ICON plc
Vendor Scoping Lead
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Vendor Scoping Lead
At ICON Strategic Solutions, you will work in a sponsor-dedicated model, supported by ICON’s global expertise.
As the world’s largest FSP organisation, with over 90 sponsor partnerships, we offer stability, career development and a collaborative environment where your work contributes to the development of treatments that benefit patients worldwide.
Reporting to the Head of Vendor Scoping Management, the Vendor Scoping Lead is accountable for the end-to-end scoping, budgeting, and vendor selection process for clinical and non-clinical studies across the GDO portfolio. The role ensures study budgets are accurate, competitive, and delivered on time to enable study start-up and governance approvals, negotiating clinical trial budgets.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for managing project scoping of both Development and local/regional studies in cooperation with project teams during the lifecycle of a project
- Responsible for scope alignment and analysis of GDO vendor budgets
- Supports the identification of vendor needs together with internal customers
- Supports study team in preparing scenarios for governance interactions
- Supports study team in obtaining timely approval according to the relevant governance framework
- As applicable, supports preparation of sufficiently detailed request for proposal documents in cooperation with the internal customers
- Responsible for budget negotiations with service providers
- Interface with the Contract Services team, facilitating the translation of governance approved scope and budget into executed contracts
- Responsible for an optimal balance between time, cost and quality considerations in study scope negotiations taking into account the global business objectives as well as the GDO outsourcing strategy and the individual project needs
- Consulted regarding coordination and management of structured evaluations of existing preferred service providers and other vendors
- Supports the maintenance of a list of preferred/qualified service providers (incl. a catalogue of available services)
- As a key member of the study team, represents through direct collaborations with counterparts and service providers
- Responsible for conducting all activities in compliance with clients Code of Conduct, existing Quality Documents, and all applicable Guidelines and Policies as well as applicable laws and regulations
- Supports the development and adaptation of VSM business procedures (incl. Quality Documents)
- Supports the execution of Development outsourcing strategy
- Negotiating clinical trial budgets up to >100mio €
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Strategic Impact
Accurate and timely vendor scoping is a direct enabler of study start-up speed and budget integrity across GDO's clinical portfolio. By delivering competitive, well-structured scoping packages and negotiating budgets up to >100M€, this role protects study timelines, reduces downstream financial variance, and enables GDO to meet its portfolio delivery commitments to R&D leadership.
Scope of People Responsibility
No direct reports. Executes vendor scoping activities in close collaboration with study teams, VOD&EI, COL, and Finance through lateral coordination. Works under the guidance of the Head of VSM and AssDir Vendor Scoping Leads on complex or high-value scoping cases.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, business administration, finance, or a related field required
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered
Work Experience
- 5+ years of experience in drug development with direct exposure to clinical scoping, outsourcing, or vendor management
- Minimum 4 years of experience in clinical operations, vendor management, procurement, or financial analysis in a pharmaceutical or CRO environment
- Demonstrated experience supporting vendor scope negotiations and budget discussions with clinical service providers
- Familiarity with clinical trial outsourcing models and governance requirements
- Solid understanding of clinical trial budgeting and RFP processes
- Sound background of financial/controlling issues
Job specific Competencies & Skills
- Embodied character attributes: accountability, results focus, growth mindset, agility, collaboration, system awareness
- Demonstrated learned skills: business acumen, decision making, critical thinking, communication, prioritization, risk-based thinking
- Good understanding of clinical trial vendor scoping processes, outsourcing models, and budget governance
- Advanced cost modeling and scenario analysis
- Vendor landscape intelligence and benchmarking
- Ability to translate operational requirements into vendor scope
- Advanced financial acumen and ROI optimization
- Analytical and detail-oriented: able to evaluate vendor proposals and support cost scenario modelling
- Collaborative team player: works effectively with study teams, COL, and Finance to align on vendor scope and budget
- Good communicator: able to prepare clear scoping documentation and governance materials
- Fluency in English (written and oral) is mandatory; additional languages are an asset
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Employment
Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.
Rewards & Benefits
ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.
Benefits may include:
- 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.
Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.
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 here.
Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply
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