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Director, Site Activation

Icon
ICON
15+ years
preferred by company
10 Feb. 2, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Hybrid Education: B.Sc./ M.Sc./ M.Pharm/ B.Pharm/ Life Sciences Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Director, Site Activation (FSA – Feasibility, Study Start-Up & Activation)

Location: Bangalore, India | Chennai, India
Work Model: Office with Flex (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job Requisition ID: JR140670
Posted: 10 Days Ago

About ICON plc

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies globally. ICON is committed to innovation, operational excellence, and inclusion, delivering high-quality clinical development solutions that improve patient outcomes worldwide.

Role Overview

ICON is seeking an experienced Director, Site Activation (FSA) to join its global Clinical Operations leadership team in India. This senior leadership role is responsible for driving automation-led transformation across feasibility, study start-up, and site activation functions.

The Director will lead the integration of clinical systems, digital platforms, and automation technologies to scale centralized operations, improve delivery predictability, and support global study execution. This role is ideal for a senior leader from a CRO or pharmaceutical environment with a strong background in clinical systems, project management, and large-scale operational transformation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and lead the automation and digital transformation strategy across Feasibility, Study Start-Up, and Site Activation

  • Embed technology-enabled workflows, system integrations, and data-driven decision frameworks within Clinical Operations

  • Build, scale, and lead centralized Site Activation and FSA teams aligned to automation-enabled operating models

  • Partner closely with IT, product, and digital teams to define requirements, prioritize roadmaps, and govern solution delivery using structured and agile methodologies

  • Drive enterprise-level process optimization, standardization, and change management initiatives to ensure adoption and sustainability

  • Lead global stakeholder engagement to deliver predictable timelines, risk mitigation, and consistent operational performance

  • Identify and implement opportunities leveraging automation, AI, RPA, reporting platforms, and workflow tools to reduce manual effort and improve compliance

  • Represent Site Activation as a senior leader in global transformation initiatives, promoting innovation and operational excellence

Required Qualifications and Experience

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, or a related discipline

  • 15+ years of progressive experience within a CRO or pharmaceutical organization, including senior leadership roles in Clinical Operations, Feasibility, Study Start-Up, or Site Activation

  • Proven experience leading clinical systems implementation, automation initiatives, and digital transformation programs

  • Demonstrated success in scaling centralized operations to support global clinical trial delivery

  • Strong background in project and program management, including governance, metrics, and execution oversight

  • Hands-on experience with automation technologies such as workflow tools, system integrations, RPA, AI-enabled solutions, dashboards, and analytics platforms

  • Established expertise in change management, process re-engineering, and large-scale operational transformation

  • Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across global, matrixed organizations

  • Strategic, data-driven leader with strong execution and decision-making capabilities

What ICON Offers

  • Competitive executive-level compensation and performance incentives

  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and dependents

  • Flexible working arrangements supporting work-life balance

  • Generous annual leave and holiday entitlements

  • Retirement and long-term financial planning programs

  • Life assurance coverage

  • Global Employee Assistance Program (TELUS Health) with 24/7 access to wellness professionals

  • Country-specific benefits including childcare support, wellness initiatives, subsidized travel, and fitness programs

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

ICON is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, disability, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process.

Why Join ICON

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to shape the future of Site Activation and Clinical Operations through technology-enabled transformation. ICON encourages applications from experienced leaders who may not meet every requirement but bring strong potential and vision for operational excellence.

Current ICON employees are encouraged to apply through the internal career portal.