Trial Vendor Senior Manager - Global Clinical Operations

About the role

Novartis is hiring a Trial Vendor Senior Manager (TVM) in Barcelona, Spain, as a core member of the Clinical Trial Team (CTT). The TVM acts as the vendor sub-team lead, overseeing clinical trial vendors so that studies meet schedule, budget, quality, compliance and performance standards. The position is hybrid, with an expectation of 12 days per month onsite at the Gran Via offices, and relocation is not offered.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the single point of contact for vendor service delivery at the study level, partnering with vendors and cross-functional teams within the CTT.
• Provide end-to-end operational oversight of vendor deliverables across central labs, IRT, eCOA/ePRO, imaging, cardiac and respiratory diagnostics, and patient recruitment and retention (PR&R).
• Review vendor-related protocol sections and help turn protocol requirements into vendor specifications and Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Oversee vendor financials: forecasting, budget tracking, validation of work performed, service confirmations, invoice reconciliation and purchase orders.
• Ensure vendor deliverables and documentation are ready for submission at study start-up, and lead UAT for vendor systems such as eCOA and IRT.
• Drive site activation from a vendor perspective, compile central documents and address risks and issues during site activation and throughout the site lifecycle.
• Manage vendor performance against KPIs, drive corrective actions and mitigation plans, and keep oversight documentation inspection-ready.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of clinical operations experience, including direct management of clinical trial vendors in one or more major service categories.
• Strong knowledge of GxP and ICH regulations, clinical trial design and supplier service specifications.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, problem-solving and communication skills in a matrixed environment, with strong networking and decision-making abilities.
• Good knowledge of oncology-focused clinical trials is highly beneficial.

Required skills

• Vendor management, contracting and vendor oversight
• Budget management and project planning
• UAT for eCOA and IRT systems

What we offer

• Annual base salary range of 46,300 to 86,100 EUR, with a possible performance-based bonus.
• Flexible and hybrid working options where possible.
• Insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.
• Minimum 14 weeks of paid parental leave.