Senior Director Global Product Strategy - Operations (GPS)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Director, Global Product Strategy - Operations (GPS)

Company: Teva Pharmaceuticals

Location: Haarlem, Netherlands (also open to Parsippany, NJ)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Revenue Operations / Commercial Operations / GTM Strategy

Date Posted: 2025-10-16

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with potential for remote within specified locations)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision and commercial strategy for Teva's neurology and immunology innovative medicines portfolio, translating scientific innovation into long-term brand and business value within a global framework.

• Drive operational excellence by overseeing the global business planning cycle and critical internal/external milestones for innovative medicines, fostering agility, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.

• Serve as a key liaison, partnering with R&D, Business Development (BD), and commercial regions to streamline governance, accelerate portfolio growth, and ensure seamless execution of product strategies.

• Champion the evolution of team capabilities and global processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in managing a complex, innovative product pipeline within a matrixed environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a newly created Global Product Strategy (GPS) team, indicating a strategic focus on the long-term commercial success of Teva's innovative neurology and immunology portfolio. The "Operations" in the title signifies a critical focus on the execution, planning, and cross-functional alignment required to bring these innovative medicines to market and sustain their value. This is not a typical back-office operations role, but rather a strategic commercial operations leadership position focused on driving GTM strategy execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Governance: Serve as the secretariat for key leadership forums, including the GPS Leadership Team, Innovation Medicines Steering Committee, and Innovation Commercial Committee, ensuring meetings are purposeful, aligned, and well-executed to drive strategic decision-making.

• Global Business Planning: Lead the annual global business planning process, including the comprehensive refresh of global brand plans for key innovative assets, ensuring alignment across all functions and regions.

• Process Design & Implementation: Design and implement a streamlined, inclusive, and agile global planning process that effectively engages key internal functions (R&D, BD, Commercial) and regional stakeholders.

• Launch Excellence: Develop and embed best-in-class Launch Excellence practices in close collaboration with Global Commercial Therapeutic Area (TA) leads, incorporating external benchmarking and market insights.

• Executive Reporting & Communication: Coordinate global commercial input for critical investor meetings and lead the preparation of the Global Commercial Strategy Quarterly Business Review (QBR) and other executive management deliverables, ensuring clear and concise communication of performance and strategy.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with R&D, BD, and regional commercial leaders to foster strong working relationships, streamline governance structures, and accelerate portfolio growth.

• Talent & Capability Development: Lead the evolution of the GPS team's capabilities and global processes, promoting a culture of agility, accountability, and smart decision-making, while also developing talent within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic oversight and operational execution. The "secretariat" duties for high-level committees, leading the annual business planning cycle, and coordinating investor communications underscore the strategic importance and executive visibility of this role. The emphasis on designing and implementing "streamlined, inclusive planning processes" points to a need for process optimization and change management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Marketing, Life Sciences).

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in commercial, marketing, or sales leadership roles within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful long-term commercial strategies that have driven significant business value.

• Proven track record of significant people leadership, including building, developing, and managing high-performing teams.

• Recent experience within a Tier 1 market (US or EU5) is preferred, ideally within the last 5 years, to ensure understanding of key market dynamics and strategic approaches.

• Senior marketing experience at a global, regional, or local operating company (LOC) level, preferably with direct experience leading product launches, including managing global stakeholders.

• Experience across multiple therapeutic areas is beneficial, demonstrating adaptability and breadth of knowledge.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and articulate long-term vision and strategic plans for innovative medicines.

• Commercial Strategy Development: Proven expertise in crafting market-leading commercial strategies that drive sustainable brand and business value.

• Leadership & Talent Development: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional teams and individuals, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to build and maintain strong relationships with senior leaders across R&D, BD, Commercial, and regional teams.

• Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Proven success in leading and influencing diverse, cross-functional teams in a matrixed global environment.

• Business Planning & Execution: Expertise in leading comprehensive annual business planning cycles and ensuring effective execution of global brand plans.

• Launch Excellence: Deep understanding and practical application of best practices for successful product launches in the pharmaceutical sector.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage complex projects, timelines, and multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to executive audiences.

• Agility & Accountability: Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment, demonstrating adaptability and taking ownership of deliverables.

Preferred Skills:

• Market Trends Analysis: Ability to identify, analyze, and leverage current market trends to inform strategic decisions.

• Governance & Process Optimization: Experience in streamlining governance structures and optimizing operational processes for efficiency and effectiveness.

• Investor Relations Support: Experience in preparing commercial insights and materials for investor meetings.

• Deep Therapeutic Area Knowledge: Specialized knowledge in Neurology and/or Immunology therapeutic areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (15+ years) and the emphasis on "people leadership" and "talent development" strongly suggest this is a senior leadership role with significant team management responsibilities. The "Tier 1 market experience" and "launch lead" experience are critical for understanding the strategic nuances of global product launches in highly competitive markets.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Plan Case Studies: Provide detailed examples of strategic global product plans you have developed and led, showcasing your ability to translate scientific innovation into commercial value. Highlight the key components of these plans and the methodologies used.

• Business Planning Process Documentation: Showcase experience or documentation related to designing and implementing annual business planning cycles. This could include process maps, stakeholder engagement plans, or examples of templates used.

• Launch Excellence Frameworks: Present a framework or methodology you have developed or implemented for Launch Excellence, demonstrating your understanding of critical launch success factors and operational readiness. Include examples of how you've embedded best practices.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Models: Illustrate successful models or approaches you've used to foster collaboration between R&D, BD, Commercial, and regional teams for product strategy development and execution.

