Lead of Operations

About conect4children (c4c-S)
conect4children (c4c-S) is a non-profit organisation based in the Netherlands that accelerates regulatory-grade, patient-centric paediatric trials across all ages and diverse therapeutic areas. Established in April 2023 as a spin-off from an IMI2 project, c4c-S supports sponsors in their multinational paediatric trials by offering expert advice and trial support services, with access to over 450 experts and 220 clinical sites across more than 15 countries in Europe.

Role overview
As Lead of Operations, you oversee c4c-S’s core enterprise functions, ensuring efficient service delivery, compliance, and sustainability. Reporting to the CEO, you are a key member of the Management Team and will lead a team of employees and contractors. 

Key responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, ensuring smooth processes aligned with strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement operational policies to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Manage infrastructure, HR, IT systems, finance, legal, and compliance functions.
• Lead the Infrastructure Office to support governance and operations.
• Collaborate with the Management Team on strategic planning and execution.
• Maintain relationships with external service providers, members, and partners.
• Oversee grant applications and funded projects, ensuring compliance.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a positive work culture.
• Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and risk management requirements.
• Optimize workflows, quality assurance, and financial reporting

Reporting structure
While independently managing core functions, certain areas fall under the supervision of:

• CEO (legal and compliance)
• CMO (IT systems, digital transformation, data privacy)
• CFO (financial operations, budgeting, cost management)
• CTO (performance management, quality, transformation initiatives)

Required skills & Experience

• Strong leadership and management skills; ability to coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Experience in operational policy development and compliance.
• Background in financial operations, legal compliance, and IT oversight is a plus.
• Familiarity with clinical research, regulatory environments, and EU non-profits.
• Problem-solving, decision-making, and adaptability in a growing organization.
• Experience with grant-funded projects and business development strategies.
• Knowledge of social media and external communications is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Business Administration, Operations Management, Life Sciences, Clinical Research, or related fields.
• Proven operational leadership experience, preferably in non-profits, research, academia, or healthcare.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in clinical research, startups, or similar fields.
• Project management certification is a plus.

Position details

• Salary: €75,000 - €90,000 (0.8 - 1.0 FTE, 32-40 hours/week), based on experience.
• Remote position, occasional travel.
• Working language: English; Dutch knowledge is beneficial.
• 12-month contract.
• 25 vacation days and negotiable benefits.

Application process
Submit your application (cover letter, CV, and two references) as soon as possible via the apply button. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. An assessment will be part of the selection process.

For Questions, please contact:

• Ricardo Fernandes, CMO | ricardo.fernandes@conect4children.eu
• Mark Turner, CEO | mark.turner@conect4children.eu