Associate Director, Business Operations

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharma company in the UK seeks an Associate Director of Business Operations for the Northern Cluster. This role involves driving business operations across multiple countries, focusing on strategic planning and supply chain optimization for gene therapies. Candidates should have 10+ years in the biotech industry, proven leadership abilities, and strong financial acumen. The position offers flexible working arrangements and generous benefits, including vacation time and wellbeing programs.

Benefits

Generous vacation time

Volunteer days

Long-term incentive and stock options

Employee wellbeing benefits

Fitness reimbursement

Tuition sponsorship

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading cross‑functional teams.
• Experience developing launch strategies for gene therapies.
• Ability to manage ambiguity in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify efficiencies and implement local solutions to improve productivity.
• Support the VP GM in preparing brand plans and new product launch plans.
• Collaborate with EMEA Gene Therapy launch teams for local site readiness.
• Partner with supply chain to enhance product distribution.

Skills

Strong understanding of biotech business operating models

Financial acumen

Strategic planning and execution

Stakeholder management

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Strong leadership and decision‑making skills

Attention to detail

Collaborative relationship-building

Education

10 years of experience in biotech/pharmaceutical/life sciences

Tools

Biotech-specific software and databases

Data analytic tools

Job description

Why Join Us

Be a hero for our rare disease patients.

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. Our vision is to lead the future of rare disease medicine by going where other biopharma companies won’t go, challenging the status quo, and creating a new model that advances our field so that 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; culture is an essential cornerstone for Ultragenyx. We remain continuously focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment of learning and growth so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, inside and outside of work. If you want to have a meaningful impact, do the best work of your career and grow both professionally and personally, come join our team.

Position Summary

Ultra innovative—tackle rare and dynamic challenges.

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 covering the following cluster of countries: UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. The ideal candidate should have experience with sales & marketing, financial, supply chain, and operational processes, as well as 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. 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, offsites, and forums.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to local regulations (e.g., ABPI, LIF, etc.) 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

• 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). Ability to lead and manage the establishment of local business entities. Experience 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‑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.

Location

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

Benefits

• Generous vacation time and public holidays observed by the company.
• Volunteer days.
• Long‑term incentive and Employee Stock Purchase Plan or equivalent offerings.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.
• Fitness reimbursement.
• Tuition sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 .

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