Director New Product Strategy & Innovation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director New Product Strategy & Innovation Company: Ipsen Location: London, United Kingdom (Hybrid) Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Strategy & Innovation Operations / Business Development Operations Date Posted: September 17, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (10+ years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic evolution of therapeutic areas and franchises within Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Neurosciences by leading market analysis, competitive intelligence, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Spearhead the commercial evaluation of new global business opportunities, including licensing and partnerships, by conducting rigorous market sizing, competitive landscaping, and risk/opportunity assessments.
• Act as the commercial lead in the Business Development and External Innovation process, from sourcing and screening to deep-dive analysis and due diligence, representing the company in partner discussions.
• Lead early commercial planning for internal pipeline products, contributing to indication prioritization, portfolio strategy, Life Cycle Management (LCM) planning, and business case development.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with teams in Business Development, External Innovation, Franchise, R&D, Medical Affairs, Global Pricing & Access, Finance, and country teams to ensure seamless evaluation and planning processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within the Go-To-Market (GTM) operations, specifically focusing on strategic planning and business development from a commercial operations perspective. Success hinges on a blend of scientific understanding, commercial acumen, and robust analytical and strategic planning capabilities. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and evaluating external opportunities while also supporting the internal pipeline's commercial readiness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the New Products Head and cross-functional teams in evolving therapeutic area strategies through landscaping assessments, benchmarking, and analogue analysis, translating insights into strategic outputs.
• Lead the commercial triage of new business development opportunities, performing disease assessment, competitive landscaping, market sizing, and risk/opportunity analysis.
• Serve as the commercial lead for due diligence processes on external assets, generating key content such as current/future landscaping, market research, forecasting, pricing & access assessments, and Sales & Marketing Organization (SMM) estimations.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Business Development, External Innovation, Medical Affairs, R&D, Regulatory, Finance, Countries, Global Pricing & Access) to gather essential inputs for commercial modeling, including launch dates, loss of exclusivity (LOE), duration of treatment, and LCM indications.
• Lead early commercial planning for internal pipeline products, including indication prioritization, portfolio strategy, LCM planning, and business case development.
• Facilitate analysis to support the commercialization and continued development of new products, ensuring alignment with long-term commercial vision.
• Support cross-functional teams and local country teams in pre-launch activities, including brand strategy, launch plans, launch readiness reviews, campaign and core messaging development, and global launch sequencing, ensuring a smooth transition to dedicated Global Brand Teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical function within the GTM operations, bridging R&D and commercialization. The role requires deep engagement with strategic planning, market analytics, and cross-functional project management to ensure successful product evaluation and early-stage commercial planning. The emphasis on due diligence and internal pipeline support underscores its importance in shaping Ipsen's future portfolio.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or MS) in a Life Sciences-related discipline.
• MBA or equivalent business qualification is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Significant experience (10+ years) in early commercial or Business Development (BD) roles within the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry at a global level.
• Alternatively, extensive experience in Strategy Consulting within the life sciences sector, focusing on early-commercial strategy, commercialization, LCM, BD, or due diligence.
• Proven experience in leading early commercial planning, launch planning, and disease area strategy, either directly within a pharma/biopharma company or through consulting engagements.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively within cross-functional matrix teams to achieve deliverables on time and within budget.
• Strong scientific, medical, and commercial expertise in Oncology and Rare Diseases, with a solid understanding of business development and launch activities.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. Knowledge of additional languages, such as French, would be beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate future consequences and trends, create competitive strategies, and align them with the company's vision.
• Commercial Evaluation: Expertise in conducting in-depth commercial assessments, including market sizing, competitive landscaping, forecasting, and pricing & access analysis.
• Business Development & External Innovation: Proven experience in sourcing, triaging, and performing due diligence on new assets and partnership opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skill in building trust, fostering collaboration, and influencing without direct authority across diverse teams (BD, R&D, Medical Affairs, Finance, Country teams, etc.).
• Market Research & Analysis: Proficiency in conducting qualitative and quantitative market research, competitive landscaping, and analogue analysis.
• Project Management: Strong planning and project management skills to efficiently manage parallel workstreams and complex evaluations.
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex information and present clear, compelling recommendations to leadership teams.
• Life Cycle Management (LCM): Deep understanding of LCM strategies for pharmaceutical products.
• Therapeutic Area Expertise: Strong knowledge of Oncology, Rare Diseases, and ideally Neuroscience therapeutic areas.
• Business Acumen: Robust understanding of global pharmaceutical markets and business drivers.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with early commercial planning for internal pipeline products.
