VSM ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development Job title - Vendor Start Up Manager (central labs) Location - UK, Spain, Bulgaria or Poland Fully sponsor dedicated As a Vendor Start‑Up Manager, you are accountable for delivering fast‑paced and coordinated vendor services during the trial start‑up phase, while supporting the execution of category strategies and the adoption of standardized service models. What You Will Do: Key responsibilities include: Reviews vendor‑ and category‑specific protocol content, ensuring vendor expertise is incorporated when refining requirements through to protocol finalisation. Supports creation of the Study Specification Worksheet (SSW) to enable an effective vendor bidding and selection process. Partners with Procurement to review vendor proposals and quotations; provides support for contract negotiations where needed. Conducts detailed budget evaluations of final vendor quotations. Organises and leads vendor kick‑off meetings and coordinates ongoing vendor‑focused forums. Collects health authority submission documentation from vendors in line with participating country requirements. Executes thorough User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for eCOA and IRT systems. Ensures protocol or study design changes are communicated to vendors and reflected in updated budgets, timelines, specifications, and contractual amendments in collaboration with Procurement. Drives an efficient, front‑loaded start‑up approach to enable timely vendor database go‑live. Oversees vendor performance at the study level, ensuring delivery meets agreed quality standards and service expectations. Your Profile: Required qualifications and experience: Advanced degree in science or business with equivalent experience Fluent English, oral and written Minimum of 3 years’ experience with strong understanding of clinical operations processes and end‑to‑end vendor management. In‑depth knowledge of GxP requirements and ICH guidelines. Demonstrated leadership in managing supplier relationships and/or deep expertise within specific service domains. Proven ability to collaborate effectively across internal functions and external partners. Hands‑on experience conducting User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for eCOA and IRT systems. Solid understanding of critical deliverables that impact green‑light milestones and vendor readiness. Experience with outsourcing models, including sourcing, contract development, RFP/RFQ processes, and CRO/vendor engagement. Subject‑matter expertise in one or more clinical service categories, such as Central Laboratories, eCOA/ePRO, IRT, Cardiac and Respiratory diagnostics, PR&R, or Imaging services. What ICON can offer you: Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent. In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family. Our benefits examples include: Various annual leave entitlements A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs. Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead. Global Employee Assistance Programme, TELUS Health, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialised professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being. Life assurance Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidised travel passes, health assessments, among others. Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers. At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. We’re dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know or submit a request here. Interested in the role, but unsure if you meet all of the requirements? We would encourage you to apply regardless – there’s every chance you’re exactly what we’re looking for here at ICON whether it is for this or other roles. Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply