Trial Vendor Associate Director

Novartis; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is seeking an experienced clinical operations professional to lead vendor management across studies. You will oversee vendor interfaces, contract negotiations, and budget control to ensure timely activation and high-quality delivery.

The role requires strong GxP/ICH knowledge and UAT experience with eCOA and IRT systems. In a matrixed environment, you will drive cross-functional collaboration and ensure delivery of study milestones.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in clinical operations and vendor management.
• GxP and ICH regulations knowledge.
• Experience with eCOA/IRT UAT testing.
• Vendor management including outsourcing and contracting.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with study teams throughout the lifecycle.
• Review vendor protocols and support contract negotiations with procurement.
• Oversee vendor cost control, budgets, and PO close-out.
• Ensure vendor service quality at study level.
• Drive site activation and manage risk/issues during activation.
• Monitor cycle times and use FIRST for corrective actions.

Skills

Vendor management

Outsourcing

Contract negotiations

Budget oversight

UAT eCOA/IRT

GxP/ICH knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Project delivery

Job description

Job Description Summary

ROLE TYPE: Homeworking, #LI-Home or Hybrid working, #LI-Hybrid (depending on location)
LOCATION: Homeworking UK or Hybrid Working, Westworks, London and Dublin, Ireland
RELOCATION SUPPORT: Please apply only if any of these locations are accessible to you, as relocation support is not available.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with study team lead and members throughout the study lifecycle.
• Review vendor-related protocol sections during protocol development. Manage vendor interfaces and support contract negotiations in collaboration with procurement.
• Oversee vendor cost control, budget reviews, invoice reconciliation, and purchase order (PO) close-out.
• Ensure vendor service excellence, maintaining quality and service standards at the study level.
• Drive site activation, compile central documents, and address risks/issues during site activation.
• Conduct user-acceptance testing (UAT) for electronic Clinical Outcome Assessment (eCOA) and Interactive Response Technology (IRT) systems.
• Monitor vendor-related cycle times and risks using tools like FIRST, while implementing corrective actions as needed.

Essential Requirements

• 5+ years of experience with clinical operations and vendor management processes.
• Strong understanding of Good Practice (GxP) and International Council for Harmonization ICH regulations.
• Solid knowledge of clinical trial design and alignment to supplier requirements.
• Experience conducting UAT for eCOA and IRT systems.
• Proven expertise in vendor management, including outsourcing, contracting, and sourcing clinical services.
• Results-oriented, with a track record of completing projects on time.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams within a matrixed environment.
• Strong influencing, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Why Novartis

Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us!

You’ll receive:

You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

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

Join our Novartis Network:

If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here:

Skills Desired:

Budget Management, Clinical Trials, People Management, Process Improvements, Project Planning, Vendor Management, Waterfall Model