Lead Central Monitor

About the role

Novartis is looking for a Lead Central Monitor to lead and develop a team of Central Monitors and shape monitoring strategies that protect patient safety, trial quality and data integrity. The role works across clinical, data and risk-surveillance teams and strengthens risk-based monitoring practices. It is a hybrid position based in Barcelona, Spain, with other locations listed as London and Dublin; relocation support is not offered.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Central Monitors, building capability, engagement and consistent high performance.
• Shape central and site monitoring strategies tailored to program, study and Development Unit risks.
• Oversee trial-data surveillance, risk reviews, signal detection and insight generation using Central Monitoring technology.
• Turn complex risk signals into actionable insights so Clinical Trial Teams can investigate and resolve issues.
• Partner with clinical, data and risk-surveillance teams to implement monitoring and risk-mitigation approaches.
• Guide protocol development, risk assessment and the design of study-specific Key Risk Indicators and thresholds.
• Ensure monitoring supports clinical data integrity, regulatory compliance, audit readiness and timely issue resolution.
• Drive continuous improvement through analytics, technology, innovation, lessons learned and Risk-Based Quality Management.

Required profile

• University degree in Life Sciences, Business, Operations or a related discipline.
• At least seven years of recent pharmaceutical or contract research organisation experience, including clinical research.
• At least five years in central or site monitoring, clinical data analytics, data management or a related discipline.
• At least three years of people-management or team-leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial development, study execution, protocols, study risks and risk-management processes.
• Experience with centralised monitoring, Key Risk Indicators, Quality Tolerance Limits and Risk-Based Quality Management.
• Strong knowledge of Good Clinical Practice, ICH standards and health-authority requirements.

Required skills

• Good Clinical Practice and ICH standards
• Clinical trials, clinical study reports and clinical research
• Data analysis and risk-based quality management
• People management and team leadership

What we offer

• Base salary range of EUR 63,600 to 118,000, with a possible performance-based bonus.
• Flexible and hybrid working options where possible.
• Minimum 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.