[Hiring] Associate Director, Business Operations DACH @Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical

Role Description

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.

• 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: Planning and independent execution of key projects, particularly 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. Develop materials to communicate to key stakeholders about Ultragenyx key products in close collaboration with commercial and medical field teams.
• 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. AMG, BPI/AKG Code of Conduct) 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (required) in Pharmacy, Medicine, Biology or Life Sciences, Business Administration or Management.
• Advanced Degree (preferable) in Master of Business Administration (MBA), Masters/PhD in a life science discipline.
• Certifications (optional): Project management.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or life science industries.
• Rare Disease experience is highly advantageous.
• 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 orphan drugs, particularly gene therapies, is desirable.
• Strong understanding of biotech business operating models, market dynamics, and regulatory landscape.
• Familiarity with the German health care system.
• Financial acumen (budget management, financial forecasting, demand planning, KPIs).
• Strategic planning and execution.
• Stakeholder management (internal teams, external vendors).
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with biotech-specific software and databases (e.g. CRM systems).
• Proficiency in data analytic tools and reporting systems.
• Fluency in German (at least level C1) and English is imperative.
• 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.

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.