Associate Director, Business Operations

Associate Director, Business Operations

At Ultragenyx, we fundamentally believe that taking real impactful action to care for the needs of patients and our people is always the right thing to do. To achieve this goal, our vision is to lead the future of rare disease medicine. For us, this means going where other biopharma companies won’t go – challenging the status quo and creating a new model that advances our field so more patients and caregivers can benefit from life-changing treatments. We do this by following the science, applying a novel rapid development approach, making innovative medicines at fair and reasonable prices, and creating a collaborative ecosystem to reach patients in ways that are most meaningful for them. Our commitment and care for patients extends to our people, so culture is an essential cornerstone for Ultragenyx. We remain continuously focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment of profound learning and growth – so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, in and outside of work. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where we would be proud for our family, friends and children to work. If you want to have a meaningful impact, do the best work of your career, and grow a lot, both professionally and personally, come join our team.

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 that covers 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. In addition, the ideal candidate should have experience 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:

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 manage Home Delivery and Infusion services.
5. 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.
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. ABPI, LIF 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:

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 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

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