About the role
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.
Sponsor Assurance Lead
Dublin, Hybrid
As a Sponsor Assurance Lead – at ICON, you will act as the primary interface between our new Enterprise AI function and sponsors and clients, ensuring confidence, transparency, and trust in the AI products and services we deliver. You will represent ICON in external forums, demonstrating the rigour, governance, and quality behind our AI capabilities in regulated environments.
What You Will Do:
In this role you will be responsible for leading sponsor assurance activities, maintaining audit readiness, and ensuring the delivery of trusted, compliant AI solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
• Serve as the primary assurance contact for sponsors and clients, representing Enterprise AI in meetings, governance forums, and audit engagements
• Present assurance updates including risk posture, validation evidence, compliance status, and quality metrics in a clear, professional manner
• Respond to sponsor queries on AI governance, data protection, model validation, and regulatory compliance
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive assurance framework and evidence repository for AI products and platforms
• Prepare sponsor-facing assurance packs, dashboards, and reports aligned to contractual and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (engineering, QA, compliance, legal) to ensure evidence is complete, accurate, and audit-ready
• Manage sponsor assurance reviews, due diligence sessions, and external audits end-to-end
• Communicate risks, incidents, and changes transparently with sponsors, including mitigation and corrective actions
• Drive continuous improvement in assurance practices, governance maturity, and audit readiness across the AI portfolio
Your Profile:
To succeed in this role, you will bring strong experience in assurance, compliance, and client-facing delivery within regulated environments, alongside the ability to represent complex AI systems with confidence and credibility.
Required qualifications and experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline
• Significant experience (5+ years) in assurance, quality, compliance, or client-facing roles within technology or regulated industries
• Proven experience engaging directly with external sponsors, clients, or regulators
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks (e.g. GDPR, EU AI Act, GxP, 21 CFR Part 11)
• Experience managing audits, inspections, or sponsor due diligence activities
• Technical understanding of AI/ML systems and software development practices
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple assurance workstreams and priorities in a fast-paced, complex environment
#LI-JC3
#LI-Remote
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
Aplyr's read
ICON plc is a leading global provider of outsourced services in the pharmaceutical industry, attracting professionals in clinical research and data management.
What's promising
- •ICON plc has a strong global presence, enhancing its ability to manage international clinical trials effectively.
- •The company offers diverse career opportunities across various roles in clinical research and data analysis.
- •ICON's focus on innovation in pharmaceutical services supports its competitive edge in the industry.
What to watch
- •The pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, which may limit flexibility in project execution.
- •ICON's reliance on large pharmaceutical clients could pose risks if partnerships dissolve.
- •The competitive nature of the CRO market may pressure ICON to maintain cost efficiency.
Why ICON plc
- •ICON plc specializes in comprehensive outsourcing solutions, differentiating it from competitors with narrower service scopes.
- •The company's integration of technology in clinical trials offers a unique advantage in data management.
- •ICON's strategic acquisitions have expanded its capabilities and market reach significantly.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
About ICON plc
ICON plc is a global provider of outsourced development and commercialisation services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries.
