AI Client Engagement Manager

About the Role As the AI Client Engagement Manager (internal title: Sponsor Assurance Lead) you will be the primary interface between ICON's Enterprise AI function and sponsors/clients, ensuring confidence, transparency, and governance of AI products in regulated environments. You will lead sponsor assurance activities, maintain audit readiness, and deliver trusted, compliant AI solutions. This role requires cross-functional collaboration and clear risk communication with external stakeholders. What You'll Do

• 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 What We're Looking For
• 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 Compensation & Benefits ICON offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits designed to support well-being and work-life balance, including:
• Various annual leave entitlements
• Health insurance offerings
• Competitive retirement planning offerings
• Global Employee Assistance Programme, LifeWorks, providing 24-hour access to a global network of professionals
• Life assurance
• Flexible country-specific optional benefits (e.g., childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidized travel passes, health assessments)
• Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.