Strategic Executive Assistant, Clinical Development Ops in London

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.

Summary & Purpose of the Position

The Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President, Clinical Development Operations (CDO), serves as a highly trusted partner and integral member of the CDO leadership ecosystem. The role provides proactive, high‑impact administrative, operational, and coordination support, enabling the SVP to effectively lead a complex, global organization. In addition to traditional administrative duties this role supports in anticipating, planning and executing assigned CDO activities e.g., shaping communications, driving CDO Townhall and F2F meetings etc. The Executive Assistant seamlessly manages day‑to‑day administrative duties, anticipates needs, and drives operational excellence.

Main Responsibilities & Technical Competencies

• Executive Support & Prioritization: Serve as the primary interface for the SVP CDO, managing a complex calendar across multiple time zones, ensuring optimal prioritization of strategic commitments. Proactively anticipate scheduling conflicts, competing priorities, and preparation needs, ensuring the SVP is effectively positioned for all engagements. Act as a gatekeeper and facilitator, managing requests with a strong understanding of business priorities and organizational dynamics. Ensure good meeting logistics e.g. rooms, attendees (including external guests), agendas, etc.
• Operational Excellence & Process Management: Manage key administrative processes (e.g., travel planning, expenses, etc.) with precision and attention to detail. Coordinate the registration of attendance at external conferences, seminars, and training courses, etc. Drive efficient ways of working for the SVP office, implementing best practices in organization, documentation, and communication. As requested, support the Heads of Functions with hiring and onboarding of new contractors. Be responsible for assigned finance administration: raise Commitment Requests and Purchase Orders within the Ariba tool, submit monthly goods receipts and manage invoices. Enter time tracking (e.g., iDID) for contractors, administer contracts, work orders, CDA, etc. Assist with pulling progress reports such as time tracking, training completion and others as required. Track resources (FTEs) and internal costs in collaboration with applicable stakeholders, ensuring accurate and timely quarterly financial reviews. Be responsible for filing and archiving of clinical trial documentation, functional and operational documentation.
• Meeting Support: Coordinate and manage end‑to‑end logistics for CDO Leadership Team (CDO‑LT) meetings, offsites, and executive forums. Help to prepare high‑quality materials (agendas, pre‑reads, presentations, minutes, action trackers) ensuring clarity, alignment, and follow‑through. Track and proactively follow up on key decisions and actions, ensuring accountability and timely execution across stakeholders.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Draft, review, and coordinate executive communications on behalf of the SVP, ensuring consistency in tone, clarity, and messaging. Act as a central coordination point across global stakeholders, including R&D functions (e.g., Regulatory, Medical Affairs, Quality, Finance, Procurement). Maintain effective working relationships with senior leaders, fostering alignment and smooth cross‑functional collaboration.

Knowledge & Experience

Prior experience supporting Research & Development in a corporate environment preferred. Ideal: 3 years in a similar position within a Pharma company or CRO. Minimum of bachelor’s degree (US) or Administration/Secretarial degree (FR). Fluent English; French speaking is a ‘nice to have’.

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.