Head of Early Development Asset Operations
Title:
Head of Early Development Asset OperationsCompany:
Ipsen Biopharm LtdAbout Ipsen:
Ipsen is a mid-sized global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on transformative medicines in three therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Disease and Neuroscience. Supported by nearly 100 years of development experience, with global hubs in the U.S., France and the U.K, we tackle areas of high unmet medical need through research and innovation.
Our passionate teams in more than 40 countries are focused on what matters and endeavor every day to bring medicines to patients in 88 countries. We build a workplace that champions human-centric leadership and fosters a culture of collaboration, excellence and impact. At Ipsen, every individual is empowered to be their true selves, grow and thrive alongside the company’s success. Join us on our journey towards sustainable growth, creating real impact on patients and society!
For more information, visit us at https://www.ipsen.com/ and follow our latest news on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Job Description:
Job Title:Senior Director, Head ofEarly DevelopmentAsset Operations
Division /Function:Asset OperationsTeam, within GlobalPortfolioOperations (GPO)
Location:France (Ballard) or the UK (London)
Summary/ purposeof the position
TheSenior Director, Head ofEarly DevelopmentAsset Operationswill be part of theAsset Operationsorganizationwithin GlobalPortfolioOperations (GPO)andwill reporttotheVPAsset Operations.
TheSenior Director, Head ofEarly DevelopmentAsset Operationswill:
Drive successful operational execution ofEarly Developmentprogramsacting as Project Manager, thesingle point of accountability for operational support totheassetteams.
Lead and support a team ofProjectManagers(Asset Operations Leads - AOLs)responsible forsupporting operational delivery oftheportfolio ofEarly Developmentprograms.
Drive cross-functional collaboration in advancinga portfolio ofinnovative therapies through preclinical, clinical,regulatory,and commercialmilestones.
Ensure constant fitof activities and processesto businessneedsand Asset Centric Model (ACM)requirements.
Embedded in a highly dynamic matrix environment spanning across functions, thisrolesupportshighly strategic projectsand allows exposure to higher levels ofsenior management.
Main responsibilities/job expectations
TheSenior Director, Head ofEarly DevelopmentAsset Operationswill divide their time between acting as(1)Project Manager (PM) responsible foroperationaldelivery ofEarly Developmentprograms,(2)leadinga team ofPMssupporting operational delivery ofEarly Developmentprograms,(3)driving cross functionalcollaborationand supportingEarly Developmentportfolio advancement,and(4)drivingcontinuous improvementinitiatives to maintainAsset Operationsprocesses and toolsfuture ready.
(1)Acting asAOL, theSenior Director, Head ofEarly DevelopmentAsset Operationswill have to:
Serve as thesingle point of accountability foroperational project management.
Apply Ipsen’sACMframework toensure accurate and timely delivery of projectsobjectivesand steady progress of programsacross all stages of development and commercialization.
Enforce productive project environment by utilizing standard project methodologyand leading monthly operational meetings.
Developand maintain fullyintegratedcross-functionalprojectplan,and track project progress against objectives and timelines and raise potential red flags to project leader as appropriate as well as possible mitigation.
Advises on governance expectations and prepares for key decision point discussions with focus on cross-functional input and rigorousdebate.
Facilitates effective, science-based business decisions including the generation of multiple development scenarios/options as needed, highlighting interdependencies and downstream impacts (including but not limited to timelines and budget) of strategic decisions.
Contribute withAsset Teamleaders in preparation and presentation of progress reportsand decision-making materialto the appropriate project governance bodies, stakeholders, and senior management.
Manage project budget and resource plan in partnership with theTeam Leaders, Finance cost controller, Resource Forecast managers, function heads and function representatives.
Collaborate with Finance representative to track project budget, expenses and resources against estimates and commitment and raise potential red flags to project leader as appropriate.
Ensure all supportive materials and data are provided for tax credit requests on duetime.
Set-up and keep up-to-date project documents repository available to all team members and supporting collaborative ways ofworking.
Ensure good organization and easy access to all relevant projectdocuments.
Foster development of high performing teams, actively monitoring the health and operating efficiency of teams
For projects that are being jointly developed, works closely with strategic alliancemanagementpartner.
(2) TheSenior Director, Head ofEarly DevelopmentAsset Operationswill be leading, and managinga team of Project Managers to deliver project excellence across theEarly Developmentportfolio.
