Strategic Operations Lead — Commercial Growth

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 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.