Chief of Staff/Head of Operations

Ipsen

82d

About The Position

The Chief of Staff /Head of Operations will serve as a strategic advisor and operational partner to the Chief Product Officer (CPO). This role ensures alignment of priorities, drives execution of key initiatives, and fosters cross-functional collaboration to support the CPO’s vision and business objectives. Additionally, this role will work in conjunction with the Global Product and Portfolio Strategy (GPPS) organization on operational priorities and execution. The Chief of Staff/Head of Operations also serves as Secretary to the Global Business Operations Committee (GBOC), enabling governance and decision-making processes across the enterprise.

Requirements

• Significant experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry, with a successful track record in product strategy/pipeline management, business /P&L management, and/or R&D.
• Strong analytical and commercial/marketing skills.
• Proven track record in leading cross-functional strategic initiatives within a global, matrixed organization.
• Experience in executive-level stakeholder management and presentation skills, including supporting C-suite leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate organizational complexity and influence without formal authority.
• Experience in change management and transformation programs, ideally across multiple geographies.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or advanced degree (PhD, MD) highly preferred.
• Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, Public Health, or a related field.
• MBA or equivalent is highly preferred, especially with a focus on strategy, operations, or healthcare management.

Responsibilities

• Ensure alignment with Ipsen’s Asset-Centric Model and its effective operations at different stages of the lifecycle.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the CPO on topics including but not limited to assets in the current portfolio, external business development, and on performance management.
• Support in review of long-term disease area and portfolio strategies, risks and opportunities.
• Serve as Secretary to the Global Business Operations Committee (GBOC), enabling governance and enterprise-wide decision-making.
• Lead high-impact initiatives including strategic/operational planning, change programs, and portfolio optimization.
• Coordinate the integration of acquired assets (as applicable) in collaboration with asset leads and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Work with the GPPS Leadership Team, driving clarity and alignment on priorities.
• Manage the GPPS operations including strategic events, milestones, and key deliverables.
• Oversee execution of key initiatives, proactively resolving risks and issues.
• Support operational readiness and execution.
• Review, design, and execute operational improvements; define knowledge and skills gaps and help address them.
• Lead development of business and operational reviews to senior executives.
• Optimize GPPS Leadership Team meetings for strategic and operational focus.
• Track and follow up on GPPS priorities and KPIs to ensure accountability.
• Promote key initiatives across the organization, amplifying impact through various functions.
• Foster collaboration and act as liaison across divisions (R&D, Commercial, Medical and others).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees