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Site Specialist - Contracts & Budgets

ICON PLC
3+ years
Not Disclosed
Chennai, India
1 June 9, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Education: MBBS/MD/ BAMS/ BDS/ MDS Skills: ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding

Job Title: Site Specialist I – Contracts & Budgets

Location: Chennai, India (Office With Flex)

Job Type: Full-Time

Company: ICON plc


About ICON

ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization dedicated to accelerating the development of innovative medicines and treatments that improve patient outcomes worldwide. Guided by integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion, ICON partners with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies to deliver high-quality clinical research solutions across all phases of clinical development.


Position Overview

ICON is seeking a Site Specialist I – Contracts & Budgets to join its high-performing Site Activation team. This role is responsible for negotiating and managing Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), site budgets, and contract execution activities with investigative sites. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Clinical Operations, Project Management, Legal, and Site Activation teams to ensure efficient study start-up, regulatory compliance, and successful site activation across global clinical trials.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the negotiation, execution, and management of Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs) and site budgets with investigative sites.

  • Collaborate with Clinical Operations and Project Management teams to support timely site activation and study start-up activities.

  • Forecast, track, and manage contract execution timelines to ensure project milestones are achieved.

  • Ensure compliance with local regulations, legal requirements, sponsor expectations, and internal policies.

  • Support study start-up activities, including document collection, translations, and ethics committee/regulatory submission support.

  • Review, evaluate, and negotiate client-requested contract modifications and amendments.

  • Assess contract deviations, identify risks, and escalate issues when necessary.

  • Manage multiple contract negotiations simultaneously while maintaining quality and compliance standards.

  • Maintain accurate contract records, documentation, and contract database updates.

  • Document site communications, contract status updates, and negotiation outcomes.

  • Proactively identify risks, delays, and operational challenges and recommend mitigation strategies.

  • Support continuous process improvement initiatives within the Site Activation function.

  • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior Contract Associates and team members.

  • Partner with CTA Leads, Functional Managers, Clinical Trial Managers, and Project Teams to ensure successful study execution.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Business Administration, Legal Studies, or a related discipline.

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in clinical trial contract negotiation and site budget management within a CRO, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology environment.

  • Strong understanding of Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), site contracts, and budget negotiation processes.

  • Knowledge of clinical trial regulations, compliance requirements, and site activation processes.

  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

  • Strong verbal and written communication abilities.

  • Ability to effectively explain legal, contractual, and financial concepts to various stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.


Technical Skills

  • Clinical Trial Agreement (CTA) Negotiation

  • Site Budget Development & Negotiation

  • Contract Lifecycle Management

  • Clinical Trial Start-Up Activities

  • Regulatory Compliance

  • Ethics Committee (EC/IRB) Coordination

  • Risk Assessment & Mitigation

  • Contract Amendment Management

  • Clinical Research Operations

  • Documentation & Records Management

  • Project Coordination

  • Stakeholder Management


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working within a global CRO environment.

  • Familiarity with international clinical trial regulations and country-specific contracting requirements.

  • Experience supporting multi-country and global clinical studies.

  • Knowledge of contract management systems and clinical trial management platforms.

  • Previous mentoring or leadership experience within a contracts or site activation team.

  • Strong client-facing and negotiation skills.


Leadership & Collaboration

  • Mentor and support junior Contract Associates and team members.

  • Collaborate effectively with Clinical Operations, Legal, Finance, Regulatory, and Project Management teams.

  • Contribute to departmental process improvements and operational excellence initiatives.

  • Provide strategic recommendations to project leadership and functional management.


Why Join ICON

  • Join one of the world's leading clinical research organizations.

  • Work on global clinical trials that contribute to advancing healthcare worldwide.

  • Collaborate with experienced professionals across international teams.

  • Access structured learning, mentorship, and career development programs.

  • Be part of a culture focused on innovation, quality, collaboration, and inclusion.


Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive base salary.

  • Performance-based incentive programs.

  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage (where applicable).

  • Retirement and pension plans.

  • Life insurance and disability coverage.

  • Employee assistance and wellbeing programs.

  • Learning and development opportunities.

  • Internal career progression and leadership pathways.


Equal Opportunity Statement

ICON is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We welcome talented professionals from all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process where required.


Work Authorization

Employment with ICON is contingent upon the candidate possessing the legal right to work in the country where the position is based.