Job Description

London, United Kingdom | full time | Job ID: 9956





As the (Senior) Director, Clinical Operations UK Country Head, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing BioNTech's clinical research strategy across the United Kingdom. This is a unique opportunity to provide clinical operations leadership to a high-performing team, translating organisational vision into actionable plans that drive excellence in clinical trial delivery. You will be accountable for fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ensuring that all UK-based clinical operations activities align with business priorities, regulatory requirements, and the highest standards of quality and integrity.



In this leadership position, you will serve as the primary point of contact for UK clinical operations, building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders--including government agencies, NHS partners, patient advocacy groups, and local vendors. Your expertise will be instrumental in advancing BioNTech's ambitious portfolio, supporting groundbreaking initiatives such as the Cancer Vaccine Launchpad and the UK trials network. With a focus on operational excellence, talent development, and strategic partnership, you will help position BioNTech at the forefront of clinical innovation in the UK, delivering impactful therapies to patients and supporting the company's global mission.

Your main responsibilities are:

Accountable for strong leadership, people management, talent retention, and development within the Clinical Operations Team in the UK, providing clear direction and vision. Translate the organisation's vision, mission, and strategy into coherent plans and requirements that can be understood and implemented by clinical research staff. Ensure all teams operate according to agreed business priorities, regulatory requirements, and internal processes to deliver excellence in studies and projects. Proactively build the culture required to achieve UK ambitions and provide professional clinical operations input to UK partnership initiatives, including the development of the Cancer Vaccine Launchpad and the UK trials network. Accountable for the execution and delivery of sponsored human subject research across all therapy areas and development phases in the UK, ensuring quality, timeliness, budget adherence, and resource allocation as defined in study protocols, local regulations, ICH GCP/IND guidelines, and BioNTech standards. Supervise project team members' adherence to regulatory requirements, ICH-GCP guidelines, and relevant procedures (policies, SOPs, instructions), including the conduct of required training. Provide instruction and supervision to local Clinical Operations staff (line management). Plan team resources in alignment with the VP, Clinical Operations, ensuring the team's capabilities are proactively developed to meet future opportunities. Develop and implement a resourcing strategy (internal staff and/or external resources) to ensure the availability and competency of resources needed to meet portfolio requirements. Cultivate strong relationships with sites, government agencies (e.g., NIHR, MHRA), patient advocacy groups, and local vendors (including but not limited to CROs) at both strategic and operational levels. Ensure UK partnership initiatives are fully integrated into clinical trial execution to maximise benefits. Actively engage with local partners and regulatory stakeholders to maintain and influence a positive operational environment for clinical trials in the UK. Serve as the point of escalation for challenges in project activities involving other sponsor departments or external vendors. Lead clinical monitoring oversight for trials executed by strategic partners in the UK. Drive business efficiencies, implement new processes (including the Playbook for UK trial execution), and facilitate quality improvement. Promote the sharing of best practices, learnings, and expertise at local, regional, or global levels as appropriate. Ensure the quality and integrity of clinical trials. Actively identify and manage internal and external risks to the business. Promote the profile and credibility of the department with internal and external groups (hospitals, GP networks, physicians, HCPs, industry initiative groups, etc.) to support local and global development needs for large portfolios. Provide strategic local input at early stages of clinical development planning to optimise trial feasibility in-country. Identify local vendors to support both local and global trial execution. Oversee local project/program timelines and deliverables and identify future program needs. Support the QA team during internal audits, vendor audits, and/or hosting inspections in the UK.

What you have to offer:

Degree in life sciences, public health, or a related field (PhD, PharmD, or MSc preferred). Minimum 12+ years (15+ years for Sr. Dir) of drug development experience, including leadership, project management, and regulatory submission experience. Profound knowledge and experience in relevant legislation and international guidelines (e.g., ICH-GCP) for clinical research projects. Demonstrated operational excellence in delivering clinical trials, developing solutions, and accelerating trial start-up and recruitment. Ability to navigate a matrix environment and partner effectively with internal stakeholders, CROs, sites, and the NHS. Strong knowledge of the National Health Service (NHS) and health policies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. In-depth understanding of the clinical trial landscape in the UK. Knowledge of novel and decentralised trial designs is desirable. Experience operating with a start-up mindset and managing ambiguity; flexibility and a relentless focus on outcomes are essential. Refined communication skills, both written and spoken. Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills. Ability to motivate and lead a team, as well as work collaboratively within a team environment. Proficiency in standard software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project). Ready to assume responsibility at a country level. Able to hit the ground running and perform effectively under pressure. Results-oriented mindset with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet or exceed country-level targets. Continuous improvement mindset and strong creative problem-solving ability; able to recognise problems and provide effective solutions. Willingness to challenge the status quo and traditional approaches. Independent and proactive working style; comfortable working with ambiguity.

Your Benefits:

BioNTech is committed to the wellbeing of our team members and offers a variety of benefits in support of our diverse employee base. We offer competitive remuneration packages which is determined by the specific role, location of employment and also the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.




Note: The availability, eligibility and design of the listed benefits may vary depending on the location. The final requirements for the individual use of our benefits are based on the company's internal policies and applicable law.

How to apply:

Apply now by sending us your application documents including Curriculum Vitae, copy of ID, copies of degree certificates and professional certificates, motivation letter as well as your contact details via our online form.




Please note:


Only applications sent via our online form shall be considered. By submitting your application, you acknowledge that a background check will be conducted as part of the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. If you are considered for the position, BioNTech will conduct the background check through our service provider 'HireRight'. You will be informed accordingly by your BioNTech-Recruiter.




We are looking forward receiving your application.

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