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, FSA Project Management provides strategic and operational leadership across a portfolio of global clinical development programs, with accountability for the successful delivery of site startup activities, including regulatory, contracting, and site activation.
In this role, you will lead and develop FSA Project Management leaders and their teams, driving consistent portfolio performance, client satisfaction, financial delivery, and operational excellence. You will serve as a senior escalation point for startup risks and operational challenges, partnering closely with sponsors, project leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders to develop effective startup strategies and deliver predictable, high-quality outcomes that support study timelines and broader business objectives. The role has portfolio accountability across a mix of large pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients and provides leadership across a broad FSA Project Management organization.
What You Will Do
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight across a portfolio of global clinical development programs, ensuring successful delivery of site startup, regulatory, contracting, and activation activities while driving timelines, quality, financial performance, and client experience.
- Lead, coach, and develop FSA Project Management leaders and their teams, fostering a high-performance culture, building a strong talent pipeline, and ensuring effective resource planning.
- Partner with sponsors, project leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders to develop and execute startup strategies, proactively manage risks, and resolve complex operational escalations.
- Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement by optimizing processes, ways of working, and adoption of innovative technologies to improve efficiency and predictability of delivery.
- Provide effective portfolio governance and strategic oversight, supporting strong customer relationships, financial health, achievement of business objectives, and sustainable portfolio growth.
What You Need
- Significant leadership experience within clinical research, clinical development, or a related life sciences environment, with responsibility for complex global programs or portfolios.
- Strong knowledge of clinical trial startup activities, including site activation, regulatory processes, contracting, and associated operational dependencies.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing people leaders and building high-performing teams within a complex, matrixed organization.
- Proven ability to manage portfolio performance across operational delivery, quality, financial performance, resource planning, and client experience.
- Strong client and stakeholder management capabilities, with experience partnering with pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology sponsors and senior cross-functional leaders.
- Proven ability to anticipate and manage operational risks, resolve complex escalations, and drive effective decision-making in a fast-paced global environment.
- Strategic and continuous-improvement mindset, with demonstrated success optimizing processes, ways of working, and adoption of innovative technologies.
- Live in the US
- Able to travel up to 25%
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#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.
Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply
ICON plc Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
525 W Monroe St Ste 1000, Chicago, Illinois, 60661-3791, United States, Chicago, United States, 60661-3791
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