Vendor Alliance - Lead Associate Director

Novartis; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Vendor Alliance Lead Associate Director to oversee outsourced clinical activities and manage relationships with CRO partners. This role involves strategic oversight, supplier governance, and collaboration across divisions to ensure operational excellence. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in vendor management and clinical trial processes, along with strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Join this innovative team to make a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry, driving value beyond cost and enhancing patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong leadership experience in supplier relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Manage outsourced clinical activities and governance of CRO partners.
• Lead supplier due diligence and qualification activities.

Skills

Vendor Management

Clinical Trial Processes

Problem-Solving

Leadership

Stakeholder Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences or Business

Advanced Degree

Job description

Vendor Alliance - Lead Associate Director

Join to apply for the Vendor Alliance - Lead Associate Director role at Novartis

Vendor Alliance - Lead Associate Director

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Join to apply for the Vendor Alliance - Lead Associate Director role at Novartis

Summary
Reporting to the Head Vendor Alliance, the Vendor Alliance Lead (VAL) for Full Service is responsible for managing outsourced clinical activities, deliverables, and governance of Novartis' CRO partners.

The VAL oversees the operational aspects of CRO partners and is the expert within the External Relationship Management Teams (ERMTs) to drive value beyond cost from external partners.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for supplier governance, oversight, and issue management/escalation across global clinical operations, locally and cross-divisionally as required.
• Support the implementation of outsourcing program strategies.
• Lead business review meetings with CRO partners, including KPI and KQI reviews.
• Serve as a point of escalation for unresolved supplier issues.
• Leverage knowledge of service categories and suppliers for proactive risk management.
• Lead supplier due diligence and qualification activities within ERMT.
• Utilize technological enablers for automated issue resolution.
• Provide support during Health Authority inspections, including CAPA management.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or business, with 7–10 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry; advanced degree preferred.
• Leadership experience in supplier relationship management or related fields.
• Strong vendor management skills.
• Expertise in clinical trial processes and supplier requirements.
• Ability to collaborate across divisions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of GxP and ICH regulations.
• Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and solution generation skills.
• Leadership and project management skills, with excellent influencing and communication abilities.
• Strategic thinking, organizational knowledge, and advanced planning skills.
• Ability to influence independently and build high-performing teams.
• Excellent partnering skills with stakeholders.
• Fluent in English, oral and written.

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