Senior Director, Clinical Operations

ICON plc

. Provide strategic and operational leadership across assigned clinical programs and accounts .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeRemote • United States, CanadaSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strategic and operational leadership in clinical programs, with a strong focus on client relationship management, negotiation, and business development. Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive results in a global, client-facing environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Clinical Operations ExperienceClient Relationship ManagementNegotiation SkillsBusiness Development SupportRFP and Proposal Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Clinical OperationsRFP DevelopmentProposal DevelopmentBid Defense LeadershipAccount Expansion

Soft Skills

Influencing SkillsCommunication SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsFlexibilityLearning Agility

Industry Keywords

CROPharmaceuticalBiotechnologyClinical ResearchStakeholder Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic and operational leadership across assigned clinical programs and accounts
Build trusted relationships with clients and senior internal stakeholders
Proactively influence and educate clients on operational processes, solutions and best practices
Identify opportunities to strengthen client partnerships and support account growth
Constructively challenge or push back on stakeholders when needed to drive the right outcomes
Support new and existing business opportunities, including RFPs, proposals, bid defenses and client negotiations
Partner across global teams to ensure effective delivery and alignment with client expectations
Anticipate challenges, identify solutions and take ownership of driving issues through resolution
Work flexibly across global accounts and time zones based on client and business needs

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences, healthcare, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience
Significant experience in Clinical Operations within a CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or related clinical research environment
Current or recent experience operating at the Director level or equivalent
Demonstrated success managing senior client and stakeholder relationships
Strong influencing, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills
Ability to operate effectively in a highly client-facing environment
Demonstrated ability to take ownership, work proactively and drive results
Ability to constructively challenge stakeholders and navigate complex situations
Experience working effectively within global and cross-functional teams
Flexibility to support global clients across different time zones
Experience with RFPs and proposal development
Experience participating in or leading bid defenses
Client negotiation experience
Experience supporting business development, account expansion or new business opportunities
Demonstrated ability to influence clients and build relationships that support long-term partnerships and growth
Strong learning agility and willingness to develop new commercial and business development capabilities
Legal right to work in the country where the role is based

Benefits

Comp & perks

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