• Familiarity with Ipsen's specific therapeutic areas and market positioning.
• Proficiency in French language.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of analytical rigor, strategic foresight, and strong interpersonal abilities essential for high-stakes decision-making in business development and product strategy. The preference for advanced degrees and consulting experience suggests a need for candidates capable of complex problem-solving and strategic influence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in developing comprehensive commercial assessments for new product opportunities, including market sizing, competitive analysis, and strategic recommendations.
• Case studies showcasing successful early commercial planning for internal pipeline assets, highlighting indication prioritization, business case development, or LCM strategies.
• Examples of due diligence work, illustrating the ability to conduct in-depth commercial evaluations and synthesize findings for leadership.
• Documentation of cross-functional project leadership, particularly in business development or product strategy initiatives, emphasizing collaboration and timely delivery.
• Evidence of strategic market analysis, including competitive landscaping, market access strategy, and forecasting methodologies.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and present detailed commercial evaluation processes, including methodologies for market research, forecasting, and risk assessment.
• Experience in creating clear and concise business cases for new product development or acquisition, outlining commercial potential and strategic rationale.
• Examples of strategic planning documents or presentations that have influenced franchise or therapeutic area strategy.
• Workflow examples demonstrating how complex data from various sources (market research, R&D, finance) were integrated for decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it will serve as tangible proof of the candidate's strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, and experience in evaluating and shaping new product opportunities. The emphasis is on demonstrating a structured approach to complex problem-solving and the ability to translate data into actionable commercial strategies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the senior level, global scope, and specialized nature of this role, and considering London as a primary location, a competitive base salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Director-level Strategy and Business Development roles in major biopharmaceutical companies in the UK, the estimated annual salary range would typically fall between £120,000 - £180,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the precise responsibilities undertaken.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).
• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, public holidays).
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Life assurance and disability coverage.
• Professional development opportunities, including access to training, conferences, and certifications.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans (e.g., stock options or restricted stock units).
• Hybrid work flexibility, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.
• Employee assistance programs and wellbeing initiatives.

Working Hours: The role is designated as FULL_TIME, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. However, given the global nature of business development and strategic planning, flexibility may be required to accommodate meetings across different time zones and to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on publicly available data for similar roles in London's life sciences sector, considering the company size (mid-sized global biopharma) and the seniority of the position. Benefits are standard for a company of Ipsen's stature and location, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical / Biopharmaceutical. Ipsen operates within a highly regulated and innovation-driven sector, focusing on developing transformative medicines in Oncology, Rare Disease, and Neuroscience. Company Size: Mid-sized global biopharmaceutical company. This size often allows for a balance between established processes and the agility to adapt to market changes and new opportunities. For operations professionals, this can mean broader exposure to different facets of the business and potentially more direct impact on strategic decisions. Founded: Ipsen has a history of nearly 100 years of development experience, indicating a stable and established presence in the industry with a deep understanding of pharmaceutical R&D and commercialization.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the New Products team, supporting Franchise Leadership.
• It requires close collaboration with Business Development, External Innovation, Franchise, R&D, Medical Affairs, Global Pricing & Access, Finance, and country-specific teams.
• This indicates a highly matrixed and cross-functional environment, typical in biopharmaceutical strategy and business development.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The role relies heavily on analyzing complex market data, scientific information, and financial models to inform strategic decisions.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Experience in streamlining the commercial evaluation process for new opportunities and supporting the planning for internal pipeline assets is crucial.
• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, leveraging technology and efficient processes to manage the high volume of evaluations and planning activities is implied.

Company Website: https://www.ipsen.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Ipsen's focus on specific therapeutic areas and its global presence suggest a strategic approach to market penetration and product development. The company culture likely values scientific rigor, innovation, and a patient-centric approach, which translates into the operational demands of roles like this one. The "human-centric leadership" and "culture of collaboration, excellence and impact" mentioned in the company description suggest an environment where individual contributions are valued and encouraged.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director level, signifying a senior leadership role with significant strategic responsibility and a focus on driving business outcomes through effective planning and evaluation. This position is crucial in shaping the company's future product portfolio and market strategy. Reporting Structure: The role reports to the New Products Head, indicating a direct line of sight to senior leadership within the commercial strategy function. Collaboration will extend across multiple departments, requiring strong stakeholder management skills. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on Ipsen's long-term growth and market positioning by identifying, evaluating, and advancing promising new product opportunities. Strategic decisions made by this role can significantly influence the company's pipeline and therapeutic area focus, ultimately impacting revenue and patient access to new medicines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific therapeutic areas (Oncology, Rare Diseases, Neuroscience) and gain advanced skills in Business Development and Product Strategy.
