SSO Country Manager

About the Role

Novartis is seeking an SSO Country Manager for a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This role is responsible for all country clinical operations activities related to the allocation, initiation, conduct, and timely completion of Phase I-IV clinical trials. The successful candidate will implement the country clinical operations strategy, ensuring delivery of portfolio, quality, budget, and productivity objectives within a highly matrixed global organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead country clinical operations strategy and execution across the clinical trial portfolio.
• Drive country participation in global development studies through effective feasibility, site selection, activation, and recruitment strategies.
• Ensure delivery of study timelines, enrollment commitments, quality standards, and budget targets.
• Build, develop, and maintain strong partnerships with investigators, study sites, and external stakeholders.
• Foster a strong quality and compliance culture, ensuring adherence to GCP, ICH, local regulations, and Novartis standards.
• Lead, develop, and coach clinical operations teams while driving a high-performance culture.
• Collaborate closely with Medical, Portfolio, Start-up, Monitoring, QA, and Global Development teams to optimize trial execution.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and patient-focused clinical trial delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should possess 5-10 years of relevant experience. The role requires strong operational leadership combined with exceptional stakeholder management capabilities, influencing across functions, countries, and organizational levels to deliver business and development objectives.

Work Environment and Location

This position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role. The SSO Country Manager will collaborate closely within a matrixed international environment, engaging with local, regional, and global stakeholders to maximize country participation in global development programs and drive successful trial execution.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is not disclosed and will be determined based on gender-neutral objectives, including relevant skills, competencies, and experience, in accordance with Novartis's pay setting policy. The salary will be reviewed periodically. In addition to base pay, eligibility for a performance-based bonus may apply, depending on certain performance parameters. Novartis offers a variety of competitive benefits, including insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs. Flexible and hybrid working options are provided where possible, along with a minimum of 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

Application Process

Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be provided during the application process. Novartis is committed to pay equity, reflecting a dedication to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.