Job Description

#LI-Hybrid

The SSO Country Manager is accountable for all country clinical operations activities related to the allocation, initiation, conduct, and timely completion of Phase I–IV clinical trials. The role ensures delivery of country portfolio objectives, including quality, timelines, budget, and productivity, in line with Study & Site strategy and local priorities. The SSO Country Manager drives alignment with Medical and cross-functional stakeholders and ensures compliance with applicable regulations and standards.

This role is based in Belgium. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implements country clinical operations strategies to deliver portfolio and trial execution objectives in alignment with Study & Site and local business priorities
• Ensures Country trial site selection, activation, enrolment, resource allocation, timelines and budget commitments are delivered per established trial objectives
• Builds and maintains effective site relationship management to ensure site performance and delivery of quality monitoring
• Ensures delivery of high-quality data and compliance with clinical standards, applicable regulations, and company procedures
• Identifies, escalates, and resolves operational issues, including support for audits, inspections, and implementation of corrective actions
• Drives adherence to quality standards and ensures consistent implementation of processes and best practices across country operations
• Acts as primary point of contact for FSP/external vendors, ensuring overall quality and performance, including escalation and follow-up of non-performance
• Ensures appropriate allocation and effective utilization of resources to deliver country portfolio objectives
• Manages country budget and productivity in line with targets and supports continuous improvement and implementation of global processes and tools

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in life sciences required
• Fluent in both written and spoken English
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in clinical research - planning/executing and/or monitoring clinical trials with minimum 4 years in a people management role
• Expert understanding of all aspects of clinical drug development with particular emphasis on trial execution and monitoring
• Thorough understanding of the international aspects of drug development process, including expert knowledge of international standards (GCP/ICH), health authorities (FDA/EMA), local/National Health Authorities regulations and Novartis standards Competencies:
• Leadership, strategic thinking and matrix management skills; Established track record of leading successful teams
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills; excellent organisational, interpersonal skills with extensive networking expected
• Excellent communicator and presenter (oral and written), ability to communicate to Sr. Leaders

Preferred Requirements:

• Advanced Degree in life sciences or business

Skills Desired

Budget Management, Clinical Trials, Negotiation Skills, People Management, Process Improvement, Project Planning, Vendor Management, Waterfall Model