• Leadership: Potential to advance to senior leadership positions within the New Products or Commercial Strategy functions, potentially leading larger teams or broader strategic initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain extensive experience working with diverse global teams, enhancing project management and stakeholder influence skills.
• Industry Acumen: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the biopharmaceutical M&A and licensing landscape, becoming a key player in strategic decision-making.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of the next generation of strategic thinkers within Ipsen.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Director-level position offers a clear pathway for career advancement within the strategic and commercial operations functions of a global biopharmaceutical company. The role provides exposure to high-level decision-making and the opportunity to significantly influence the company's strategic direction and therapeutic portfolio.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The "Hybrid" work arrangement indicates a mix of in-office and remote work. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, meetings, and focused work, alongside the flexibility of remote productivity. Office Location(s): Primary locations are London, UK, and Paris, France. This dual presence reflects Ipsen's global hubs and offers potential for interaction with teams in both key European markets. Accessibility in London is generally good, with various public transport options.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: Expect a collaborative workspace where cross-functional teams frequently interact to discuss strategy, evaluate opportunities, and plan product launches.
• Technology: Access to advanced analytics tools, market intelligence platforms, and collaboration software will be essential for performing the role's duties effectively.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with senior leadership, R&D scientists, commercial teams, and external partners, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). However, the nature of global business development and strategic planning often requires flexibility to accommodate international calls, critical project deadlines, and evolving market dynamics. This may involve occasional work outside standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and dual office locations suggest a company that embraces modern work practices while maintaining strong physical hubs for collaboration. For operations professionals, this means being adept at managing workflows both independently and as part of a collaborative, often geographically dispersed, team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the New Products Head or a senior member of the team to delve into experience, strategic thinking, and understanding of the role's core responsibilities.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from R&D, Business Development, Medical Affairs, or relevant Franchise teams to assess collaboration skills and ability to integrate diverse inputs.
• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present on a relevant topic or analyze a hypothetical business opportunity, demonstrating their strategic thinking, analytical skills, and presentation abilities. Portfolio examples may be discussed here.
• Final Round: Interviews with higher-level leadership to confirm strategic alignment and overall fit for the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key areas: Strategic Planning, Commercial Evaluation, Business Development, and Internal Pipeline Support.
• Content: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the methodologies used (market research, forecasting, competitive analysis), key insights, strategic recommendations, and the ultimate impact or outcome. Quantify results whenever possible.
• Data Visualization: Use clear charts, graphs, and concise summaries to present complex data and market insights effectively.
• Strategic Narrative: Ensure your portfolio tells a compelling story about your ability to drive strategy and decision-making. Highlight how your work has influenced product development or business opportunities.
• Tailoring: Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your portfolio that directly align with Ipsen's therapeutic areas and strategic priorities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Analysis: Anticipate case study questions that require market assessment, competitive analysis, opportunity evaluation, or strategic recommendation development for a new pharmaceutical asset.
• Financial Modeling: Be ready to discuss or demonstrate understanding of key financial metrics relevant to product valuation (e.g., NPV, peak sales, ROI).
• Cross-Functional Dynamics: Prepare examples of how you have successfully collaborated with diverse teams, managed conflicting priorities, and influenced stakeholders.
• Therapeutic Area Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of current trends, unmet needs, and competitive landscapes in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Neuroscience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily assess strategic thinking and analytical capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of these skills. Candidates should be ready to articulate their thought processes and the impact of their work, showcasing their ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies within the biopharmaceutical context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Veeva CRM): For managing relationships with external partners and tracking BD activities.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel (financial modeling, data analysis, forecasting), PowerPoint (strategic presentations, business cases), and Word is essential.
• Market Intelligence Platforms: Access to and proficiency with platforms like IQVIA, Clarivate, GlobalData, Evaluate Pharma, or similar for market data, competitive intelligence, and pipeline tracking.
• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day communication and project collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, QlikView, or advanced Excel functions for data manipulation and visualization.
• Forecasting Software/Models: Experience with specific forecasting tools or building robust financial models in Excel.
• Business Intelligence Tools: Ability to work with BI platforms to extract and analyze data for strategic insights.

CRM & Automation:

• BD/CRM Systems: Experience with systems used to manage the Business Development pipeline and external partner interactions.
• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project for managing complex evaluation processes and timelines.
