Associate Director, Commercial Strategy and Operations

Galderma; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Galderma in Irvine, CA, seeks a Senior Associate Director to lead high-impact strategic and transformation initiatives across the enterprise. You will partner with senior leaders to identify priorities, mobilize cross-functional teams, and deliver measurable value through disciplined execution and stakeholder engagement.

The role offers a base salary range of $140,000 to $175,000 per year, eligibility for annual incentives, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 8+ years of experience leading strategic and operational improvement programs, with significant exposure in skincare, pharmaceuticals, medical device, or dermatology industry.
• Proven track record of leading high-impact strategic initiatives, preferably from experience at a top-tier strategic consulting firm (McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.).
• Advanced expertise in applying sophisticated data analytics tools and AI platforms to generate actionable business insights and drive strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a complex, matrix environment and navigate competing organizational priorities.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with proven ability to influence senior leadership and secure executive buy-in.
• Advanced project management expertise with experience leading enterprise-level transformation initiatives.
• Strategic mindset with demonstrated ability to connect tactical execution to broader organizational objectives.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts clearly and persuasively at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated success in leveraging artificial intelligence to transform business processes and create competitive advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, strategic performance improvement projects across Alastin, applying advanced operational excellence principles and execution.
• Partner with Director and VP-level stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and solve mission-critical business challenges through structured problem-solving and project management.
• Analyze operations, systems, and processes to diagnose root causes, synthesize, and identify high-value transformation opportunities.
• Deliver executive level communication materials for cross enterprise updates.
• Direct cross-functional teams spanning business technology, marketing, sales, commercial excellence, operations, and additional stakeholders to navigate competing priorities and deliver strategic outcomes.
• Develop, manage, and evolve sophisticated project plans, establishing clear goals, critical milestones, strategic deliverables, and meaningful performance metrics.
• Secure executive-level buy-in and investment through compelling business cases that align with organizational strategy and demonstrate tangible value creation.
• Challenge status quo thinking through intellectual curiosity and hypothesis-driven problem-solving that transforms ambiguous challenges into structured solutions.
• Provide thought leadership across multiple concurrent strategic initiatives, balancing competing priorities while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
• Lead matrix teams through complex change initiatives, providing clear direction, removing barriers, and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Maintain close communication with senior leadership, providing strategic updates on project impact and proactively addressing emerging business needs.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Data analytics & AI

Project management

Executive communication

Change management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

Analytics software

AI platforms

Job description

Galderma is the emerging pure-play dermatology category leader, present in approximately 90 countries. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of premium flagship brands and services that span the full spectrum of the fast-growing dermatology market through Injectable Aesthetics, Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology. Since our foundation in 1981, we have dedicated our focus and passion to the human body’s largest organ - the skin - meeting individual consumer and patient needs with superior outcomes in partnership with healthcare professionals. Because we understand that the skin, we are in shapes our lives, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story.

We look for people who focus on getting results, embrace learning and bring a positive energy. They must combine initiative with a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Above all, they must be passionate about doing something meaningful for consumers, patients, and the healthcare professionals we serve every day. We aim to empower each employee and promote their personal growth while ensuring business needs are met now and into the future. Across our company, we embrace diversity and respect the dignity, privacy, and personal rights of every employee.

At Galderma, we actively give our teams reasons to believe in our bold ambition to become the leading dermatology company in the world. With us, you have the ultimate opportunity to gain new and challenging work experiences and create an unparalleled, direct impact.

The Opportunity

Lead initiatives that redefine the future of medical grade skincare. In the role, you will partner with senior leaders to identify, prioritize, and manage complex strategic challenges across our enterprise. This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage your elite consulting expertise, strategic vision, and operational excellence to drive measurable business impact—all while developing your leadership capabilities in an environment that rewards bold thinking and transformative execution.

The Associate Director will lead high-impact strategic and project management initiatives across Alastin, translating business priorities into clear action plans and measurable results. This role will assess operations, uncover growth and efficiency opportunities, and mobilize cross-functional teams to execute with discipline and speed. Serving as a critical bridge between strategy and execution, the Associate Director will combine strong project leadership, executive communication, and stakeholder engagement to deliver on key priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex, strategic performance improvement projects across Alastin, applying advanced operational excellence principles and execution

• Partner with Director and VP-level stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and solve mission-critical business challenges through structured problem-solving and project management

• Analyze operations, systems, and processes to diagnose root causes, synthesize, and identify high-value transformation opportunities

• Deliver executive level communication materials for cross enterprise updates

• Direct cross-functional teams spanning business technology, marketing, sales, commercial excellence, operations, and additional stakeholders to navigate competing priorities and deliver strategic outcomes

• Develop, manage, and evolve sophisticated project plans, establishing clear goals, critical milestones, strategic deliverables, and meaningful performance metrics

• Secure executive-level buy-in and investment through compelling business cases that align with organizational strategy and demonstrate tangible value creation

• Challenge status quo thinking through intellectual curiosity and hypothesis-driven problem-solving that transforms ambiguous challenges into structured solutions

• Provide thought leadership across multiple concurrent strategic initiatives, balancing competing priorities while maintaining exceptional quality standards

• Lead matrix teams through complex change initiatives, providing clear direction, removing barriers, and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability

• Maintain close communication with senior leadership, providing strategic updates on project impact and proactively addressing emerging business needs

Qualifications

_ Required Skills & Qualifications _

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred

• 8+ years of experience leading strategic and operational improvement programs, with significant exposure in skincare, pharmaceuticals, medical device, or dermatology industry

• Proven track record of leading high-impact strategic initiatives, preferably from experience at a top-tier strategic consulting firm (McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)

• Advanced expertise in applying sophisticated data analytics tools and AI platforms to generate actionable business insights and drive strategic decision-making

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a complex, matrix environment and navigate competing organizational priorities

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with proven ability to influence senior leadership and secure executive buy-in

• Advanced project management expertise with experience leading enterprise-level transformation initiatives

• Strategic mindset with demonstrated ability to connect tactical execution to broader organizational objectives

• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts clearly and persuasively at all organizational levels

• Demonstrated success in leveraging artificial intelligence to transform business processes and create competitive advantage

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This role requires the ability to perform standard office activities, including extended periods of computer use, participation in virtual and in-person meetings, and collaboration across teams. Depending on business needs, occasional travel may be required. Work environments and physical requirements may vary based on the requirements of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may be modified, added, or removed as necessary to meet business and organizational needs.

Compensation

The target base salary range for this role is $140,000-$175,000 per year. This range reflects the anticipated compensation for the role. Where pay falls withing the range may vary based on many factors, including, but not limited to, job responsibilities, skills, experience, education, certifications, location and applicable geographic pay zones, market conditions, internal equity and business considerations. Compensation decisions are made based on an assessment of the candidate’s qualifications and the totality of relevant factors.

In addition to base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an annual short-term incentive program, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Benefits

Galderma offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with employer match, paid time off, and other benefits, subject to eligibility and applicable plan terms.

Work Authorization

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

What We Offer

At Galderma, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organization committed to advancing dermatology and improving patient outcomes worldwide. We offer competitive compensation, annual incentive opportunities, and comprehensive benefits, along with meaningful opportunities for growth, development, and collaboration in an inclusive and innovative environment.

Next Steps

• If your profile is a match, we will invite you for a first virtual conversation with the recruiter.
• The next step is a virtual conversation with the hiring manager
• The final step is a panel conversation with the extended team

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Galderma, we’re dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply anyway!

If you are considering employment at Galderma, review our job postings at www.galderma.com/us/careers.