Fortrea, formerly Covance, is one of the world’s largest and longest‑established early‑phase clinical research organizations.
We operate Phase I clinical research units globally, including our world‑class Leeds Clinical Research Unit. Just a 7‑minute walk from the train station, Leeds is one of the few MHRA‑accredited Phase I units in the UK, purpose‑built to deliver first‑in‑human studies.
If Leeds is where new medicines begin their journey, this job exists to lead the pharmacy function that makes that possible. As our next Clinical Trials Pharmacy Manager, you will combine people leadership with hands‑on pharmacy production expertise to lead and develop teams that deliver investigational medicinal products (IMP) during live clinical research activity.
This is a full‑time, permanent role, based on site at Fortrea’s Leeds Drapers Yard Clinical Research Unit.
WHY IS THIS JOB DIFFERENT?This is a rare pharmacy leadership role in the UK, where you work at the heart of first‑in‑human clinical research.
At Fortrea Leeds, the clinic and cGMP pharmacy sit under the same roof. You lead teams preparing investigational medicines steps away from where first‑in‑human dosing happens. Pharmacy, clinic, and quality work together in one integrated environment, enabling real‑time collaboration.
As a result, pharmacy leadership directly shapes how early‑phase clinical research is delivered, every day.
IN THIS JOB YOU WILLLead and develop a high‑performing pharmacy team
- Line manage pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, setting clear expectations and standards
- Recruit, onboard, and develop capability as the Leeds pharmacy function grows
- Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence
Own day‑to‑day pharmacy operations for live Phase I studies
- Plan and oversee daily pharmacy activity to support active clinical trials
- Ensure teams, materials, and facilities are ready to meet early‑morning dosing schedules
- Maintain operational grip in a fast‑moving, live clinical research environment
Maintain hands‑on production credibility
- Expand hands‑on pharmacy production expertise in a clean‑room setting
- Step into production activities when required to support the team or maintain continuity
- Lead by example, particularly during high‑pressure or time‑critical study activity
Ensure GMP, clean‑room, and regulatory compliance
- Own local pharmacy compliance within GMP‑aligned, MHRA‑regulated operations
- Maintain clean‑room facilities, equipment qualification, and environmental standards
- Lead inspection readiness and host MHRA and client audits alongside Quality
Enable safe and reliable first‑in‑human delivery
- Ensure investigational medicinal products are prepared and delivered accurately and safely
- Support teams working at the highest point of clinical and operational risk
- Make day‑to‑day decisions that directly impact participant safety and study success
Essential for this job:
Education and professional registration
- A Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree from an accredited university
- Registered Pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in the UK
Pharmacy and leadership experience
- Significant post-qualification pharmacy experience, including leadership responsibility in regulated environments subject to quality oversight, audits, or inspections
- Proven line-management experience, including leading, developing, and performance-managing pharmacy teams
Clean‑room and production environment expertise
- Hands‑on experience working in clean‑room pharmacy environments, typically within hospital‑based, institutional settings, or phase I Research Units
- Practical experience working with clean‑room air classifications, including Grade C and Grade D environments, aligned with Annex 1 expectations
- Experience supporting or overseeing aseptic, sterile, and non‑sterile production activities
- Confidence operating in environments where clean‑room discipline, environmental monitoring, and contamination control are critical
Preferred:
- Formal GMP experience is an advantage, but strong clean‑room production experience is considered highly transferable.
- Experience in clinical research or Phase I environments is an advantage, but not required
If you want to apply your pharmacy leadership at the point where new medicines first reach humans, we’d like to hear from you.
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Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.
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