[Hiring] Vice President, Drug Development Services (CNS/Psychiatry) @ICON plc

Role Description

We are seeking an accomplished Vice President, Drug Development Services (CNS/Psychiatry) to serve as a strategic leader and trusted advisor to clients across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. This highly visible role combines therapeutic expertise, scientific leadership, consulting excellence, and business impact to support the successful advancement of CNS and psychiatric therapies from early development through commercialization.

As a senior member of our Drug Development Services (DDS) organization, you will work directly with C-suite executives, Chief Medical Officers, Therapeutic Area Leaders, and senior development teams to design and execute innovative development strategies while leading and inspiring multidisciplinary teams across the global organization.

• Provide strategic scientific and medical leadership for CNS and Psychiatry development programs spanning Phase I through late-stage clinical development, ensuring robust clinical, regulatory, and commercial strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, delivering high-value consulting engagements and guiding critical decisions related to protocol design, development planning, patient selection, endpoints, and overall program strategy.
• Lead multidisciplinary Drug Development Services teams, fostering a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, innovation, scientific excellence, and client success.
• Drive the design and execution of integrated drug development solutions, including clinical development strategies, feasibility assessments, regulatory planning, risk mitigation, and program optimization.
• Build and maintain influential relationships with investigators, key opinion leaders, advisory boards, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders to advance client objectives and strengthen ICON's market presence.
• Partner closely with Business Development teams to support strategic growth initiatives, including proposal development, client presentations, bid defenses, and scientific leadership during business development activities.
• Represent ICON as an industry thought leader through participation in scientific conferences, professional organizations, client forums, and external speaking engagements.

Qualifications

• MD with specialization in Neurology, Psychiatry, or a closely related CNS discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in drug development, with significant expertise in CNS and psychiatric therapeutic areas across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO environments.
• Demonstrated success advancing assets through multiple stages of development, including clinical, regulatory, and strategic decision-making that supports successful development milestones.
• Deep understanding of global regulatory requirements and experience guiding development strategies across major regulatory agencies.
• Proven ability to influence and build credibility with executive leadership, including CEOs, CMOs, Therapeutic Area Heads, and other senior stakeholders.
• Strong experience leading multidisciplinary global teams, including talent development, organizational leadership, budget accountability, and resource management.
• Commercially minded strategic consultant with a successful track record supporting business growth, client engagements, and complex drug development partnerships.
• Extensive professional network within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, and regulatory communities.
• Live in the US, UK, or Ireland with ability to travel up to 25%.

Requirements

• 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.

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.