Lead Business Operations Specialist

Lead Business Operations Specialist

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead risk-based quality management in clinical studies and ensure effective oversight.
  • Company: Join ICON, a global leader in healthcare intelligence and clinical research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health coverage, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by enhancing quality oversight in clinical trials.
  • Qualifications: Experience in clinical research and strong knowledge of risk management principles.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

RBQM Lead

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.

Job title – Lead Business Operations Specialist Job role - RBQM Lead

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking (Risk-Based Quality Management ) RBQM Lead to support the implementation and execution of proactive, risk-focused quality oversight across clinical studies.

As an RBQM Lead, you will serve as a subject matter expert and change leader, ensuring risk-based principles are embedded throughout the clinical trial lifecycle—from study design through execution and governance.

This global role will drive the implementation of study level RBQM strategies, standards, and initiatives to strengthen quality oversight and inspection readiness.

Key Responsibilities

  • RBQM Planning & Risk Assessment
  • Lead execution of Quality and Risk Management planning in alignment with study and program objectives.
  • Facilitate cross-functional workshops to identify and document Critical-to-Quality (Ct Q) factors, critical data, and critical processes.
  • Coordinate and oversee initial and ongoing risk assessments, ensuring timely identification of risks and implementation of mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure risk assessments, risk controls, and mitigation plans are complete, actionable, and aligned with regulatory expectations.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Oversight
  • Partner with Clinical Operations, Data Management, Biostatistics, and other stakeholders to review data flows, critical data pathways, and data review requirements.
  • Provide input into Risk-Based Monitoring (RBM) strategies, including targeted SDV/SDR approaches and reduced verification models.
  • Perform quality gate reviews of functional plans to confirm integration of risk mitigation and monitoring strategies.
  • Ongoing Risk Management & Oversight
  • Lead and facilitate Risk Review Meetings (RRMs) and ensure comprehensive documentation of risk evaluations and decisions.
  • Oversee ongoing risk surveillance to ensure monitoring strategies remain effective and aligned with study timelines and budgets.
  • Ensure risk review outputs provide meaningful insights, trend analysis, and actionable recommendations.
  • Update risk assessments based on protocol amendments, emerging signals, or changes to critical data and processes.
  • Governance & Quality
  • Support program-level and organizational RBQM governance and oversight activities.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance RBQM maturity and effectiveness across the organization.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Comprehensive clinical research experience, collaborating with global teams within a matrixed organizational environment
  • Significant experience in clinical research within one or more of the following areas:

o Risk-Based Quality Management (RBQM) o Clinical Operations o Central Monitoring o Clinical Risk Management o Clinical Data Science

  • Technical Expertise & Capability
  • Strong knowledge of ICH E6 (R2/R3), ICH E8, and their application to RBQM.
  • Deep understanding of clinical trial processes, data flows, and risk-based monitoring strategies.
  • Demonstrated expertise implementing RBQM methodologies for multiple projects.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders globally.
  • Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate regulatory expectations into operational practice.
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation skills.
  • Mindset & Behaviors
  • Proactive and solutions-oriented with a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to operate effectively in complex, global environments.
  • Strong critical thinking and risk anticipation capabilities.
  • Passion for mentoring teams and strengthening RBQM capabilities across the organization.
  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture.

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

Lead Business Operations Specialist employer: IRE

ICON is an exceptional employer that prioritises integrity, collaboration, and inclusion, making it a fantastic place for professionals in the healthcare intelligence and clinical research sector. As a Senior Clinical System Designer, you will benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellbeing programmes, and ample opportunities for learning and career development, all within a supportive and innovative work culture. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on driving meaningful change in clinical trials, ICON offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact.

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Contact Details:

IRE Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Business Operations Specialist

Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions

Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Lead Business Operations Specialist at IRE!

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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Lead Business Operations Specialist role at IRE!

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Business Operations Specialist

Risk-Based Quality Management (RBQM)
Clinical Operations
Central Monitoring
Clinical Risk Management
Clinical Data Science
ICH E6 (R2/R3)
ICH E8

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at IRE. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at IRE

Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at IRE. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!