Associate Director, Business Operations DACH

Position Summary:

ultrainnovative – Tackle rare and dynamic challenges

The Business Operations Lead 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 that covers Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This person should have experience with sales & marketing, financial, supply chain and operational processes. The ideal candidate knows how to navigate the health care systems in the countries of the cluster.  

Work Model: 

Remote: Officially documented as working full-time from home, with travel to Ultragenyx's offices or other locations on occasion as needed.

Responsibilities:

1. Operational effectiveness: Identify efficiencies and implement local solutions to improve productivity and scalability in the cluster. 
2. 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. 
3. 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.  
4. Supply Chain Optimization: Partner with supply chain to enhance and develop product distribution in all markets. Lead and mange Home Delivery and Infusion services. 
5. Project Management: Planning and independent execution of key projects, in particular operational marketing, market mapping and insights management, ensuring timelines, budgets and deliverables are met. Manage project budgets and third-party vendors to ensure optimal resource use. In close collaboration with commercial and medical field teams, develop materials to communicate to key stakeholders about Ultragenyx key products.  
6. 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.  
7. Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to local regulations e.g. AMG, BPI/AKG Code of Conduct etc. and mitigating operational risks 
8. Analytics and Insights generation: collaborating with the Regional Analytics team to ensure that maximum benefits are derived from field level interactions.  

Requirements:

Education 

1. Bachelor’s degree (required) in: 

Pharmacy, Medicine, Biology or Life Sciences, Business Administration or Management 

1. Advanced Degree (preferable) in: 

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Masters/PhD in a life science discipline 

1. Certifications (optional): 

Project management,  

Experience 

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). An ability to lead and manage the establishment of local business entities. Experience in developing launch strategies for orphan drugs, particularly gene therapies, is desirable. 

Core skills: 

1. Strong understanding of biotech business operating models, market dynamics and regulatory landscape 
2. Familiarity with German health care system 
3. Financial acumen (budget management, financial forecasting, demand planning, KPIs) 
4. Strategic planning and execution 
5. Stakeholder management (internal teams, external vendors) 
6. Excellent communication and negotiation skills) 

Technology and Tools: 

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

Language Skills 

Fluency in German (at least level C1) and English is imperative 

Competencies 

1. Strong leadership and decision-making skills. 
2. High attention to detail and results-orientated mindset. 
3. Ability to manage ambiguity in a fast-paced environment. 
4. Collaborative, with strong relationship-building capabilities 
5. Continuous improvement mindset, with a focus on innovation and operational excellence 

Location 

Based in Germany, with occasional travel to cluster countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and EMEA HQ in Switzerland. 

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