SSO Country Manager - Saudi Arabia

Job Description Summary #LI-Hybrid Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia This role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you. The Study & Site Operations (SSO) Country Manager is accountable for all country clinical operations activities related to the allocation, initiation, conduct (including patient recruitment and quality data collection), and timely completion of Phase I-IV clinical trials. The role is responsible for implementing the country clinical operations strategy while ensuring delivery of portfolio, quality, budget, and productivity objectives. As a member of a highly matrixed global organization, the SSO Country Manager collaborates closely with matrixed international environment, 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 exceptional stakeholder management capabilities, influencing across functions, countries, and organizational levels to deliver business and development objectives.   Job Description 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.   Essential Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences; advanced degree preferred. • Minimum 8 years of clinical research experience - planning/executing and/or monitoring clinical trials • Minimum 4 years of people management experience. • Strong understanding of clinical trial operations, monitoring, and drug development. • Expert knowledge of GCP/ICH and applicable regulatory requirements. • Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills. • Demonstrated success leading teams and delivering complex clinical trial portfolios. • Strong strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing skills across complex organisations. • Native or professional proficiency in Arabic, with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Rewards At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. 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 a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave. The 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. Further details w