[Hiring] Vice President, General Partner @ICON plc

Role Description

As Vice President, General Partner, you will serve as the senior executive accountable for strategic sponsor partnerships across ICON Biotech’s portfolio. You will build and strengthen key sponsor relationships, guide consultative R&D strategy and program design, and partner with global leaders to proactively identify and resolve barriers to successful delivery. Acting as the primary executive contact for development programs and operational and financial governance, you will create clear accountability across service lines and help deliver a connected, client-focused experience.

• Serve as the executive owner for assigned sponsor relationships, building trusted partnerships and maintaining a clear understanding of sponsor priorities, development goals, and portfolio needs.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across full drug development programs, evaluating complex initiatives and driving decisions that support successful delivery.
• Partner with global business and functional leaders to align strategy, establish accountability, and ensure consistent, seamless operations across regions and service lines.
• Provide strategic input into proposals, program designs, and innovative delivery approaches in collaboration with sponsors and ICON Biotech teams.
• Represent ICON in executive governance meetings, partnership reviews, and bid defenses, providing clear operational and strategic perspective.
• Proactively identify portfolio risks, delivery barriers, and opportunities for improvement; mobilize the appropriate leaders and teams to drive timely resolution.
• Lead, influence, and develop senior colleagues and cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and deliver clear, concise executive communications that support informed decision-making and strengthen sponsor confidence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, in a relevant scientific discipline; an advanced degree is strongly preferred.
• Significant senior leadership experience within biotech R&D, a large contract research organization, or a major life sciences consulting firm.
• At least 10 years of management experience in clinical development operations or clinical project management, with a focus on biotechnology.
• A proven record of leading successfully within a large CRO or biotech organization, including developing people and enabling consistent global execution.
• Broad knowledge of clinical operations functions, including project management, clinical monitoring, data management, regulatory affairs, and medical writing.
• Strong understanding of the drug development lifecycle and applicable FDA regulations, Good Clinical Practice, and ICH guidelines.
• Executive-level influencing, negotiation, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to build consensus across diverse functions and regions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations and influence decisions.
• Preference for candidates who reside in San Francisco.
• Ability to travel up to 40%.

Requirements

• Salary Range - This is for California only: $275,000 - $350,000.
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• Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.

Benefits

• 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.