At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic business management for clinical development operations and drive impactful decision-making.
- Company: Ipsen Biopharm Ltd, a global biopharmaceutical leader focused on transformative medicines.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse workplace that values inclusion and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while collaborating with passionate teams worldwide.
- Qualifications: 10-12 years in clinical development or related fields, strong leadership and financial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
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 endeavour 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!
Job Description:
WHAT - Summary & Purpose of the Position
The Director, Business Management, Clinical Development Operations provides an integrated view of portfolio demand, workforce capacity, external-resource requirements, financial plans and operational performance across CDO. Reporting to the Head of Strategy & Operations and acting as a strategic partner to the CDO Leadership Team, the role enables evidence-based decisions on resource deployment, investment priorities and organisational capability.
Main Responsibilities & Technical Competencies
- Business Management Leadership
- Establish and lead a comprehensive CDO Business Management function supporting portfolio oversight, workforce planning, financial management, governance, and business performance.
- Develop and implement business management strategies that enable delivery of CDO and broader R&D objectives.
- Serve as a trusted strategic partner to the Head of Strategy and Ops and CDO Leadership Team on organizational planning, investment decisions, and resource allocation.
- Drive continuous improvement of business processes, governance models, and management reporting frameworks.
- Lead and coach a team of business management professionals where applicable and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
- Portfolio Oversight & Strategic Planning
- Leveraging tools such as OnePlan and CDO insights, maintain an integrated view of the Clinical Development Operations portfolio across all therapeutic areas, development stages, and geographies.
- Partner with Portfolio Management and Development leadership to understand future portfolio scenarios and associated operational implications.
- Assess portfolio-driven demand and translate future study requirements into workforce and financial impact analyses.
- Lead scenario planning exercises to evaluate capacity, investment, and organizational risks associated with portfolio changes.
- Support governance forums by providing evidence-based analyses and recommendations that facilitate informed decision-making.
- Resource Strategy, Capacity Planning & Workforce Management
- Lead the development and implementation of enterprise-grade workforce planning and resource management frameworks across CDO.
- Maintain oversight of global operational demand, workforce supply, utilization, productivity, and capacity trends.
- Partner with functional and country leaders to develop resource forecasts and mitigation strategies related to portfolio demand.
- Drive organizational resource planning processes and facilitate discussions regarding investment priorities and staffing requirements.
- Ensure consistency and transparency of workforce planning methodologies, assumptions, and reporting.
- Provide leadership visibility into future capacity needs, resource risks, and organizational constraints.
- Financial Planning, Budget Management & Governance
- Lead development, monitoring, forecasting, and governance of CDO operational budgets.
- Partner with Finance to develop annual operating plans, quarterly forecasts, and long-range financial projections.
- Provide oversight of departmental expenditures and ensure alignment with approved financial plans.
- Monitor budget performance and proactively identify risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.
- Drive financial transparency and accountability across CDO functions and geographic operations.
- Ensure robust governance, compliance, and stewardship of organizational investments.
- Business Intelligence, Performance Management & Analytics
- Partnering with Business Enablement and Compliance as well as Global Project Management establish and maintain executive-level dashboards, KPIs, and operational performance measures.
- Integrate portfolio, workforce, budget, and operational performance data into comprehensive management reporting.
- Generate actionable business insights to support strategic and operational decisions.
- Monitor organizational health and performance trends through meaningful metrics and predictive analyses.
- Promote data-driven decision-making across the organization.
- Leadership Team & Organizational Support
- Serve as a member of the extended CDO Leadership Team and contribute to organizational strategy development.
- Support annual strategic planning exercises and operational reviews.
- Lead preparation of executive communications, business reviews, organizational updates, and leadership presentations.
- Coordinate business management activities across central functions and country monitoring organizations.
- Enterprise Partnership & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Act as the primary CDO business-management partner for Finance, Human Resources, Capacity Planning, Portfolio Management, Procurement, Quality, and other business functions relating to organizational planning and operations.
- Influence enterprise-wide initiatives impacting workforce planning, budgeting, business performance, and operating model evolution.
- Build strong partnerships across Research & Development and broader Ipsen functions.
HOW - Behavioural Competencies Required
- Excellence in Execution
- Approaches priority setting through the lens of execution.
- Establishes clarity on goals, accountabilities, timelines, and next steps.
- Focused and performance driven with clear KPIs.
- Collaborates
- Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Communicates and collaborates without boundaries.
- Business Insights
- Makes decisions based on data, facts, and figures.
- Translates insights into objectives and setting the bar.
HOW - Knowledge & Experience
- Knowledge & Experience (essential):
- Typically 10-12+ years of relevant experience in clinical development operations, R&D business operations, portfolio or capacity planning, financial planning or a related discipline.
- Significant leadership experience supporting global R&D or Clinical Development organizations.
- Strong understanding of clinical development operations and global study delivery models.
- Education / Certifications (essential):
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience.
- Advanced degree preferred (MBA, MSc, PharmD, PhD, or equivalent).
- Language(s) (essential):
- Fluent in English.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported; where we embrace “The Real Us”. The value we place on different perspectives and experiences drives our commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities.
Summary Location: London (UK); Paris Type: Full time
Director Business Management CDO employer: Ipsen
Ipsen Biopharm Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises a human-centric workplace culture, fostering collaboration and excellence. With a commitment to employee growth, Ipsen offers opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation in the biopharmaceutical field, particularly in vibrant locations like Paris and London. Employees are empowered to thrive, making a meaningful impact on patients and society while enjoying a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Business Management CDO
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Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Director Business Management CDO at Ipsen!
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Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Ipsen who’s on the lookout for their next Director Business Management CDO star!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Director Business Management CDO role at Ipsen!
We think you need these skills to ace Director Business Management CDO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Ipsen. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ipsen
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Ipsen. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
