1

Head Clinical Operations Biotech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a competent Head of Clinical Operations who will own critical functions across the business, including expansion strategy, new vertical launches, supply chain management, clinical ...

Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Janssen, one of the ... Key RelationshipsThe Head of Clinical Operations Capabilities and Standards works closely with all ...

The Global Head of Clinical Operations is responsible for defining and leading the global clinical ... Experience * 15+ years of experience in clinical operations within pharmaceutical or biotechnology ...

Head of Clinical Operations About Conduit Health Conduit Health is transforming the hardest, most outdated corner of post-acute care: getting essential medical equipment and supplies into patients ...

New

The Global Head of Clinical Operations is responsible for defining and leading the global clinical ... Experience * 15+ years of experience in clinical operations within pharmaceutical or biotechnology ...

Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Janssen, one of the ... Role OverviewThe Sr. Manager, Clinical Trial Operations Planning & Analytics is responsible for the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

Head Clinical Operations Biotech information

See salary details

$60K

$146K

$282.5K

How much do head clinical operations biotech jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for head clinical operations biotech in the United States is $145,969.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $173,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Head Clinical Operations Biotech vs Clinical Operations Manager?

AspectHead Clinical Operations BiotechClinical Operations Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire clinical development strategy, manages multiple teams, and aligns clinical goals with company objectives.Manages daily clinical trial activities, supervises clinical staff, and ensures trial compliance.
Required CredentialsAdvanced degree (e.g., MD, PhD, or MSc), extensive industry experience, leadership skills.Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in life sciences, relevant clinical trial experience.
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-functional leadership in biotech or pharma companies.Operational, site-focused environment managing clinical trial sites and teams.

The Head Clinical Operations Biotech typically holds a higher strategic role, overseeing multiple projects and teams, while the Clinical Operations Manager focuses on day-to-day trial management. Both roles require relevant clinical experience, but the head role emphasizes leadership and strategic planning within the biotech industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head of Clinical Operations in Biotech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head of Clinical Operations in Biotech, you need extensive experience in clinical trial management, regulatory compliance, and a relevant advanced degree such as an MS, PharmD, or PhD. Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic data capture (EDC), and certifications like GCP (Good Clinical Practice) are typically required. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and excellent communication skills are essential for managing cross-functional teams and external partners. These competencies are vital to ensure efficient trial execution, regulatory adherence, and the successful delivery of clinical programs.

What are some common challenges faced by a Head of Clinical Operations in a biotech company, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge for a Head of Clinical Operations in biotech is managing the complexities of early-phase clinical trials while ensuring regulatory compliance and timelines are met. This role often requires balancing innovative scientific approaches with strict operational oversight and resource constraints. Effective communication with cross-functional teams, such as regulatory affairs, medical, and data management, is essential to anticipate and resolve issues quickly. Building a resilient team and fostering a collaborative environment can help overcome logistical hurdles and enhance trial execution efficiency.

What does a Head of Clinical Operations in biotech do?

A Head of Clinical Operations in biotech oversees the planning, execution, and management of clinical trials for new drugs or therapies. They lead teams to ensure that studies are conducted according to regulatory standards, timelines, and budgets. Their responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional departments, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring patient safety and data integrity. This role is crucial for bringing innovative treatments from the lab to patients while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.
Infographic showing various Head Clinical Operations Biotech job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% As Needed, 13% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,969 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Head Clinical Development Business Solutions

Novartis

East Hanover, NJ • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Novartis rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description Summary

Onsite
Location: East Hanover, New Jersey
Hybrid
#LI-Hybrid
About the role:
We have an opportunity for a Head, Clinical Development Business Solutions. In this role, you will work closely with the Global Head Clinical Development Program Scientific Excellence as well as the Global Head Clinical Development to drive functional excellence and execution for the clinical development function. You will lead development and execution of the clinical development operational strategy to ensure clinical development process excellence and compliance, which includes functional oversight and strategic direction of all clinical development-owned processes, tools & systems, quality & compliance to regulations, and inspection-readiness. You will have an opportunity to partner with key stakeholders across the function and organization.


Job Description

Your Key Responsibilities:

  • Assumes oversight of all Clinical Development-owned processes (e.g., Clinical Development Plan, Study Protocol, Clinical Data Review, Medical Devices in Clinical Trials, Investigators Brochure, Data Monitoring Committee, Steering Committee, and others) and their related systems, tools, templates, guidance documents, and standard operating procedures.
  • Leads the Business Solutions team of Clinical Development process owners, by providing day-to-day guidance, talent management, career development, and succession planning activities. Attracts, develops, coaches, motivates, and retains top talent, building a leadership and skills pipeline for the future.
  • Builds, promotes, and maintains partnerships with Global Clinical Operations, Advanced Quantitative Science, Quality, and other key Novartis divisional stakeholders. Ensures collaboration on key initiatives and defines proactive cross-functional operational plans to mitigate/manage operational and inspection risks
  • Oversees the cross-functional deployment of Risk-Based Quality Management for Clinical Development and partner functions.
  • Accountable for ensuring clinical trial teams are trained on Clinical Development-owned processes, guided in day-to-day activities, and supported during inspections and audits. Functional Process Owner, reporting to the Head of Business Solutions, is responsible for presenting and defending the end-to-end process to Health Authorities and inspectors.
  • Ensures constant improvement of Clinical Development processes based on performance metrics and corrective actions, utilizing new technologies and insights from cross-industry forums (e.g., Transcelerate).
  • Ensures that Clinical Development processes adhere to regulations (e.g., ICH guidelines, HA guidelines/regulations, ISO, etc.) and oversees quality and compliance in Clinical Development. This includes tracking process deviations, completing CAPAs, assigning GxP training, and addressing identified risks and gaps.

Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggbnzRY9z8w


Role Requirements:
Essential Requirements

  • PhD or equivalent advanced degree in a scientific or healthcare relevant field with 10+ years pharma industry experience.
  • Advanced knowledge of Clinical Development grounded on hands-on experience in phase 2/3 clinical trials.
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to present and interact with senior management.
  • Strong evidence of strategic thinking, problem solving capabilities, scenario evaluation, contingency planning and operational effectiveness/innovation, especially in drug development.
  • Deep understanding of GCP and regulatory standards and policies.
  • Strong project management skills, able to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities and unexpected events while maintaining a positive work attitude.
  • Proven track record in working across a matrix organization and demonstrating expert skills in building partnerships and negotiating agreements; Excel at collaboration.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers who are focused on building and advancing a culture of inclusion that values and celebrates individual differences, uniqueness, backgrounds and perspectives. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the world around us and connects us to the patients, customers and communities we serve.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.


Salary Range

$245,600.00 - $368,400.00


Skills Desired

Budget Management, Clinical Trials, Coaching, Compliance, Cross-Functional Teams, Leadership, People Management, Risk Management, Risk Monitoring, Strategy