Set measurable objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for each team member, facilitating regular one-on-one meetings and feedback sessions to discuss progress, address challenges, and recognize achievements.
Provide day-to-day strategic guidance toteam members, ensuring they have the resources and support to deliver on their individual and collective project goals.
Serve as a role model in fostering accountability, resilience, and problem-solving within the team.
Identify each team member’s strengths and areas for growth.Supporttailored development plans to foster skill enhancement, career progression, and leadership potential, with a focus on preparing team members for increased responsibilities within the organization.
Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture with a focus on accountability, innovation, and professional growth.Cultivate a collaborative team environment, encouraging open communication, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving among teammembers.
(3)TheSenior Director, Head ofEarly DevelopmentAsset Operationswilldrive cross functional collaboration to support theEarly Developmentportfolio advancement:
Collaborate with TA Heads, Commercial Leads, Franchise Leads andGovernance Operationsto develop and maintain a clear roadmap for theEarly Developmentportfolio, aligning program goals, key milestones, and timelines with the organization’s strategic priorities. Regularly update this roadmap to reflect new developments, regulatory updates, or evolving market needs, ensuring the portfolio remains aligned with both short- and long-term goals.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional leaders in clinical, regulatory, CMC, commercialand financeto ensure that portfolio decisions reflect a unified approach to advancing therapeutic candidates through each development phase. Ensure alignment across departments on priorities and resource allocation to maintain steady project progression.
Collaborate withGovernance OperationstooverseeEarly Developmentportfolio and track progress, budgets, and timelines. Regularly assessEarly Developmentportfolio health and performance, adjusting based on data, stakeholder feedback, and strategic reviews to optimize outcomes.
Delegate responsibilities effectively, empoweringteam membersto make informed decisions, manage project challenges, and take ownership of their assigned programs. Encourage autonomy while providing guidance and oversight as needed.
(4)TheSenior Director, Head ofEarly DevelopmentAsset OperationswillpromoteProcess Optimization & Best Practices:
Drive the adoption and continuous improvement of project management tools, methodologies, and best practices across the team.
Identify and implement process enhancements to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and optimize resource utilization across the portfolio.
Ensure project documentation, reporting, and regulatory compliance requirements are met.
Facilitate knowledge sharing across programs, encouraging project managers to share insights, lessons learned, and best practices from ongoing projects. Promote a culture of continuous learning to refine approaches and enhance overall portfolio performance.
TheSenior Director, Head ofEarly DevelopmentAsset Operationsrole is highly autonomous yet deeply cross functional, requiring developing efficientinterface with key stakeholders and functions within Ipsen (including but not limited to R&D, Business Units, Value & Access, Finance, HR, Marketing, Sales, Business Operations & Legal) as well as outside Ipsen to ensure optimal project delivery and information sharing.
Knowledge, abilities&experience
Education/ Certifications:
Minimum bachelor’s degree with relevant experience, orBusiness school and/ormaster’sdegree
Scientific background, PhD is ideal.
Experience:
15+ years of experience in biotech/pharmaceutical/health care industry, including 5+ years in project management or leadership of cross-functional matrix teams.
Experience at a global drug development team level with knowledge ofdrug development through commercialization
Prior experience of people management.
Languages:
Minimum: English
Idealadditional language: French
Key TechnicalCompetenciesRequired
Robust background in pharmaceutical R&D project management, team leadership experience, and a commitment to fostering a high-performance culture within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Proven ability to manage projects
Knowledge and understanding ofkeyTherapeutic Areasof focus for Ipsen
Significant cross-functional team management experience
DemonstratedLeadership skills including Interpersonal and facilitation skills necessary to drive alignment, ability to lead a team of experts and influence without authority
High degree of emotional intelligence, with a track record of handling interpersonal challenges and facilitating positive resolutions within the team and across departments.
Ability to interface with technicalandscientific internal user groups
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to communicate with all levels of the organization
Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Projectsandcollaborative working tools (ideallyTeams/SharePoint)
Abilityto work in a fast-paced environment and be able to handle multiple projects while maintaining quality/standards per IPSEN guidelines/expectations
Flexible; independent problem solving and self-direction
Adept at working in an environment requiring effective management of confidential information.
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