Associate Director, Business Operations

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Be a hero for our rare disease patients Why Join Us? 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, we aim to lead the future of rare disease medicine by 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. 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. 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, off‑sites and forums. Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to local regulations (e.g., ABPI, LIF) and mitigate operational risks. Analytics and Insights generation: Collaborate 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). 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: Strong leadership and decision‑making skills High attention to detail and results‑orientated 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. Flex position. Benefits Generous vacation time and public holidays observed by the company Volunteer days Long‑term incentive and Employee Stock Purchase Plans or equivalent offerings Employee wellbeing benefits Fitness reimbursement Tuition sponsoring Professional development plans Benefits vary by region and country Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 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. Privacy Notices See our CCPA Employee and Applicant Privacy Notice. See our Privacy Policy. Legal Compliance Notice 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. Note to External Recruiters All candidate activity and open positions are managed strictly through our Human Resources Department. Our Human Resources Department kindly requests that recruiters not contact employees/hiring managers directly in an attempt to solicit business and present candidates. Please note that failure to comply with this request will be a factor in determining a professional relationship with our organization. Submission of unsolicited resumes prior to an agreement set in place between the Human Resources Department and the recruiting agency will not create any implied obligation. Inquiries on developing a recruiting relationship with us may be directed to talentacquisition@ultragenyx.com. #J-18808-Ljbffr