Senior Director, Head of Rare Disease Asset Operations

About 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 companys success. Join us on our journey towards sustainable growth creating real impact on patients and society!

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Job Title:

Senior Director Head of Rare Diseases Asset Operations

Division / Function:

Asset Operations Team within Global Portfolio Operations (GPO)

Managers Job Title:

VP Program Management

Ipsen Job Profile:

Global Asset Operations

Location:

France (Paris) UK (London) or US (Boston)

WHAT - Summary & Purpose of the Position

The Senior Director Head of Rare Diseases Asset Operations will be part of the Asset Operations team within Global Portfolio Operations (GPO) and will report to the VP Program Management.

The Senior Director Head of Rare Diseases Asset Operations will:

• Drive successful operational execution of Rare Diseases programs acting as Project Manager the single point of accountability for operational support to the asset teams.
• Lead and support a team of Project Managers and Portfolio Manager responsible for supporting operational delivery of the portfolio of Rare Diseases programs.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration in advancing a portfolio of innovative therapies through preclinical clinical regulatory and commercial milestones.
• Ensure constant fit of activities and processes to business needs and Asset Centric Model (ACM) 2.0 requirements.
  • Embedded in a highly dynamic matrix environment spanning across functions this role supports highly strategic projects and allows exposure to higher levels of senior management

WHAT - Main Responsibilities & Technical Competencies

• The Senior Director Head of Rare Diseases Asset Operations will divide their time between acting as (1) Project Manager (PM) responsible for operational delivery of Rare Diseases programs (2) leading a team of PMs supporting operational delivery of Rare Diseases programs (3) driving cross functional collaboration and supporting Rare Diseases portfolio advancement and (4) driving continuous improvement initiatives to maintain Asset Operations processes and tools future ready.

• (1) Acting as PM the Senior Director Head of Rare Diseases Asset Operations will have to:
  • Serve as the single point of accountability for operational project management.
  • Apply Ipsens ACM2.0 framework to ensure accurate and timely delivery of projects objectives and steady progress of programs across all stages of development and commercialization.
  • Enforce productive project environment by utilizing standard project methodology and leading monthly operational meetings.
  • Develop and maintain fully integrated cross-functional project plan 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 rigorous debate.
  • 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 with Asset Team leaders in preparation and presentation of progress reports and decision-making material to the appropriate project governance bodies stakeholders and senior management.
  • Manage project budget and resource plan in partnership with the Team 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 due time.
  • Set-up and keep up-to-date project documents repository available to all team members and supporting collaborative ways of working.
  • Ensure good organization and easy access to all relevant project documents.
  • 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 alliance management partner.

• (2) The Senior Director Head of Rare Diseases Asset Operations will be leading and managing a team of Project Managers and portfolio manager to deliver project excellence across the Rare Diseases portfolio.
  • 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 to team 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 members strengths and areas for growth. Support tailored 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 team members.

• (3) The Senior Director Head of Rare Diseases Asset Operations will drive cross functional collaboration to support the Rare Diseases portfolio advancement:
  • Collaborate with TA Heads Commercial Leads Franchise Leads and Portfolio Manager to develop and maintain a clear roadmap for the Rare Diseases project portfolio aligning program goals key milestones and timelines with the organizations 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 commercial and finance to 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 with Portfolio Manager to oversee Rare Diseases portfolio and track progress budgets and timelines. Regularly assess Rare Diseases portfolio health and performance adjusting based on data stakeholder feedback and strategic reviews to optimize outcomes.
  • Support Portfolio Manager in delivering project status updates metrics and performance insights to senior leadership and key stakeholders across the company.
  • Delegate responsibilities effectively empowering team members to make informed decisions manage project challenges and take ownership of their assigned programs. Encourage autonomy while providing guidance and oversight as needed.

• (4) The Senior Director Head of Rare Diseases Asset Operations will promote Process 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.

• The Senior Director Head of Rare Diseases Asset Operations role is highly autonomous yet deeply cross functional requiring developing efficient interface 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.

HOW - Behavioural Competencies Required

Competency Behavioural Markers

Explanation of Choice

Excellence in Execution

Approaches priority setting and setting the stage through the lens of execution; Establishes clarity about the goals accountabilities timelines and next steps; can identify/spot opportunities for real impact on patient and society; Able to be focused and performance-driven with clear KPIs Plans and aligns effectively (steps resources timelines etc.); Displays a commitment to best practice sharing and setting Promotes single point of accountabilities.

This competency is crucial for ensuring that the operational execution of Rare Diseases programs is successful and aligns with organizational goals.

Collaborates

Collaborates and communicates without boundaries continuously removes organizational barriers; Focuses on continuous improvement; integrates and leverages key learnings showcases resourcefulness learning/experimenting at scale demonstrates strong entrepreneurial behaviours and mindset.

Collaboration is essential for driving cross-functional teamwork and advancing the Rare Diseases portfolio through various milestones.

Develops/ Coaches Talent

Able to identify and align career goals and blend organizational objectives into a cohesive development plan for self and team; Able to coach Provides structured actionable regular and directional feedback and acts as a coach to empower people to own their own growth/development; Prepares their own succession plans; Displays a radically human-centered mindset; puts people first; focuses on doing good; Demonstrates ability to build team effectiveness.

Developing and coaching talent is vital for leading and supporting a team of Project Managers and ensuring their growth and effectiveness.

Communicates Effectively

Asks open questions and digs deeper; shows care and respect for different perspectives (both verbally and non-verbally) and able to relate to other points of view; Communicates transparently tells it how it is while keeping the communication respectful; Builds clear and crisp messages with structure and focus uses visual communication and storytelling to make the message easy to digest and connect with the outcomes. Demonstrates gravitas.

Effective communication is key for ensuring clear understanding and alignment across the team and stakeholders.

Ensures Accountability

Ensures single accountable referents per task/project/outcome (independent of organizational context or multi-team projects); Builds and anchors an environment where people have the skills and habits to ask for clarification when accountabilities are unclear; Consults/seeks relevant stakeholder views/expertise and coaches/ensures decisions are made by consent vs. consensus; Takes personal accountability for decisions actions successes and failures and fosters the same for others; Follows through on commitment and makes sure others do the same;

Ensuring accountability is critical for maintaining high standards and delivering on commitments within the Rare Diseases programs.

HOW - Knowledge & Experience

Knowledge & Experience (essential):

• Extensive experience in biotech/pharmaceutical/health care industry including project management or leadership of cross-functional matrix teams.
• Prior experience of people management.
• 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
• Significant cross-functional team management experience
• Demonstrated Leadership 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 technical and scientific internal user groups
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate with all levels of the organization
• Proficiency in Word Excel PowerPoint MS Projects and collaborative working tools (ideally Teams/SharePoint)
• Ability to 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.

Knowledge & Experience (preferred):

• Experience at a global drug development team level with knowledge of drug development through commercialization
• Knowledge and understanding of key Therapeutic Areas of focus for Ipsen

Education / Certifications (essential):

• Minimum bachelors degree with relevant experience or Business school and/or masters degree

Education / Certifications (preferred):

• Scientific background PhD is ideal.

Language(s) (essential):

• English professional proficiency

Language(s) (preferred):

• French is ideal

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