Manager, Clinical & Scientific Research

Manager, PCS- Beijing or Shanghai - Office or Home

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.

Manager, PCS

Job Profile Summary

The Manager, PCS, leads a functional group within the Language Services department of ICON overseeing both direct project operations and the development of people leaders such as Team Leads. This role is responsible for driving business growth, optimizing resourcing and processes, and expanding the scope and impact of the department’s services. The Manager acts as a strategic partner to clients and internal stakeholders, ensuring operational excellence, high quality standards, and continuous innovation across their team’s portfolio. A key accountability is building deep subject matter expertise in clinical and pharmaceutical domains, localization workflows, and enabling technologies—ensuring that this knowledge is embedded throughout the team. The Manager also plays a central role in talent development, team engagement, and cross-functional alignment to deliver high-value, scalable language solutions.

Job requirements

• 8+ years of experience in localization or language services project management, including 2+ years in a leadership role (managing Team Leads or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in Life Sciences translation, including clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and pharmaceutical documentation.
• Deep knowledge of localization methodologies, industry standards (e.g., ISO 17100, ISO 13485), and clinical regulatory frameworks (e.g., GxP, EMA, FDA).
• Demonstrated expertise in quality management for localization, including CAPA processes, audit readiness, and continuous improvement systems.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Experience supporting commercial strategy and client relationship growth through solution-oriented delivery and domain expertise.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with a proven track record of cross-functional collaboration in complex environments.
• Advanced proficiency with CAT tools, TMS platforms, and structured content formats (XML, XLIFF, etc.), including experience with technology-driven process optimization.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to drive operational improvements and innovation in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Job Description

General

• Recognize, exemplify, and actively promote ICON's core values centered around our commitment to People, Clients, and Performance.
• Foster a culture of continuous process improvement with a focus on efficiency, scalability, and value-driven delivery in a regulated environment.

Strategic

• Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of departmental processes, tools, and operational models to ensure efficiency, compliance, and scalability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives grounded in localization best practices, technology integration, and regulatory alignment.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the clinical research and pharmaceutical industry landscape and ensure this is reflected in the team’s service delivery and strategy.
• Act as a key operational leader supporting the integration and growth of Language Services within ICON’s broader Clinical & Scientific Research (PCS) function.
• Provide strategic direction and mentorship to Team Leads and functional staff; lead succession planning, skill development, and talent engagement efforts.
• Ensure resource flexibility across teams and projects to meet evolving internal and client demands.
• Inspire ownership, accountability, and performance in a global, often virtual, team environment.
• Partner with Business Development, Solutions, and client-facing teams to support strategic sales efforts, including client retention and service expansion.

Functional

• Develop and maintain training frameworks, process documentation, and best practice guidelines that embed localization, clinical, and regulatory expertise throughout the team.
• Act as a senior point of contact and escalation for complex operational or quality challenges; guide resolution plans and CAPA development as needed.
• Oversee project delivery across assigned teams, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and ICON’s standards for quality, consistency, and client satisfaction.
• Ensure team compliance with relevant SOPs, regulations, ISO standards, and client-specific requirements.
• Collaborate with quality, IT, and operational excellence groups to assess and implement improvements in tools, systems, and service models.
• Represent the department at internal and external meetings, operational reviews, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Communicate functional goals, progress, and outcomes regularly to leadership, stakeholders, and client partners.
• Monitor department-level performance metrics and drive accountability for achieving business and quality objectives.

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