Clinical Operations Executive Director, EMEA Cluster

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

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Hybrid working options

Parental leave (14 weeks)

Job summary

Novartis invites applications for the role of Study & Site Operations (SSO) Cluster Head in London. You will lead the delivery of global clinical trials, shape operations strategy, and empower cross‑functional teams to accelerate trial delivery.

Responsibilities include start‑up, site activation, enrolment and delivery of Phase I–IV studies, ensuring timeliness, budget and quality, while upholding GCP and regulatory standards. The role offers a base salary range and hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related discipline.
• Extensive experience leading global clinical trial planning and delivery.
• Proven ability to coach managers and lead high-performing teams.
• Deep understanding of clinical drug development and regulatory requirements.
• Strong strategic leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Study & Site Operations strategy to achieve trial delivery, quality, and business objectives.
• Drive innovative approaches to trial planning, execution, and patient engagement across the cluster.
• Oversee start-up, site activation, recruitment, and delivery of Phase I–IV studies.
• Ensure delivery against enrolment, timeline, budget, and quality commitments across all trials.
• Champion compliance with global regulations, ethical standards, and SOPs.
• Build, develop, and retain high-performing leaders with succession planning.
• Manage cluster resources, budgets, and productivity initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

GCP/ICH expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Job description

Summary

Internal Job Title: SSO Cluster Head

Primary 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 Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead 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 Requirements

• Bachelor'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 & 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: £104,790 to £194,610

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.

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.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)