Director, U.S. Operational Excellence

Ipsen Pharma$177K — $260K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical field operations, commercial operations, or business operations with an advanced degree; or 15+ years with a Bachelor's degree
  • Strong understanding of U.S. commercial model, field execution, and operational processes
  • Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and supporting multi-Business Unit environments
  • Proven ability to drive operational excellence, planning processes, and execution support at scale
  • Bachelor's degree required (Business, Life Sciences, or related field); Advanced degree preferred (e.g., MBA, MS)

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end commercial planning to ensure execution aligns with strategy across all U.S. Business Units
  • Align Sales, Marketing, and Operations for coordinated execution and to eliminate gaps
  • Lead execution of field-facing activities including national sales meetings and congresses
  • Ensure operational readiness for key initiative launches across Business Units
  • Define and track KPIs to drive performance and continuous improvement
  • Lead a multi-functional operations team to drive accountability and collaboration
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement and influence cross-functional stakeholders for aligned execution

Benefits

  • 401(k) with company contributions
  • Group medical, dental and vision coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Parental leave and paid time off
  • Discretionary winter shutdown and well-being allowance
  • Commuter benefits
Full Job Description
Title:
Director, U.S. Operational Excellence

Company:
Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals Inc.

Job Description:

The Director, Operational Excellence is a critical leadership role supporting the Head of U.S. Field Operations, responsible for orchestrating the day-to-day execution of high-impact operational programs that enable Ipsen's U.S. business and improve outcomes for HCPs and patients.

This role serves as the operational backbone across Fleet, Congress Planning, Strategic Operations, and Project Management, ensuring seamless execution of core processes and removing barriers to performance across the organization.

The Director leads enterprise-wide initiatives including Brand Planning, U.S. meetings and congress strategy, and field resource management, while continuously identifying and implementing improvements to drive efficiency, scale, and executional excellence. Operating with high influence and limited formal authority, this role requires strong cross-functional leadership, the ability to align stakeholders across Commercial, Medical, Value & Access and Global teams, and a disciplined approach to delivering complex programs.

As a trusted partner to Business Operations and Strategy Leadership Team and North America Leadership, the Director contributes to the development and execution of strategic business plans while advancing sales and marketing effectiveness. This role also plays a key part in building organizational capability, developing talent, strengthening ways of working, and shaping the future operating model, making it an ideal position for a high-potential leader preparing for broader enterprise leadership responsibilities.

WHAT - Main Responsibilities

Commercial Planning & Field Alignment
  • Own end-to-end commercial planning (annual cycles, brand planning, field deployment) to ensure strategy translates into consistent execution across all U.S. BUs
  • Align Sales, Marketing, and Operations to drive coordinated execution and eliminate gaps
  • Standardize and improve planning processes to increase speed, quality, and decision-making


Field Operations
  • Lead execution of field-facing activities (national sales meetings, brand planning, congresses, communications, fleet, logistics) across the U.S.
  • Ensure operational readiness for launches and key initiatives across Business Units
  • Optimize vendors and spend to deliver high-quality execution with cost efficiency
  • Drive consistency and scalability of field execution practices
  • Identify and remove operational barriers to improve field productivity and experience


Operational Excellence, Systems & Governance
  • Own field operations processes, systems, and governance to enable scalable, compliant execution
  • Define and track KPIs to drive performance and continuous improvement
  • Establish SOPs and standards to ensure consistency across all field activities
  • Partner cross-functionally to improve ways of working and execution effectiveness


Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead a multi-functional operations team
  • Set priorities aligned to commercial goals and business impact
  • Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Influence cross-functional stakeholders to ensure aligned execution


HOW - Knowledge & Experience

Knowledge & Experience (essential):
  • 12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical field operations, commercial operations, or business operations with an advanced degree; or 15+ years with a Bachelor's degree
  • Strong understanding of U.S. commercial model, field execution, and operational processes
  • Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and supporting multi-Business Unit environments
  • Proven ability to drive operational excellence, planning processes, and execution support at scale


Education / Certifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required (Business, Life Sciences, or related field)
  • Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MS) preferred


Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $177,000 - $260,000

This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentives program. At Ipsen we are proud to offer a comprehensive employee benefits package, including 401(k) with company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, as well as flexible spending accounts. Ipsen also provides parental leave, paid time off, a discretionary winter shutdown, well-being allowance, commuter benefits, and much more.

The pay range displayed above is the range of base pay compensation within which Ipsen expects to pay for this role at the time of this posting. Individual compensation within this range depends on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, prior education and experience, job-related knowledge and demonstrated skills.

About Ipsen Pharma

Ipsen Pharma Careers

Joining Ipsen Pharma presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in the pharmaceutical industry. This global company is renowned for its commitment to innovation, leadership, and diversity, making it an ideal workplace for professionals seeking substantial growth and development.

Explore Job Opportunities

Ipsen Pharma offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and interests. From research and development to sales and marketing, Ipsen Pharma is continuously looking for talented individuals who are eager to contribute to the healthcare industry. Each position at Ipsen Pharma is a chance to impact global health outcomes positively.

Experience Professional Growth

Career advancement is a cornerstone of Ipsen Pharma's commitment to its employees. With robust professional development programs and diversity training, the company ensures that every team member has the resources to succeed and lead. Ipsen Pharma's dedication to professional growth fosters an environment where ambitious individuals can thrive and achieve their career goals.

Cultivate Skills through Internships

Internship programs at Ipsen Pharma are designed to provide hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical field, allowing interns to develop essential skills and gain valuable industry knowledge. These internships are pivotal for students and recent graduates looking to enhance their resumes and prepare for full-time employment.

Benefits and Culture

Ipsen Pharma is committed to supporting its employees' well-being and professional growth with comprehensive benefits packages. The company culture is built on a foundation of respect and inclusion, where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged. Employees at Ipsen Pharma enjoy a collaborative environment that champions innovation and teamwork.

Join the Team

Ipsen Pharma is hiring! Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. The company seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare for the interview process at Ipsen Pharma by tailoring your resume to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description.

Networking and Career Development

Ipsen Pharma encourages its employees to engage in networking opportunities within and beyond the company. These connections can lead to collaborative projects and further career advancement. Employees are also supported in pursuing leadership roles, underscoring Ipsen Pharma's commitment to fostering leaders within the industry.

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