Clinical Operations Executive Director, EMEA Cluster

Novartis AG; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 105,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Flexible/hybrid work options

14 weeks paid parental leave

Job summary

Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd. in London is seeking a Study & Site Operations Cluster Head to lead the delivery of global clinical trials and shape strategic operations across countries and functions.

You will empower high-performing teams, accelerate trial delivery, and ensure high-quality data to support future medicines. The role requires extensive experience in end-to-end trial planning, execution, and monitoring, with a strong foundation in GCP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related field.
• Extensive experience leading clinical trial planning, execution, and monitoring in a global CRO/pharma environment.
• Deep understanding of GCP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead Study & Site Operations strategy to achieve delivery, quality and business objectives.
• Oversee allocation, start-up, recruitment, and delivery of Phase I–IV trials.
• Ensure enrolment, timelines, budget and quality commitments across all assigned studies.
• Champion compliance with global regulations and Novartis SOPs.
• Build and retain high-performing leaders and drive talent strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical trial planning

Cross-functional collaboration

GCP & ICH knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Job description

Summary#LI-HybridInternal Job Title: SSO Cluster HeadPrimary Location: London, United Kingdom (for candidates residing within 50 miles of the office)Other Locations: Remote, United Kingdom (UK based candidates living more than 50 miles from the office)Relocation Support: This role is based in London, United Kingdom. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.Imagine leading the delivery of clinical trials that have the potential to transform patients' lives on a global scale. As a Study & Site Operations (SSO) Cluster Head at Novartis, you will play a pivotal leadership role shaping Study & Site Operations strategy, driving operational excellence, and enabling the successful execution of complex clinical development programmes. Working across countries, functions, and stakeholders, you will empower high-performing teams, accelerate innovation in trial delivery, and ensure the generation of high-quality data that supports the development of future medicines. This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategic decisions, develop exceptional talent, and make a meaningful impact on healthcare worldwide.About the RoleKey ResponsibilitiesLead Study & Site Operations strategy to achieve clinical trial delivery, quality, and business objectives.Drive innovative approaches to trial planning, execution, and patient engagement across the cluster.Oversee allocation, start-up, recruitment, and delivery of Phase I to IV clinical studies.Ensure delivery against enrolment, timeline, budget, and quality commitments across all assigned trials.Champion compliance with global regulations, ethical standards, and Novartis operating procedures.Build, develop, and retain high-performing leaders while driving succession and talent strategies.Manage cluster resources, budgets, and productivity initiatives to maximise operational performance.Essential RequirementsBachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related scientific discipline.Extensive experience leading clinical trial planning, execution, and monitoring activities within a global clinical research environment.Demonstrated success leading, developing, and coaching managers and high-performing teams across complex organisations.Deep understanding of clinical drug development and end-to-end trial execution.Expert knowledge of Good Clinical Practice, International Council for Harmonisation guidelines, and regulatory requirements.Strong strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing skills across complex organisations.Benefits & RewardsAt Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: £104,790 to £194,610The 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.In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.You may be eligible for a company vehicle or a car allowance in accordance with the applicable local Novartis policies and guidelines.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.pdfNote: 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 paragraphNovartis 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-cultureBenefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)Primary location salary range£104,790.00 - £194,610.00DivisionDevelopmentBusiness UnitDevelopmentLocationUnited KingdomSiteLondon (The Westworks)Company / Legal EntityGB16 (FCRS = GB016) Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd.Alternative Location 1Home Worker, United KingdomFunctional AreaResearch & DevelopmentJob TypeFull timeEmployment TypeRegularShift WorkNo