Commercial Operations & Innovation Lead, Immunology

UCB S.A.; Oakville; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking a Commercial Operations & Innovation Lead for Immunology to drive operational excellence and innovation in their Canadian team. This leadership role emphasizes strategic planning and execution across commercial functions while mentoring emerging leaders and fostering a culture of agility and accountability. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams. This position is hybrid, requiring a blend of in-office and remote work.

Benefits

Hybrid work model

Collaborative workplace

Supportive culture

Qualifications

• 8+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience, preferably leading high performing teams.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams through influence.
• Executive presence and strategic thinking with ability to influence in matrix environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of integrated commercial operating plans.
• Oversee implementation of omnichannel engagement strategies.
• Champion innovation through new technologies and data sources.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Innovation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree in Business or Life Sciences

Tools

CRM systems

AI-driven tools

Job description

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for a Commercial Operations & Innovation Lead, Immunology to join our Canada Commercial Strategy team based out of Oakville, ON.

About the role

The Commercial Operations & Innovation Lead – Immunology will serve as a strategic integrator and transformation catalyst across the Canadian Immunology business. This role will lead cross‑functional operational excellence, drive innovation in commercial execution, and ensure alignment with UCB’s long‑term strategic ambition. The role will also champion the integration of digital, data‑driven, and omnichannel capabilities to elevate HCP engagement and patient impact.

Who you’ll work with

This role leads strategic planning and execution across commercial functions—sales, marketing, medical, and patient services—while driving innovation through AI, digital tools, and operational excellence. It serves as the strategic architect for Immunology commercial operations, overseeing transformation initiatives such as omnichannel strategy and inclusion efforts. The position manages end‑to‑end project execution, monitors KPIs tied to business outcomes, and represents the business unit in regional forums. It also mentors emerging leaders and aligns internal stakeholders through strategic communication to support long‑term commercial goals.

What you’ll do

Strategic Operational Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of integrated commercial operating plans across indications.
• Oversee the implementation of omnichannel engagement strategies, ensuring seamless HCP experience.
• Drive operational excellence through KPI development, performance tracking, and continuous process improvement.

Innovation & Transformation

• Champion innovation by identifying and implementing new technologies, platforms, and data sources (e.g., CRM enhancements, AI‑driven segmentation, predictive analytics).
• Collaborate with Business Excellence to operationalize strategic ambition, design and deliver pilots and scale innovative approaches to HCP engagement and patient support.
• Lead initiatives that embed innovation into routine operations, including digital transformation, agile experimentation, and cross‑functional innovation sprints. Partnering with Franchise Heads to ensure alignment on a shared vision.

Cross‑functional Integration & Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Business Excellence, Insights to Impact, Finance, and Global/Regional stakeholders.
• Facilitate alignment across field and head office teams to ensure unified execution of strategic priorities.
• Mentor and influence cross‑functional teams, fostering a culture of accountability, agility, and innovation.

Interested? For this position you’ll need the following education, experience, and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in Business, Life Sciences, or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience with a preference for having led high performing teams.
• Proven track record of leading cross‑functional teams through influence and driving strategic transformation.
• Proven track record of leading change management with an approachable style that encourages open dialogue and feedback to gauge the workforce’s sentiment.
• Executive presence and strategic thinking with ability to influence across matrixed environments.
• Proven success in commercial planning, data analysis, goal setting, and sales force optimization.
• Experience with sales force excellence innovative programs (e.g., AI/ML) is a strong asset.
• Experience in sales, marketing, market research, analytics, business development, and managed markets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to lead strategic communication planning.
• Budget management experience required.
• High personal values and ethical standards and emotional intelligence.

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9,000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

We’ve embraced a hybrid‑first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

Why work with us?

At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and members feel valued, respected, and supported. We are committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities.

If you require an accommodation for the recruitment/interview process (e.g., alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodation), please contact [e-mail] and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Please note that our hiring process includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI). All final hiring decisions are made by our hiring teams.