Manager, Clinical Operations

Job description

We are searching for the best talent for a Manager, Clinical Operations in the United Kingdom. This individual will be responsible for the operational management and successful execution of all phases of clinical trials within their assigned therapeutic area(s). Key responsibilities include resource allocation, maintaining adherence to timelines and budgets, and ensuring compliance with relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, Health Care Compliance (HCC), and local regulatory requirements.

The head office is based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK, moving to Maidenhead in October 2026. This position offers a hybrid working model, requiring three days on‑site each week.

The Manager, Clinical Operations serves as a key line leader, guiding and supporting a diverse team of professionals—including Local Trial Managers (LTM), Site Managers (SM) and/or other Global Clinical Operations (GCO) staff. This leader is responsible for overseeing their team's performance, supporting professional growth, providing training, managing project assignments, and ensuring workload balance. They help resolve issues and challenges within the team while aligning local objectives with the broader organizational goals.

They may mentor less experienced Functional Managers (FM) and oversee cross‑therapy and cross‑border activities when needed.

Additionally, the Manager, Clinical Operations drives innovation and process improvements within their therapeutic area, country, and across GCO/Global Development, aiming to enhance efficiency and impact. Overall, they create a supportive, engaging environment that encourages progress and team success.

This role is supporting our Oncology business, but may support other therapeutic areas as required, in line with business needs.

• Providing line management to direct reports, including setting goals and objectives, conducting performance evaluations, and supporting talent development.
• Evaluating and forecasting resource needs for the assigned portfolio and/or other specific areas of responsibility, in collaboration with local GCO management.
• Ensuring the deployment of the One Delivery Model through collaboration and oversight of vendors.
• Being accountable for the acquisition of new talent and the ongoing development of human resources.
• Guiding direct reports in issue resolution and communication with involved stakeholders.
• Leading organizational changes and effectively communicating shifts in priorities as necessary.
• Reviewing and approving expenses in accordance with company policies.
• Demonstrating leadership behaviors aligned with J&J Leadership Imperatives.
• Fostering an environment that encourages sharing of ideas, information, and best practices both internally and externally.
• Providing coaching and mentorship as needed, including conducting accompanied site visits where appropriate.
• Defining, executing, or supporting long‑term strategies aligned with GCO, GD, and JJIM R&D strategies to position the local and global GCO organization for success.
• Overseeing the execution and monitoring of clinical trials across all phases (from feasibility to close‑out), ensuring inspection readiness within assigned therapeutic area(s) and/or other areas of responsibility.
• Ensuring that relevant operational objectives are met in conformance with established standards.
• Being accountable for appropriate and timely escalation and reporting of issues, including suspicions of fraud, scientific or ethical misconduct, and healthcare compliance breaches. Contributing to CAPA and issue resolution in accordance with required timelines.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships within the local GCO department, Local Operating Company (particularly with Medical Affairs), and other key internal and external stakeholders.
• Developing country capabilities to support effective study placement within the assigned therapeutic area(s) and/or other areas of responsibility.
• Ensuring a robust feasibility process and overseeing site selection to meet country commitments within strategic goals.
• Regularly reviewing operational and quality metrics and driving…