Senior Director, Drug Development Services - CGT

Location: UK, Reading

Sr Director Therapeutic Area (Hepatology)- US- Remote

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.

Senior Director, Drug Development & Consulting – Cell and Gene Therapy (Rare Disease)

At ICON plc, we are driven by commitment to People, Clients, and Performance. We are seeking a strategic Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) expert to join our Drug Development & Consulting team in a highly visible, client-facing role.

This position offers the opportunity to act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across the industry, including CEOs, CMOs, and other CGT Therapeutic Area Heads. You will deliver bespoke, asset-centric solutions while shaping cell and gene therapy drug development strategies across the full lifecycle.

The Role

This is a consultative and advisory role where you will serve as a key scientific partner to both external clients and internal teams. Often acting as the first technical point of contact, you will play a critical role in pre-sales activities, proposal strategy, and long-term partnership development within cell and gene therapy therapeutic areas (TAs).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic cell and gene therapy drug development program design, delivering tailored, asset-focused solutions
• Own end-to-end protocol development, including design, scientific review, and evaluation for CGT clinical trials across Phases I–IV
• Partner directly with senior client stakeholders (e.g., CMO, TA Heads, Clinical Development leadership) to provide expert guidance on CGT development strategy and data interpretation
• Act as scientific and strategic lead in proposal development, study/operational strategy, and within Cell and Gene Therapy
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Cell and Gene Therapy key opinion leaders (KOLs), advisory boards, and relevant regulatory authorities
• Contribute to the development of CGT-focused service offerings, supporting innovation and growth in CGT therapeutic areas
• Provide training, mentorship, and thought leadership in Cell and Gene Therapy to internal teams and external partners
• Participate in portfolio reviews, governance discussions, and scientific oversight of CGT programs
• Support operational teams with high-level scientific input, including investigator meetings, operational strategy and CGT-specific study discussions
• Represent the organization at Cell and Gene Therapy congresses and scientific forums to promote clinical excellence and scientific leadership

What You Bring

• Deep, recognized expertise in Cell and Gene Therapy drug development – Cell Therapy, Gene Therapy, RNA Therapy
• Strong understanding of CGT clinical trial design, trial operations, biomarkers, endpoints, and evolving therapeutic landscapes
• Proven ability to operate in a strategic, client-facing, consultative environment within pharmaceutical or clinical research settings
• Experience engaging and influencing senior scientific and clinical stakeholders across industry and academia
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex CGT data into clear, actionable development insights
• Collaborative, global mindset with strong cross-functional leadership capability
• MD or PhD ideally with specialization or substantial clinical/research experience in Cell and Gene Therapy inclusive of operational expertise.
• 20- 40% travel (domestic and international)
• Opportunity to work in a highly visible, impact-driven role shaping the future of Cell and Gene Therapy drug development

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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
• Additional Locations: Spain, Barcelona, Bulgaria, Sofia, Romania, Bucharest, Portugal, Lisbon, Poland, Warsaw, Ireland, Dublin