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

As Associate Director External Service Provider QA, you will have an excellent opportunity to work as a liaison with the Novartis clinical trial teams and Third Parties to provide expert QA support during the Third-Party due diligence, qualification and on-going governance and monitoring.

The use of various types of technology (i.e., DHTs, Medical devices, AI) continues to evolve for use in clinical trials. As such, the approach to qualification and oversight continues to evolve and change, requiring adaptive approaches and specialized skills.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities

• QA support for technology-enabled (DHT, SaMD, SaaS) Third Party qualifications and governance oversight as a technical QA SME in the evolving digital and innovation landscape. This includes the initial qualification, routine risk monitoring and SME support during audits.
• Assist qualification and governance teams in identifying potential risks with new Third Parties, whether for GxP purposes or rapid ramp-up from exploratory to GxP use.
• As and when needed support the clinical trial team for trial specific assessment to ensure technology is fit for purpose based on specific study design.
• Responsible for review and approval of quality issues related to Third Party and ensure appropriate escalation of major and critical issues. Support assessment of serious breach and reporting to health authorities.
• Facilitate the ‘Quality with Technology’ discussions with Third Party management team other interested parties to promote greater understanding of quality challenges when working with tech enabled Third Parties and overcome them through improved collaboration and awareness
• Act as QA representative for cross-functional Digital Technology initiatives, managing the overall Third-Party Quality activities.
• Participate in the independent review of technology implementations ensuring inspection readiness and data integrity awareness.
• Ensure inspection readiness of outsourced related activities and support for internal and external audits and health authority (HA) inspections pertaining Third Party management.

Minimum Requirements

• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical development and excellent knowledge of the quality management system, clinical operations processes and vendor management related activities is preferred.
• Minimum a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy or Medicine, M. Sc. IT/Engineering/Scientific discipline and/or Ph.D. in a Scientific and/or Engineering discipline preferred.
• Fluent English (both spoken & written)
• Working knowledge of GCP/GcLP, GVP, Medical Device regulations.
• Experience with clinical third-party management.
• Combination of computer system compliance and validation expertise associated with global IT systems development (SDLC) and implementation within the pharmaceutical and/or digital health technology (DHT).
• Broad knowledge of regulations and industry quality standards (GCP, ICH, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, FDA 21 CFR 820, ISO 13485).
• Expertise in implementing DHT/SAMD technology within innovative clinical trials preferred.
• Experience navigating complex problems and developing solutions within a matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated ability to partake in interdisciplinary projects with a wide range of business functions and successfully work in a global cross-functional matrix.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 63,917.00 - 118,703.00 GBP

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

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.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO paragraph

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

Why Novartis:

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)