ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development
About the role
At ICON plc, we are committed to improving and saving lives through clinical research. As a Project Manager – Feasibility & Site Activation, you will play a critical role in driving the successful start-up of global clinical studies.
This is a highly visible position where you will take ownership of the Study Start-Up (SSU) strategy and execution—ensuring that sites are activated efficiently, regulatory pathways are navigated effectively, and studies are positioned for successful delivery from day one.
You will work at the center of cross-functional collaboration, partnering with sponsors, internal teams, and sites worldwide to deliver start-up excellence at scale.
What You Will Be Doing
Shape and execute Study Start-Up strategies across global, multi-country studies, ensuring alignment with timelines, scope, and sponsor expectations
Lead the development and delivery of comprehensive Study Start-Up Plans, covering regulatory, ethics, and contract execution across all participating countries
Drive end-to-end start-up activities from site identification through to IP release, maintaining momentum and accountability for key milestones
Provide strategic input at Bid Defence and Kick-Off meetings, influencing study design and start-up feasibility from the outset
Oversee regulatory and ethics submissions, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and timely approvals across regions
Manage site contract and budget negotiations in collaboration with legal, finance, and sponsors, supporting timely site activation
Proactively identify risks, dependencies, and bottlenecks, implementing mitigation and escalation strategies to protect study timelines
Partner closely with Project Managers and cross-functional stakeholders, ensuring seamless integration of start-up within overall study delivery
Ensure accuracy, quality, and inspection readiness of all study documentation, including oversight of CTMS and eTMF activities
Lead and coordinate Study Start-Up team members, providing direction, support, and oversight to ensure consistent delivery
Drive process consistency and continuous improvement across regions, contributing to operational excellence initiatives
Maintain oversight of study metrics, budgets, and scope of work (SOW), ensuring delivery within agreed parameters
Provide clear, structured reporting and updates to sponsors and internal leadership, enabling informed decision-making
Contribute to a culture of performance, collaboration, and accountability aligned with ICON values
Your Profile
Proven experience managing Study Start-Up (SSU), feasibility, or site activation activities within clinical research
Experience working on global or multi-country clinical studies
Strong knowledge of regulatory and ethics submission processes
Experience coordinating site contracts and budgets
Demonstrated ability to manage timelines, risks, and competing priorities
Familiarity with CTMS, eTMF, and clinical trial systems
Solid understanding of ICH-GCP and applicable regulatory frameworks
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional, global teams
Structured, proactive, and solution-oriented approach
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What ICON can offer you:
Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.
In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.
Our benefits examples include:
Various annual leave entitlements
A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs.
Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.
Global Employee Assistance Programme, TELUS Health, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialised professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being.
Life assurance
Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidised travel passes, health assessments, among others.
Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.
At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. We’re dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know or submit a request here.
Interested in the role, but unsure if you meet all of the requirements? We would encourage you to apply regardless – there’s every chance you’re exactly what we’re looking for here at ICON whether it is for this or other roles.
Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply
Top Skills
ICON plc Dublin, Dublin, IRL Office
ICON plc, South County Business Park, Dublin, Ireland
