Head of Early Development Asset Operations

Job Title

Senior Director, Head of Early Development Asset Operations

Division / Function

Asset Operations Team, within Global Portfolio Operations (GPO)

Location

France (Ballard) or the UK (London)

Summary / Purpose Of The Position

The Senior Director, Head of Early Development Asset Operations will be part of the Asset Operations organization within Global Portfolio Operations (GPO) and will report to the VP Asset Operations.

The Senior Director, Head of Early Development Asset Operations will:

• Drive successful operational execution of Early Development 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 (Asset Operations Leads - AOLs) responsible for supporting operational delivery of the portfolio of Early Development 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) 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.

Main Responsibilities / Job Expectations

• The Senior Director, Head of Early Development Asset Operations will divide their time between acting as (1) Project Manager (PM) responsible for operational delivery of Early Development programs, (2) leading a team of PMs supporting operational delivery of Early Development programs, (3) driving cross functional collaboration and supporting Early Development portfolio advancement, and (4) driving continuous improvement initiatives to maintain Asset Operations processes and tools future ready.
• (1) Acting as AOL, the Senior Director, Head of Early Development Asset Operations will have to:
• Serve as the single point of accountability for operational project management.
• Apply Ipsen’s ACM 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 Early Development Asset Operations will be leading, and managing a team of Project Managers to deliver project excellence across the Early Development 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 member’s 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 Early Development Asset Operations will drive cross functional collaboration to support the Early Development portfolio advancement:

Collaborate with TA Heads, Commercial Leads, Franchise Leads and Governance Operations to develop and maintain a clear roadmap for the Early Development portfolio, 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, 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 Governance Operations to oversee Early Development portfolio and track progress, budgets, and timelines. Regularly assess Early Development portfolio health and performance, adjusting based on data, stakeholder feedback, and strategic reviews to optimize outcomes.

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 Early Development 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 Early Development 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.

Knowledge, Abilities & Experience

Education / Certifications:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree with relevant experience, or Business school and/or master’s degree
• 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 of drug development through commercialization
• Prior experience of people management.

Languages

• Minimum: English
• Ideal additional language: French

Key Technical Competencies Required

• 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 of key Therapeutic Areas of focus for Ipsen
• 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.

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