Senior Director, Drug Development Services (Cardiometabolic)

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.

Senior Director, Drug Development & Consulting – Cardiometabolic

At ICON plc, we are driven by commitment to People, Clients, and Performance. We are seeking a strategic Cardiometabolic expert to join our Drug Development & Consulting team in a highly visible, client-facing role.

This position offers the opportunity to act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across the industry, including CEOs, CMOs, and other Cardiometabolic Therapeutic Area Heads. You will deliver bespoke, asset-centric solutions while shaping Cardiometabolic drug development strategies across the full lifecycle.

The Role

This is a consultative and advisory role where you will serve as a key scientific partner to both external clients and internal teams. Often acting as the first technical point of contact, you will play a critical role in pre-sales activities, proposal strategy, and long-term partnership development within Cardiometabolic.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic Cardiometabolic drug development design, delivering tailored, asset-focused solutions across liver diseases including MASLD/MASH, alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and other chronic and rare liver conditions like PBC, PSC, PFIC
• Own end-to-end protocol development, including design, scientific review, and evaluation for Cardiometabolic clinical trials across Phases I–IV
• Partner directly with senior client stakeholders (e.g., CMO, TA Heads, Clinical Development leadership) to provide expert guidance on Cardiometabolic development strategy and data interpretation
• Act as scientific and strategic lead in proposal development, study strategy, and bid defense activities within Cardiometabolic
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Cardiometabolic key opinion leaders (KOLs), advisory boards, and relevant regulatory authorities
• Contribute to the development of Cardiometabolic-focused service offerings, supporting innovation and growth in liver disease drug development capabilities
• Provide training, mentorship, and thought leadership in Cardiometabolic to internal teams and external partners
• Participate in portfolio reviews, governance discussions, and scientific oversight of Cardiometabolic programs
• Support operational teams with high-level scientific input, including investigator meetings and Cardiometabolic-specific study discussions
• Represent the organization at Cardiometabolic congresses and scientific forums to promote clinical excellence and scientific leadership

What You Bring

• Deep, recognized expertise in Cardiometabolic and liver disease drug development
• Strong understanding of Cardiometabolic clinical trial design, biomarkers, endpoints (e.g., fibrosis staging, histologic and non-invasive markers), and evolving therapeutic landscapes (e.g., MASLD/MASH, alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), cirrhosis, immuno-Cardiometabolic approaches and antiviral therapies)
• Proven ability to operate in a strategic, client-facing, consultative environment within pharmaceutical or clinical research settings
• Experience engaging and influencing senior scientific and clinical stakeholders across industry and academia
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex Cardiometabolic data into clear, actionable development insights
• Collaborative, global mindset with strong cross-functional leadership capability
• MD required, ideally with specialization or substantial clinical/research experience in Cardiometabolic diseases

Additional Information

• 20- 40% travel (domestic and international)
• Opportunity to work in a highly visible, impact-driven role shaping the future of Cardiometabolic drug development

**Actual compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills, education and training, geographic location, and other job-related factors.

#LI-MN1

#LI-Remote

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.

Salary Range

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