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.
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