Trial Vendor Senior Manager – Global Clinical Operations (GCO_

Overview

As a core member of the Clinical Trial Team, you will oversee vendor delivery across major categories to ensure study timelines, quality, and compliance. You translate protocol requirements into vendor specs and manage risks and budgets in a global context. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive site activation and vendor performance. This role supports Novartis’ mission to transform healthcare and improve patient outcomes by optimizing vendor services throughout the trial lifecycle. You will work in a hybrid London setting with onsite and remote coordination.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible and hybrid working options
• minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave
• insurance plans
• retirement plans
• wellbeing resources
• global recognition programs

Responsibilities

• Single point of contact for study-level vendor service delivery, collaborating with vendors and CTT colleagues
• End-to-end oversight of vendor deliverables, ensuring alignment with timelines, scope, quality, and compliance across central labs, IRT, eCOA/ePRO, imaging, PR&R, and diagnostics
• Review protocol sections and translate requirements into vendor specifications and SOWs with the Vendor Start-up Manager
• Oversee vendor financials including forecasting, budgeting, invoicing, and PO management
• Ensure start-up documentation supports submission and activate sites from a vendor perspective
• Lead UAT for vendor systems and contribute to vendor system validation
• Drive site activation and manage risks/issues throughout the trial lifecycle
• Manage vendor performance against KPIs, implement corrective actions, and maintain inspection-ready documentation

Key requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or equivalent; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 3 years’ clinical operations experience with direct vendor oversight in central labs, IRT, eCOA/ePRO, or imaging
• Strong knowledge of GxP and ICH regulations, trial design, and supplier specifications
• Proficiency in vendor management, contracting, and site collaborations including UAT for eCOA/IRT
• Results-driven with ability to deliver projects on time
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills in a matrix environment
• Demonstrated networking, teamwork, and decision-making abilities
• Oncology experience is highly beneficial

• negotiation
• problem-solving
• communication
• vendor management
• contracting
• UAT for eCOA and IRT

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