Study Start Up Manager

The Study Start-Up Manager is accountable for study planning, SSU activities and activation deliverables of assigned projects in compliance with client processes, GCP/ICH and regulatory requirements in a standalone country, OPC (operating country) or satellite country. Leads all SSU activities of assigned projects in close collaboration with Feasibility Manager and Site Partnership Manager as well as the global study team. In satellite countries acts as primary back-up and deputy of the country manager.

What you will be doing:

• Supports country SSU strategy in close collaboration with Study Start-Up Team Lead, Country Head Portfolio / Cluster Head Portfolio
• Collaborates with Country / Cluster Head Portfolio, Portfolio Team Leads and global study team to ensure SSU timelines and deliverables are met according to country commitments
• Accountable for timely start-up activities from country allocation until Green Light (ready to initiate site milestone) in assigned projects
• Ensures close collaboration with local IRBs/IECs and Health Authorities, as applicable
• Ensures that study start-up activities are conducted and completed on time, including preparation of IRB/IEC submission packages, review of Informed Consent Forms, engaging Regulatory Affairs/CTA Hub for Health Authorities submissions, as required
• Prepares and finalizes local submission package for submission to IRB/IEC, CTA Hub (Europe: acc. to new EU-CTR) as well as Health Authorities as applicable (including subsequent amendments, IBs, DSURs, CSRs)
• Coordinates timely response to deficiency letters in close collaboration with local and global stakeholders
• Coordinates reportable events and notifications to IRB/IEC and Health Authorities as applicable
• Accountable for timelines, accuracy, and quality of country TMF documents in study start-up to ensure TMF inspection readiness
• Ensures adherence to financial standards, prevailing legislation, ICH/GCP, IRB/IEC, Health Authority and SOP requirements
• Implements innovative and efficient processes which are in line with client strategy
• Supports study feasibility in close collaboration with Feasibility Manager and Site Partnership Manager as well as the global study team.
• Leads site selection in collaboration with Portfolio Team Lead and Clinical Project Manager if already assigned
• In satellite countries oversees local vendor selection and performance as needed. Serves as main contact for quality/compliance issues in SSU phase, escalating as necessary
• Ensures sites are prepared for “Green Light” and ensures all documentation is in place for initial and subsequent drug release. Responsible for review and sign off of the site “Green Light”
• Oversees local SSU team activities in assigned studies to achieve start-up timelines and quality execution, (proposing and implementing corrective actions where appropriate), according to client standards and local and international regulations
• Leads/chairs local SSU team meetings in assigned studies, participates in global study team meetings, as required
• Leads the development of country site initiation and patient enrolment plans together with SSU CRA, CPM and SSU Lead

You are:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in clinical operations in a role that oversees (project management) and/or with monitoring clinical trials
• Capable of leading in a matrix environment, without direct reports
• Understanding of all aspects of clinical drug development with particular emphasis on trial set-up, execution, and monitoring
• Strong project management capabilities with demonstrated ability to problem solve and mediate complex issues
• Thorough understanding of the international aspects of drug development process, including strong knowledge of international standards (GCP/ICH), health authorities (FDA/EMA), local/National Health Authorities regulations and client standards
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Communicates effectively in a local/global matrixed environment
• The successful candidate must be fully bilingual in French and English (spoken and written).

What ICON can offer you:

Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.

In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.

Our benefits examples include:

• Various annual leave entitlements
• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs
• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximise savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead
• Global Employee Assistance Programme, TELUS Health, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialised professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being
• Life assurance
• Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidised travel passes, health assessments, among others

At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. We’re dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know through the form below.

Interested in the role, but unsure if you meet all of the requirements? We would encourage you to apply regardless - there’s every chance you’re exactly what we’re looking for here at ICON whether it is for this or other roles.