🚀 Accelerate Site Activation: Site Contracts Negotiator (I, II, Senior) - Japan
Join ICON plc, a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization, as a Site Contracts Negotiator. This is a critical role within our global Feasibility & Site Activation (FSA) team, where your expertise will directly accelerate the start-up of clinical trials in Japan. You will be responsible for the successful negotiation and management of clinical trial agreements (CTAs) and ancillary contracts with investigative sites, ensuring compliance, protecting ICON's interests, and enabling timely patient access to innovative therapies.
We are seeking detail-oriented, proactive professionals with strong communication skills to join our contracting team at various levels of experience (Negotiator I, II, and Senior). If you are passionate about legal/commercial agreements, excel at building relationships, and thrive in a structured, fast-paced environment, this is your opportunity to build a specialized career with a global industry leader.
🎯 Your Site Contracts Mission: Key Responsibilities
End-to-End Contract Lifecycle Management
- Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize clinical trial agreements (CTAs), complex amendments, and ancillary documents with investigative sites, ensuring alignment with ICON's policies, client requirements, and local regulations.
- Track and manage the progress of all site contract activities in required systems (CTMS), providing accurate forecasts for contract execution timelines.
- File and maintain all contractual documents in compliance with department, ICON, and client requirements.
Stakeholder Communication & Risk Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for consistent communication with study sites and internal stakeholders (Clinical, Legal, Finance) to resolve issues and drive negotiations to timely completion.
- Proactively identify, escalate, and propose mitigation plans for risks that may impact study milestones or site activation timelines.
- Attend and contribute to study team project calls, providing expert input on site contracting status and strategy.
Process Adherence & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure all contracts are reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to departmental and client-specific guidelines.
- Complete all required project, client, and compliance trainings on time, adhering to all applicable SOPs and processes.
- Mentor and train other site contracts team members as needed (for Level II and Senior roles).
⭐ Your Profile: Site Contracts Negotiator Qualifications
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- 0-3+ years of experience in a clinical research, legal, contracts, or related administrative environment. We welcome applications from enthusiastic graduates (Level I) to experienced professionals (Level II & Senior).
- Business-level proficiency in both Japanese and English (written and verbal) is essential for negotiating with domestic sites and collaborating with global teams.
- High professionalism and strong interpersonal skills, with confidence in dealing with external and internal clients.
Core Competencies
- Meticulous Attention to Detail: Unwavering accuracy in document preparation, review, and data entry.
- Effective Communication & Negotiation: Excellent verbal and written skills to build rapport, explain terms clearly, and negotiate effectively.
- Organizational & Time Management: Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work independently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Analytical & Proactive Mindset: Ability to identify risks, suggest solutions, and think critically.
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the ability to learn new clinical systems quickly.
💫 Why Build Your Contracts Career at ICON in Japan?
Direct Impact on Clinical Trial Timelines
- Your work is mission-critical—efficient contract execution directly accelerates site activation, allowing life-saving clinical trials to begin faster.
- Develop a highly specialized, in-demand skill set in clinical trial contracting within the unique Japanese regulatory and business landscape.
Structured Career Progression
- Clear, defined career pathways from Negotiator I to Senior Negotiator and leadership roles within the global FSA function.
- Receive comprehensive training on clinical trial processes, contracting principles, and ICON's systems and SOPs.
- Opportunities for professional development and mentorship within a supportive team.
Be Part of a Global, Inclusive Team
- Collaborate with a diverse, dynamic team across the world.
- Work in a culture that values inclusion, high performance, and innovation.
Competitive ICON Benefits in Japan
- Attractive salary package commensurate with experience level.
- Comprehensive health insurance plans for you and your family.
- Generous annual leave entitlements.
- Competitive retirement planning offerings.
- Global Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 support.
- Flexible benefits and a strong commitment to your continuous growth.
✨ Ready to Negotiate the Agreements that Power Clinical Research?
Whether you are starting your career or are an experienced professional, if you are a communicative, detail-driven individual looking for a role with tangible impact, we encourage you to apply. This Site Contracts Negotiator position offers a unique opportunity to become an essential expert in the clinical trial start-up process.
Apply Now and become the trusted negotiator who ensures our clinical trial sites are contractually ready to advance medical science.
