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Site Partnership Manager - Job Opportunity at Novartis

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 19, 2025
On-site
EUR 85,000 - 110,000 annually based on senior-level clinical research role in Amsterdam pharmaceutical market, with potential for performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits package typical of multinational pharmaceutical companies

Benefits

Comprehensive diversity and inclusion programs that create an outstanding work environment representative of global communities
Access to Novartis talent network providing continuous career development opportunities and internal mobility
Professional development through collaboration with smart, passionate colleagues in a community-driven environment
Opportunity to contribute to breakthrough medical innovations that directly impact patients' lives
Global matrix work environment exposure providing international experience and cross-cultural collaboration
Benefits and rewards package detailed in company handbook covering personal and professional development support

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic key account management for high-value trial sites across assigned country/region, directly impacting Novartis' clinical trial portfolio execution and establishing market leadership position
Develop and implement comprehensive Site Partnership Strategy Plans that optimize cooperation with selected trial sites and maximize their contribution to clinical study success
Drive feasibility processes in collaboration with SSO Feasibility Manager to ensure optimal site selection and study viability assessment
Optimize early site engagement and initiation processes to accelerate study timelines and achieve committed patient recruitment targets
Conduct comprehensive analysis and oversight of all study activities at assigned sites, including assessment of site strengths, improvement areas, and capacity optimization
Facilitate strategic network development between sites and internal departments to enhance study start-up efficiency and patient management capabilities
Lead complex negotiations for study fees, contracts, and master templates to establish favorable partnership terms
Drive process optimization initiatives to simplify and accelerate study start-up procedures with focus on site set-up efficiency
Serve as primary knowledge hub for site intelligence, actively communicating insights and recommendations to relevant organizational functions

Requirements

Education

Degree in scientific or health discipline required and an advanced degree with clinical trial experience and/or project management (preferred)

Experience

Minimum 5 years' experience in clinical research in a role that oversees (project management) and/or with monitoring clinical trials

Required Skills

Fluent in English and Dutch (written and spoken) Capable of leading in a matrix environment, without direct reports Understanding of all aspects of clinical drug development with particular emphasis on monitoring and study execution Strong project management capabilities with demonstrated ability to problem solve and mediate complex issues Thorough understanding of the international aspects of drug development processes, including strong knowledge of international standards (GCP/ICH), health authorities (FDA/EMA), local/National Health Authorities regulations and Novartis standards Demonstrated negotiation and conflict resolution skills both internal and external (site relationships) Strong influencing and presentation skills Strong communication skills Communicates effectively in a local/global matrix environment
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing increased pressure to accelerate clinical trial timelines while maintaining quality standards, driving demand for specialized site partnership roles that can optimize trial site relationships and performance. This trend is particularly pronounced in Europe where regulatory harmonization across countries requires sophisticated site management approaches. Clinical trial site consolidation and strategic partnerships are becoming more critical as pharmaceutical companies seek to work with fewer, higher-performing sites rather than managing large numbers of smaller sites. This shift creates premium opportunities for professionals who can manage complex site relationships and drive performance optimization. The rise of patient-centric clinical trials and real-world evidence generation is transforming how pharmaceutical companies approach site partnerships, requiring managers who understand both traditional clinical trial operations and emerging patient engagement strategies.

Role Significance

Typically manages relationships with 10-15 key trial sites while collaborating with cross-functional teams of 20-30 professionals including clinical operations, regulatory affairs, and medical teams
Senior individual contributor role with significant strategic responsibility for key account management and cross-functional leadership in matrix environment, requiring advanced expertise in clinical operations and business relationship management

Key Projects

Multi-country clinical trial site optimization initiatives involving Phase II-III studies across therapeutic areas Strategic site partnership agreements and master service agreements for high-value clinical research relationships Site performance improvement programs focused on patient recruitment acceleration and data quality enhancement

Success Factors

Deep understanding of European clinical trial regulatory landscape combined with strong relationship management skills to navigate complex site partnerships and drive performance improvements Advanced project management and matrix leadership capabilities to coordinate multiple stakeholders without direct authority while achieving aggressive timeline and performance targets Strategic thinking and business acumen to identify site partnership opportunities that align with Novartis portfolio priorities and competitive positioning in clinical development

Market Demand

High demand driven by pharmaceutical industry expansion in clinical development, particularly for professionals with site management expertise and multi-lingual capabilities in key European markets

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Matrix leadership and influence without authority represents the core capability for success in this role, as the position requires coordinating multiple stakeholders across different functions and geographies to achieve clinical trial objectives. This skill becomes increasingly valuable as pharmaceutical organizations adopt more collaborative, network-based operating models. Regulatory knowledge spanning GCP/ICH guidelines and European health authority requirements is essential for ensuring compliant site relationships and successful clinical trial execution. This expertise provides significant career value as regulatory complexity continues to increase across global markets. Negotiation and conflict resolution skills are fundamental for managing complex site relationships and contract negotiations that directly impact clinical trial success and cost management. These skills transfer well to senior leadership roles and business development opportunities.

Beneficial Skills

Multi-lingual capabilities in European languages beyond Dutch and English enhance career opportunities in global pharmaceutical companies with diverse regional operations Digital health and technology integration knowledge becomes increasingly valuable as clinical trials incorporate digital endpoints and remote monitoring capabilities

Unique Aspects

Strategic focus on key account management rather than traditional site monitoring, emphasizing relationship building and performance optimization over compliance oversight
Direct impact on Novartis' clinical trial portfolio execution with responsibility for sites that significantly contribute to overall development success
Integration of business development activities including contract negotiation and strategic planning with operational clinical research management

Career Growth

Typically 3-5 years to progress to director level with demonstrated success in site partnership management and clinical operations leadership

Potential Next Roles

Clinical Operations Director overseeing regional clinical development programs Head of Site Networks managing global site partnership strategies Business Development Director focusing on strategic clinical research partnerships

Company Overview

Novartis

Novartis stands as one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies with a robust pipeline of innovative medicines and a strong focus on clinical development excellence. The company's commitment to patient-centric drug development and global clinical trial execution creates significant opportunities for clinical operations professionals to impact healthcare outcomes.

Global pharmaceutical leader with strong market position in multiple therapeutic areas, known for innovation and clinical development excellence, providing stable career foundation with opportunities for international growth
Significant European operations with Amsterdam serving as a key hub for clinical development activities across the region, offering exposure to diverse markets and regulatory environments
Collaborative, science-driven environment emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and professional development with strong matrix organizational structure promoting cross-functional leadership skills
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