Head of Clinical Operations – Ferring Ventures

Ferring Pharmaceuticals; West Drayton; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company in West Drayton seeks a Head of Clinical Operations to lead clinical strategies and ensure the success of clinical studies. The ideal candidate has a medical degree, extensive experience in international pharma drug development, and strong analytical skills. Responsibilities include overseeing clinical studies and contributing to strategic decisions, making this role crucial for the company’s clinical portfolio.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years' experience in international pharma drug development.
• Strong background in translational strategy and clinical trial design.
• Proven research capabilities with publications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Co-shape and implement clinical strategy alongside the Managing Director.
• Manage clinical studies ensuring excellence and adherence to quality standards.
• Recommend and design clinical development activities effectively.

Skills

Early-phase clinical development

Strategic competence

Analytical problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Fluency in English

Education

Medical Doctor (PhD preferred)

Job description

Job Description:

Ferring Ventures (FV) operate independently from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and focus on developing innovative therapies for serious diseases while strategically investing in promising biotech companies. Ferring Ventures aims to move research projects to value inflection points, up to the end of Phase 2, and to support other innovators through strategic investments. It focuses on areas with significant unmet needs for patients, making decisions quickly and operating with discipline and agility to maximise impact. By combining research with strategic investments, Ferring Ventures seeks to create real value for patients, partners, and its portfolio, and to open the door to future opportunities through partnerships, licensing, or strategic asset sales.

The Head of Clinical Operations

is part of a small, highly entrepreneurial leadership team reporting directly to the Managing Director. The role combines clinical strategy, scientific leadership and operational oversight—ensuring that FV’s programmes move efficiently from early phases toward proof-of-concept and value inflection.

Purpose of the Role:

As Head of Clinical Operations and a core member of FV’s leadership team, you will:

• Co‑shape, design and implement the FV strategy alongside the Managing Director
• Provide scientific and clinical support to Scientific Directors across early‑ and mid‑stage programmes
• Ensure clinical studies are designed and executed with excellence
• Influence strategic decisions in FV’s governance bodies

You are ultimately accountable for the clinical value creation of FV’s portfolio

The Head of Clinical Operations will be responsible for the following, in close collaboration with the FV leadership team:

Main Accountabilities:

• Recommend, design, execute clinical development activities, adhering to agreed timelines, budget and quality standards. Support clinical development for all relevant phases (mostly I and II), ensuring robust early‑phase strategy, clear go/no‑go criteria, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Together with the project teams, ensure efficient selection and management of external vendors (Agency Workers (TCS), CROs, contract labs, etc.). This includes:
  • establishing expectations, KPIs and quality/performance metrics
  • ensuring adequate oversight and escalation pathways
  • driving vendor accountability for delivery, cost discipline and compliance
• In collaboration with other team members ensure proper progress of development and due diligence activities. This includes scientific and clinical evaluation of external opportunities, contribution to partnership models and support to outbound activities such as preparing assets for spin‑out, partnering or strategic sale.
• Accountable for clinical contents and clinical input in regulatory interactions, including trial design alignment and ensuring dossiers are supported by rigorously generated clinical data.
• Lead Protocol Review Meetings (PRC) to ensure scientific and operational quality for all relevant phases

Job Requirements:

• Medical Doctor. Documented research capabilities, e.g. PhD with international publications and presentations or equivalent. Strong background in early‑phase clinical development (Phase I–II) and familiarity with translational strategy, dose‑finding methodologies, early proof‑of‑concept design and decision frameworks.
• 10+ years’ experience from international pharma drug development, preferably including the US. Ability to work and influence across functions at multiple levels. Ability to develop and manage multi‑facetted budgets. Quality mindset to ensure adherence to Rules & Regulations (GCP, FDA, EMEA)
• High level of strategic and analytical competence. Fluency in English and an effective verbal/written Communicator.
• Innovation mindset, curiosity and forward‑thinking approach to problem‑solving
• Capable of navigating a complex organization, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Able to build relationships, to negotiate & influence, and manage change in matrix environment. Ability to leverage and develop a strong network of experts
• Outstanding analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Team player, result oriented with strong work ethic, highly motivated self‑starter

Information for Recruitment Agencies:

Ferring International Center S.A. and all affiliated companies do not accept candidate suggestions from unsolicited third parties. Candidates presented by unsolicited third parties (e.g., recruitment agencies, headhunters, etc.) will not be considered in the hiring process and will not be further reviewed. Furthermore, no contractual relationship exists between Ferring and any third‑party submitting candidates in this manner. Ferring is neither obligated nor willing to pay a fee to third parties who submit candidates in this way.

Location: Ferring UK