SpainJobs.io

Vendor Operations Lead - Global Clinical Operations (GCO)

Hybrid in Barcelona·Full-time·Added 2 days ago

Novartis

29 open roles

Apply

What they offer

  • €63,600 - €118,000 a year

    Gross, as stated in the ad.

    About €3,650 - €6,150 a month after tax, or €3,710 - €7,150 under the Beckham regime.

  • Full-time hours

    Per the ad.

  • Hybrid

    Office and home days — the ad has the split.

What they ask for

  • Have the right to work in Spain

    Novartis doesn't mention sponsorship in the ad.

  • Be near Barcelona for hybrid days

    No relocation package mentioned.

  • Have 8+ years of experience

    Mid-level role.

The role

Strong vendor Quality and Compliance are critical to successful clinical development and inspection readiness. As Vendor Operations Lead - Global Clinical Operations (GCO), you will lead and strengthen the processes that prepare our vendor organization for regulatory inspections and audits. You will provide subject-matter expertise across inspection readiness, audit support, corrective and preventive actions, vendor compliance, and quality improvement, while helping colleagues respond effectively in demanding regulatory environments. Working across global functions and external partnerships, you will use compliance insights and performance trends to identify risks, improve processes, and ensure vendor activities meet Novartis standards and regulatory expectations.

What you'll do

  • Drive the development and implementation of vendor operations standards, processes, and governance frameworks.
  • Lead inspection readiness and support regulatory inspection activities across vendor partnerships and operations.
  • Ensure consistent implementation of vendor risk assessment, selection, and compliance processes.
  • Oversee vendor quality and compliance metrics, identifying trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain templates, tools, and operational resources supporting vendor governance and compliance.
  • Support audit planning, preparation, and follow-up, including corrective and preventive action management.
  • Act as a subject-matter expert on vendor compliance, inspection readiness, and quality management practices.
  • Partner with global and local stakeholders to strengthen operational consistency and regulatory compliance.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance vendor performance, quality outcomes, and inspection readiness.
  • Deliver training and communications supporting adoption of systems, processes, and compliance requirements.

How you'll work

Novartis operates a Hybrid working arrangement with an expectation of 12 days per month onsite.

Salary Range

€63,600.00 - €118,000.00

Requirements

What we're looking for

  • University degree in business or a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Typically 8-10+ years' experience in clinical operations, including systems, regulatory requirements, and third-party/vendor management.
  • Strong knowledge of Good Clinical Practice and regulations (GCP, GxP and ICH).
  • Demonstrated experience supporting and leading regulatory inspections and managing inspection back-room activities.
  • Experience with inspection readiness, storyboards, evidence collection, and regulatory document request management.
  • Experience supporting corporate or supplier audits and developing and managing corrective and preventive actions.
  • Strong understanding of clinical trial design, vendor compliance, and third-party requirements across clinical operations.
  • Proven global matrix leadership, including independent ownership, analytical decision-making, and diplomatic stakeholder influence.

Nice to have

Change Management, Clinical Operations, Compliance Requirements, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), GxP Compliance, GxP Regulations, Inspection Readiness, Process Improvements, Quality Management, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Inspections, Regulatory Requirements, Vendor Compliance, Vendor Partnerships, Vendor Performance Management, Vendor Quality

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

At Novartis, we're committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

The expected Annual Base Salary Range for this role: 63,600.00 - 118,000.00 EUR Annual

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:

https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Visa & relocation

This role is based in Barcelona Gran Via, Spain. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support. Please only apply if accessible.

About Novartis

Novartis is a global healthcare company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, operating across the pharmaceutical, generics, biosimilars, and eye care sectors. With over 100,000 employees worldwide and a presence in more than 140 countries, it is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, known for innovative medicines in areas such as oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular health.

In Spain, Novartis has a significant presence with offices in Barcelona and Madrid, employing a diverse workforce across clinical development, data science, IT, and audit functions. The company is a major employer of international talent, offering roles in English and fostering a multicultural, science-driven environment. For international professionals, Novartis provides structured career paths in clinical research and development, with opportunities to work on global projects from its Spanish hubs.

Industry
Pharma
Founded
1796
Employees
100,000–200,000
Headquarters
Basel, Switzerland
In Spain
Barcelona, Madrid
Website
novartis.com

Good to know if you are moving

  • Novartis operates in English as its corporate language, making it accessible for international professionals without local language requirements.
  • The Barcelona office hosts a large hub for clinical development and global functions, offering roles in data science, clinical programming, and medical affairs.
  • Spain is a key market for Novartis, with a strong pipeline of clinical trials and digital health initiatives.
  • The company offers structured career paths and global mobility programs, allowing employees to move between countries and functions.
  • Novartis provides a comprehensive relocation package for international hires, including visa support and settling-in assistance.

In their own words

Additional information

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.

All open roles at Novartis

Where you'd work

Novartis · Barcelona

Loads Google Maps, which may set its own cookies.

More jobs like this

or browse Barcelona·Operations·Mid-level·Hybrid·Healthcare & Pharma·Catalonia·Pharma·GCP

WhatsApp

More jobs from Novartis

Related Jobs