Sr Site Director of Clinical Research (Phase I)

ICON plc • Salt Lake City, UT

7d • Onsite

About The Position

ICON is seeking a Senior Director, Clinical Operations (Site Head) to lead its clinical research site. The role is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and management of Phase 1 clinical trials, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with regulatory standards. The Site Head provides strategic leadership, optimizes operations, and ensures high-quality trial execution.

The position leads site strategy and execution, with accountability for resourcing, line management, training, quality, and operational delivery. It oversees Study Start Up and Clinical Monitoring activities, manages site budgets and financial oversight, and serves as a senior liaison with the VP of Global Clinical Operations. The Site Head also represents ICON in executive meetings, client steering committees, and bid defenses; supports business development and client relationships; and promotes a culture of performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.

The posting describes the team as Lenexa-based but also states that the successful candidate must be able to work daily in the Salt Lake City, Utah location.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in a relevant field, such as Medicine, Life Sciences, or Pharmacology.
• Extensive experience in Early Phase clinical research and development, with a proven track record of leading clinical trials.
• Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements and guidelines governing clinical research.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• Ability to be in the Salt Lake City, Utah, location daily.

Responsibilities

• Lead site-level strategy and execution, with accountability for resourcing, line management, training, quality, and operational delivery.
• Oversee and optimize Study Start Up and Clinical Monitoring activities to support rapid activation, regulatory compliance, and strong performance metrics.
• Manage the site-level budget and provide financial oversight for clinical and study start-up functions.
• Serve as the senior liaison with the VP of Global Clinical Operations on critical issues, client deliverables, and business development opportunities.
• Represent ICON at executive-level meetings, client steering committees, and bid defenses.
• Contribute to the site’s growth strategy and support business development and client relationship efforts.
• Foster a culture of high performance, innovation, and continuous improvement aligned with ICON’s core values.
• Promote excellent customer satisfaction and regional market success.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-related incentives.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior