Job Description

This is the opportunity that is the strategic leader responsible for defining and driving the strategic direction of the SSU (study start up) Unit within the CDC and Adjacent Affiliates, in alignment with organisational goals. Bring your leadership, regulatory expertise and passion for quality to a team that values innovation, collaboration and patient impact as our new Start Up Manager, Türkiye. This position is based in Istanbul, Türkiye and reports to Clinical Operations Excellence Senior Manager.

Your new position

As Start-Up Manager you will be accountable for defining and implementing study start up and regulatory strategies for the CDC and adjacent affiliates, ensuring alignment with Global and Regional objectives and applicable regulatory requirements. You will lead the SSU team, manage resource and budget allocation, drive continuous improvement and ensure inspection readiness across start-up operations.

Your key responsibilities will be to;

• Define and implement study start up and regulatory strategies across the CDC and adjacent affiliates, ensuring alignment with Global/Regional goals and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and coordinate study start up and submission activities across the clinical portfolio to meet timelines, quality standards and compliance expectations.
• Co-develop regulatory strategy and SSU plans with Trial Managers and SSU Specialists, balancing CDC strategy and industry best practice.
• Manage strategic allocation of SSU resources and budget to optimise trial readiness and operational efficiency.
• Lead, mentor and develop the SSU team, contributing to performance management, talent reviews and succession planning while fostering empowerment and accountability.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation and a risk-based approach to quality management for SSU and regulatory submission processes, maintaining inspection readiness.
• Partner cross functionally and represent Novo Nordisk externally to influence local regulations and enable efficient start up activities across affiliates.

Your new department

Clinical Development Centre Turkey is responsible for all clinical operations activities within Turkey and project management of clinical studies conducted in, Lebanon, Algeria, Saudi Arabia Morocco and Türkiye. The team consists of 74 employees

Your skills & qualifications

You are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree Life Sciences or related field, master’s degree preferred with at least 5 years of relevant experience in clinical operations, study-start up or a related area in the pharmaceutical industry or CRO (Clinical Research Organisation) . Further sought-after skills are

• Strong track record in clinical trial operations with expertise in regulatory compliance and submissions
• Leadership experience as a line manager and in the management of dynamic teams
• Ability to lead and align local teams with organisational strategy and local priorities
• Capable of translating strategic visions into actionable plans to achieve measurable outcomes
• Strong project management capabilities, including organisation, planning and prioritisation
• Confident navigating ambiguity and leading others through change and uncertainty
• Demonstrated ability to ensure high-quality execution of clinical trial activities in compliance with ICH-GCP, regulatory requirements and internal SOPs
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate risks, identify opportunities, and drive smart decision-making
• An enterprise mindset demonstrating a global business understanding, prioritizing the organisation's overall success over individual or departmental interests, and promoting cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to communicate with clarity and impact and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all organisational levels
• Ability to innovate, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and initiate change that drives productivity
  

Working at Novo Nordisk

At Novo Nordisk, we don’t wait for change. We drive it. We’re a dynamic company in an even more dynamic industry, and we know that what got us to where we are today is not necessarily what will make us successful in the future. We embrace the spirit of experimentation, striving for excellence without fixating on perfection. We never shy away from opportunities to develop, we seize them. From research and development, through to manufacturing, marketing and sales – we’re all working to move the needle on patient care.

What We Offer

There is, of course, more on offer here than the uniqueness of our culture and the extraordinary results we produce. Being part of a global healthcare company means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us, while our benefits are designed with your career and life stage in mind.

Deadline

Apply before 18 January 2026. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis

Novo Nordisk is currently in the process of adjusting job titles globally. Please note that the job title listed in this advertisement may be subject to change. More detailed information will be provided during the recruitment process.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and preventing diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.