Description
ICON is 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.
As a senior member of our Drug Development Services (DDS) organisation, 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 organisation.
Responsibilities
- 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 organisations, client forums, and external speaking engagements.
Your Profile
- 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, organisational 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%.
Rewards & 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.