Site Specialist - Contracts & Budgets

Site Specialist with contracts and budget experience - India, Chennai - Office
with Flex ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research
organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to
patients faster. As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration,
agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each
other, customers, patients and suppliers. We are currently seeking a Site
Specialist I – Contracts & Budgets to join our high-performing and collaborative
Site Activation team at ICON. In this role, you will take ownership of clinical
trial agreement negotiations, budget management, and contract execution
activities with investigative sites. You will work closely with cross-functional
teams to ensure timely site start-up, regulatory compliance, and effective risk
mitigation across global clinical studies. This is an excellent opportunity for
a contracts professional who thrives in a dynamic, client-focused environment
and is passionate about delivering operational excellence. What You Will Be
Doing: Leading the negotiation, execution, and ongoing management of Clinical
Trial Agreements (CTAs) and site budgets with investigative sites. Collaborating
with Clinical Operations and Project Management teams to support timely site
activation, including forecasting and tracking contract execution timelines.
Partnering with Functional Management to ensure adherence to local laws,
regulatory requirements, and departmental policies, minimizing legal and
operational risk. Supporting study start-up activities, including coordination
of translations and assisting with submission packages for Central and Local
EC/IRB and Competent Authorities. Reviewing and evaluating client-requested
contract changes, assessing deviations, escalating when required, and applying
departmental guidelines to decision-making. Prioritizing and managing multiple
contracts simultaneously, adapting to shifting timelines and business needs.
Proactively identifying and escalating risks or issues to the CTA Lead, FSA PM,
CTM, or Contract Manager to ensure smooth project progression. Ensuring
contracts and amendments are complete, accurate, compliant with internal
standards, and appropriately filed within contract databases. Maintaining clear
and timely documentation of all site interactions and contract status updates.
Mentoring and guiding junior Contract Associates, supporting their professional
growth and development. Continuously identifying opportunities to enhance
processes, strengthen collaboration with project teams and investigative sites,
and improve overall service delivery. Providing strategic insights and
recommendations to CTA Leads and Project/Functional Management to enhance team
efficiency and responsiveness. Your Profile: Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences
or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience. 3+ years' experience
negotiating and managing clinical trial contracts and site budgets within a
pharmaceutical, biotech, or CRO environment. Strong understanding of regulatory
and compliance requirements for clinical trials across jurisdictions.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, set clear timelines, and
deliver within deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Excellent analytical,
communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to confidently explain
legal and financial concepts to diverse stakeholders. High attention to detail
with a strong track record of risk identification and mitigation. Experience
mentoring or supporting junior team members, with the ability to work both
independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams. #LI-KT1
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 ICON is an award-winning workplace that
enables you to make a difference to patients’ lives by being part of a
world-class clinical research organisation that helps deliver new medicines &
medical devices that are benefitting patients worldwide. You are also part of a
diverse company that cares about our world and is dedicated to conducting
business more sustainably and supporting the communities in which we live. If
you’re as driven as we are, join us. You’ll be working in a great environment,
with some of the brightest and the friendliest people in the sector, and you’ll
be helping shape an industry. Didn’t find the role you were looking for? Even if
the perfect role isn’t available right now, we’re always excited to connect with
talented individuals. Register to our Talent Community to receive updates on
roles that align with your career goals.