• Internal Databases: Familiarity with internal company databases for product information, clinical trial data, and financial performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with market intelligence and data analysis tools is non-negotiable for this role. The ability to extract, synthesize, and present data from various sources using these tools will be a key differentiator. Experience with CRM systems tailored for the pharmaceutical industry (like Veeva) is also highly beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on using robust data analysis and market insights to guide strategic choices and commercial evaluations.
• Strategic Foresight: Encouraging proactive thinking about future market trends, competitive dynamics, and unmet medical needs to shape the product pipeline.
• Collaboration & Influence: Valuing the ability to work effectively across diverse teams, build consensus, and influence stakeholders without direct authority to achieve shared goals.
• Excellence & Impact: A commitment to delivering high-quality strategic analysis and impactful recommendations that contribute to Ipsen's mission of bringing transformative medicines to patients.
• Agility & Urgency: The ability to adapt to changing market conditions and execute evaluations efficiently, demonstrating a sense of urgency in pursuing strategic opportunities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless integration with R&D, Business Development, Medical, Finance, and Global/Local Commercial teams.
• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages open discussion of processes, feedback exchange, and continuous improvement in evaluation methodologies.
• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of market insights, competitive intelligence, and best practices across the New Products team and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of scientific rigor and commercial pragmatism. Professionals in this role are expected to be both analytical thinkers and effective communicators who can drive consensus and action within a complex organizational structure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Therapeutic Areas: Deeply understanding the nuances of Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Neuroscience, including evolving scientific landscapes and patient journeys.
• High Volume of Evaluations: Managing a continuous flow of new opportunities requiring rigorous and timely commercial assessment.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and alignment from numerous stakeholders with potentially differing priorities and perspectives.
• Market Uncertainty: Dealing with the inherent unpredictability of drug development, regulatory approvals, and future market dynamics.
• Balancing Internal & External Focus: Effectively managing both internal pipeline commercial planning and the evaluation of external business development opportunities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced market analysis, financial modeling, strategic planning frameworks, and business development due diligence.
• Industry Exposure: Gain unparalleled exposure to the biopharmaceutical M&A, licensing, and partnership landscape through hands-on evaluation of diverse opportunities.
• Therapeutic Area Specialization: Become a subject matter expert in one or more of Ipsen's core therapeutic areas.
• Leadership Development: Develop critical leadership skills in influencing, stakeholder management, and strategic decision-making at a senior level.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network within Ipsen and the broader life sciences industry through collaborations and external interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are commensurate with its strategic importance. Overcoming these challenges provides substantial opportunities for professional growth and development, positioning the individual as a key strategic asset within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for evaluating a new pharmaceutical asset for potential acquisition or licensing. What are the key commercial considerations?"
• "How would you approach developing a long-term strategy for a franchise in a rapidly evolving therapeutic area like Oncology?"
• "Walk us through a time you had to influence a cross-functional team or senior leadership to adopt a strategic recommendation. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"
• "Given a new product candidate, how would you prioritize indications for development and commercialization?"
• "How do you stay abreast of market trends, competitive activities, and emerging scientific advancements in your therapeutic areas of focus?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Ipsen and this specific role?"
• "How do you align your personal working style with Ipsen's stated values of 'Think Strategically,' 'Engage & Inspire,' and 'Deliver Results'?"
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with global teams."
• "How do you ensure your work contributes to the company's overall mission and patient impact?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your capabilities in strategic planning, commercial evaluation, and business development.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the business challenge, your specific role and responsibilities, the analytical methodologies employed, key findings and strategic recommendations, and the measurable impact or outcome.
• Focus on "Why": Explain the strategic rationale behind your decisions and recommendations, not just the "what."
• Data Visualization: Use clear, concise visuals (charts, graphs) to illustrate market dynamics, forecasts, and competitive landscapes.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a defined timeframe (e.g., 10-15 minutes), allowing ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical commercialization process, strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Candidates should be ready to articulate their experience with concrete examples, supported by their portfolio.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ipsen careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and portfolio to highlight specific experiences in pharmaceutical strategy, business development, commercial evaluation, and early-stage product planning, particularly within Oncology and Rare Diseases. Emphasize projects where you demonstrated strategic thinking, market analysis, and cross-functional leadership.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords and action verbs that align with the job description, focusing on achievements and quantifiable results in your past roles. Clearly outline your advanced degree and years of relevant experience.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your thought process for strategic and commercial evaluation scenarios. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio to answer behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your ability to collaborate and influence.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Ipsen's current pipeline, therapeutic areas, recent business development activities, and stated company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during interviews. Understand their strategic objectives to frame your contributions effectively.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.