Site Activation Lead

Site Activation Lead - Europe - homebased

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.

At ICON, study start-up is not a checklist — it’s the moment where strategy becomes access. As a Site Activation Lead , you ensure clinical trials move from plan to reality without unnecessary delays, protecting timelines, budgets, and most importantly — patient access to new therapies.

This role is about ownership, impact, and performance.

What You’ll Be Responsible For — and Why It Matters

• Design and lead Study Start-Up Plans - So that every country and site moves forward with clarity, alignment, and realistic timelines.
• Drive regulatory and ethics submissions to approval - So studies reach activation faster and without avoidable rework or compliance risk.
• Oversee site contracts and budget negotiations - So financial and legal barriers don’t delay first patient in.
• Identify risks early and implement mitigation strategies - So roadblocks are prevented — not reacted to.
• Partner with sponsors at Bid Defences and Kick-Off Meetings - So start-up strategy is strong from day one and aligned with expectations.
• Lead and empower regional start-up teams - So performance is consistent, accountable, and milestone-driven across countries.
• Ensure data accuracy, reporting, and KPI tracking - So sponsors have transparency and projects stay on course.

Every action you take directly influences time-to-activation — and ultimately, time-to-treatment for patients.

What You Bring

• 5+ years in Clinical Research with strong Study Start-Up experience
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and submission processes
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams globally
• Strong project management and risk mitigation skills
• Confidence in sponsor-facing environments

#LI-MK1
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