INTERIM L&D Leader - Clinical Trials - £800 p/d (Inside IR35)

1st Executive Ltd; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical organization is seeking an INTERIM Director of Learning & Capability Building in London. In this one-year temporary role, you'll design and implement strategic learning programs for Global Clinical Operations, enhancing the capability of teams delivering clinical trials. Strong experience in L&D within the pharmaceutical environment is essential, along with excellent communication and analytical skills. This opportunity allows you to significantly impact clinical trial readiness and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in L&D within pharmaceutical or clinical research.
• Proven ability to lead and influence change.
• Passion for capability building and modern learning methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead GCO Learning & Capability Plan delivery.
• Assess GCO capability needs and design learning solutions.
• Implement training initiatives for clinical trial conduct.
• Collaborate with GCO leadership for standardization.
• Track training metrics to measure effectiveness.

Skills

Experience in designing L&D solutions

Excellent communication skills

Analytical problem-solving skills

Ability to lead in a matrix organization

Job description

INTERIM L&D Leader - Clinical Trials - £800 p/d (Inside IR35)

INTERIM Director of Learning & Capability Building (Pharmaceutical - Global Clinical Operations)

Duration: 12 months

Location: London or Stevenage (2-3 days p/w in Office)

Are you an experienced Learning & Development leader with a passion for elevating capability in clinical trial delivery? We're seeking an INTERIM Director of Learning & Capability Building to shape and lead critical development programs that strengthen how Global Clinical Operations (GCO) teams learn, grow, and execute clinical trials.

This one-year assignment offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on GCO readiness, trial efficiency, and the future of learning across a global pharmaceutical organisation.

The Opportunity

In this senior L&D role, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of strategic learning programs that enhance the capability and confidence of teams delivering clinical trials worldwide. You'll work closely with GCO leaders to identify capability gaps, build robust and standardised learning frameworks, and create modern, scalable development experiences that empower teams to operate with excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Lead delivery of key elements of the GCO Learning & Capability Plan, ensuring programs align with organisation-wide priorities.

Assess capability needs across GCO and translate insights into targeted, high-impact learning solutions.

Design and implement learning initiatives focused on clinical trial conduct, using a blend of innovative and practical learning methodologies (e.g., workshops, micro-learning, peer learning, digital tools).

Partner with GCO leadership to improve consistency and standardisation of learning frameworks across regions and functions.

Track and interpret training metrics to measure progress, effectiveness, and compliance-using data to refine approaches.

Promote a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and open communication across the GCO community.

Success Looks Like

Enhanced capability, confidence, and readiness of GCO staff to conduct high-quality clinical trials.

Consistent, standardised learning frameworks embedded across GCO.

Demonstrable improvements in training metrics, compliance, and knowledge transfer.

More efficient, effective learning programs that directly support operational performance in clinical trial delivery.

What You Bring

Strong experience designing and implementing L&D solutions within the pharmaceutical or clinical research environment.

Proven ability to lead in a matrix organisation and drive change through influence.

Excellent facilitation, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

A passion for capability building, modern learning methods, and supporting teams who enable scientific and clinical excellence.

Additional Information

This is a one-year temporary assignment requiring commitment for the full duration. Your work will play a key role in shaping how global clinical teams learn to deliver impactful, compliant, and efficient clinical trials.