SSO Country Manager

About the Role

Novartis Saudi Arabia is seeking an SSO Country Manager to lead all country clinical operations activities. This full-time position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role is responsible for the allocation, initiation, conduct, and timely completion of Phase I-IV clinical trials, including patient recruitment and quality data collection. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role.

Role Context and Objectives

The SSO Country Manager implements the country clinical operations strategy, ensuring the delivery of portfolio, quality, budget, and productivity objectives. Operating within a highly matrixed global organization, this role involves close collaboration with local, regional, and global stakeholders to maximize country participation in global development programs and drive successful trial execution. The successful candidate will combine strong operational leadership with stakeholder management capabilities, influencing across functions, countries, and organizational levels to achieve business and development objectives.

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

• Over 10 years of relevant experience in clinical operations.
• Demonstrated operational leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Proven ability to influence across functions, countries, and organizational levels.

Compensation and Benefits

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. The salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, considering relevant skills, competencies, and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy. Salaries are reviewed periodically. In addition to base salary, eligibility for a performance-based bonus may apply, with further details provided during the application process. Pay equity is a fundamental principle of Novartis's employment policy.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an inclusive work environment and diverse teams that are representative of the patients and communities served.