Senior Director Clinical Operations

ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.

As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.

The Senior Director, Clinical Operations is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic planning, tactical execution, and day-to-day management of clinical investigations involving human subjects. The role ensures compliance with corporate objectives, regulatory requirements, and global standards such as ICH-GCP, Good Clinical Practice, and local regulations 

Primary Functions

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Develop and execute accurate operational development plans for assigned clinical trials, aligning with budget, timelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) 

• Trial Management: Oversee the management of clinical studies, including compliance with corporate, regulatory, and quality standards.

• Team & Vendor Oversight: Lead clinical operations personnel, contract research organizations (CROs), consultants, core laboratories, and other study support organizations.

• Program-Level Responsibilities: Handle program-level activities as assigned, ensuring operational plans are implemented effectively.

• Compliance & Quality: Ensure adherence to ICH-GCP, GPP, Incyte SOPs, and applicable country-specific regulations.

• Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with internal teams (e.g., Medical Affairs, Medical Science Liaisons, Medical) and external partners to support trial goals and timelines.

Key responsibilities include:

• Accountable for the development and execution of operational plans for direct trial responsibilities.

• Manage recruitment, completion, and budgeting of R&D-sponsored trials within timelines.

• Oversee local CRAs and vendor oversight for sponsored trials.

• Plan and execute clinical trial goals, ensuring compliance with quality and timelines.

• Represent local regions in global study team meetings, providing feedback and insights.

• Ensure timely submission and approval of ethical and administrative submissions for in-house studies.

• Monitor site performance, feasibility, and study execution for assigned trials.

Your Profile:

You will bring significant clinical operations experience, with a track record of building high-performing teams and delivering results.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field; advanced degree preferred.

• Extensive experience in clinical operations within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO industry.

• Ability to manage complex, multi-site trials across global regions.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing clinical trials from start to finish.

• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and GCP guidelines.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

• Willingness to travel as required (approximately 20%)

• To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status

Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.

Rewards & Benefits

ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
• Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable
• Retirement and pension plans
• Life assurance and disability coverage
• Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources
• Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways

Benefits may vary depending on role and location.

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.

Inclusion and Accessibility

ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a request here.

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply