Associate Director, Business Operations

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Business Operations Northern Cluster will be responsible for driving the efficient execution of business operations, ensuring alignment between commercial, medical and other operational functions. The individual will work closely with the VP GM to define strategic priorities, improve processes and oversee day‑to‑day business activities in a fast‑paced, dynamic biotech organization covering the following cluster of countries: UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. This person should have experience with sales & marketing, financial, supply chain and operational processes, and in establishing legal business entities and launching gene therapy products.

Work Model

Flex: This role will typically require onsite work 2‑3 days each week, or more depending on business needs. In many locations, the business will set certain days each week that Flex employees are required to be onsite.

Responsibilities

• Operational effectiveness: Identify efficiencies and implement local solutions to improve productivity and scalability in the cluster.
• Strategic and tactical planning: Support the VP GM in collaborating with all functions to prepare and execute brand plans, new product launch plans, launch readiness metrics & dashboards, quarterly business reviews and long‑range planning. Ensure pull‑through of identified EMEA initiatives to local markets.
• Go‑to‑Market Gene Therapy Operations: Collaborate with the EMEA Gene Therapy launch team(s) to prepare and optimize local (site) readiness for gene therapy launches.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Partner with supply chain to enhance and develop product distribution in all markets. Lead and manage Home Delivery and Infusion services.
• Project Management: Oversee key projects, in particular affiliate legal entity set‑up in prioritized countries, ensuring timelines, budgets and deliverables are met. Manage project budgets and third‑party vendors to ensure optimal resource use.
• Cross‑functional Cluster leadership and governance support: Support the VP GM in driving agenda preparation, slide preparation and leadership of key strategic operational meetings, offsites and forums.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to local regulations e.g. ABPI, LIF etc. and mitigating operational risks.
• Analytics and Insights generation: Collaborate with the Regional Analytics team to ensure that maximum benefits are derived from field level interactions.

Requirements

Industry Experience

10+ years of experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or life science industries. Rare Disease experience is highly advantageous.

Leadership Experience

Proven track record of leading cross‑functional teams (scientific, commercial, and operational teams). Ability to lead and manage the establishment of local business entities. Experience in developing launch strategies for gene therapies.

Core Skills

• Strong understanding of biotech business operating models, market dynamics and regulatory landscape.
• Financial acumen (budget management, financial forecasting, demand planning, KPIs).
• Strategic planning and execution.
• Stakeholder management (internal teams, external vendors).Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Technology and Tools

• Familiarity with biotech‑specific software and databases (e.g. CRM systems).
• Proficiency in data analytic tools and reporting systems.

• Strong leadership and decision‑making skills.
• High attention to detail and results‑oriented mindset.
• Ability to manage ambiguity in a fast‑paced environment.
• Collaborative, with strong relationship‑building capabilities.
• Continuous improvement mindset, with a focus on innovation and operational excellence.

Location

Based in UK, with occasional travel to cluster countries (Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland) and EMEA HQ in Switzerland.

Benefits

• Generous vacation time and public holidays observed by the company.
• Long‑term incentive and Employee stock purchase plans or equivalent offerings.
• Fitness reimbursement.
• * Benefits vary by region and country.

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical is an equal‑opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital and veteran status, and any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all protected statuses or classifications protected by applicable law, including individuals with disabilities, disabled veterans, for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, and based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants can request an accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, you may contact Talent Acquisition by emailing us at talentacquisition@ultragenyx.com.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.