Process Documentation:

• Governance Streamlining: Evidence of projects where you have streamlined governance processes, improved decision-making efficiency, and accelerated timelines for strategic initiatives.

• Workflow Optimization: Examples of how you have designed or optimized workflows for strategic planning, business reviews, or product launch activities, focusing on efficiency, inclusivity, and data integration.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Documentation or case studies demonstrating your ability to develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting mechanisms for strategic initiatives, including investor communications and QBRs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list achievements but demonstrate a deep understanding of strategic planning methodologies, process design, and the operational execution required for global pharmaceutical product launches. The focus should be on quantifiable impact and strategic thought leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the Senior Director level, 15+ years of experience, and the specific expertise required (Global Product Strategy, Pharma Innovation, leadership), a competitive salary range is expected.

• For Haarlem, Netherlands: Estimated range of €150,000 - €220,000 annually, plus potential bonus and long-term incentives.

• For Parsippany, NJ, USA: Estimated range of $200,000 - $300,000 annually, plus potential bonus and long-term incentives.

📝 Enhancement Note: These salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for Senior Director-level roles in global pharmaceutical commercial strategy and operations in high-cost-of-living regions like the Netherlands and the US Northeast. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the company's compensation philosophy. Bonuses and long-term incentives are standard for executive roles in the pharmaceutical industry.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Generous 401(k) or equivalent pension plan with company match.

• Performance-Based Bonus: Annual bonus structure tied to individual and company performance.

• Long-Term Incentives (LTI): Stock options or other equity-based awards for senior leadership, reflecting long-term commitment and value creation.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional Development: Support for continued education, certifications, industry conferences, and leadership training.

• Relocation Assistance: If applicable, for candidates moving to the Netherlands or US.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week. However, given the global nature of the role and executive responsibilities, flexibility and willingness to work beyond standard hours to accommodate international time zones and critical deadlines (e.g., investor meetings, QBRs, launch activities) will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Pharmaceutical companies, especially large ones like Teva, typically offer robust benefits packages to attract and retain senior talent. The inclusion of LTI is a strong indicator of this role's seniority and strategic importance. The expectation of flexibility in working hours is standard for global leadership roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceuticals (Generic and Innovative Medicines)

Company Size: Large (Teva is one of the world's largest generic pharmaceutical companies with a significant global presence).

Founded: 1901 (implies a long-standing history and established presence in the industry).

Company Description: Teva Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, dedicated to making healthcare more affordable and accessible. They are the world's leading manufacturer of generic medicines and a proud producer of essential medicines on the WHO's list. With a mission to improve lives, Teva operates in nearly 60 countries, employing a diverse workforce committed to making a difference.

Company Specialties: Generic medicines, innovative medicines (particularly in neurology and immunology, as per this role), biosimilars, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Team Structure:

• The Global Product Strategy (GPS) Team is newly created, indicating a strategic investment and focus on long-term growth for innovative medicines.

• This role will operate within a global matrix structure, collaborating closely with R&D, Business Development, regional commercial teams, and executive leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Expect a strong emphasis on leveraging market data, clinical insights, and commercial performance metrics to inform strategy and decision-making.

• Agile & Iterative Planning: The emphasis on "agility" and "streamlined processes" suggests an approach that values adaptability and continuous improvement in planning and execution.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: A core methodology will be fostering deep collaboration and alignment across diverse functional groups to achieve common strategic objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Teva's dual focus on generics and innovative medicines, combined with its global scale and long history, suggests a stable yet evolving corporate environment. The creation of the GPS team highlights a strategic shift or increased focus on their innovative pipeline, making this a pivotal time to join. The matrix structure is typical for large pharma, requiring strong navigation and influencing skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior Director level, signifying a high level of responsibility, strategic influence, and leadership within the Global Product Strategy organization. It is a key position for driving the commercial success of Teva's innovative medicines portfolio.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Director will report to a senior executive (e.g., VP/SVP Global Product Strategy or Commercial) and will collaborate extensively with other senior leaders across R&D, BD, and regional commercial operations. This position acts as a critical bridge between strategic development and operational execution.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on Teva's long-term revenue growth and market positioning for its innovative neurology and immunology portfolio. By ensuring robust strategic planning, effective business processes, and seamless execution, this position will influence critical investment decisions, market access strategies, and ultimately, patient access to new therapies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential progression to Vice President or Senior Vice President roles within Global Product Strategy, Commercial Operations, or broader commercial leadership functions.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific therapeutic areas (Neurology, Immunology) or functional areas (e.g., Launch Excellence, Strategic Partnerships).

• Global Exposure: Continued opportunities to manage and influence global strategies and teams across diverse markets.

• Strategic Project Leadership: Lead high-impact, cross-functional strategic initiatives beyond the core responsibilities, such as major portfolio assessments or new market entry strategies.

• Mentorship & Development: Opportunity to mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of future leaders within Teva's operations and commercial functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The creation of a new, dedicated GPS team for innovative medicines suggests that this role is central to Teva's future growth strategy. Success here could lead to significant career acceleration within the organization, particularly for individuals who can demonstrate strategic leadership and operational transformation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work. The role is based in either Haarlem, Netherlands, or Parsippany, NJ, USA.

Office Location(s):

• Haarlem, Netherlands: Teva has a significant presence in the Netherlands, likely offering modern facilities conducive to collaboration and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Expect office spaces designed to facilitate teamwork, with meeting rooms, project areas, and informal gathering spots.

• Technology Integration: Access to advanced communication and collaboration tools, as well as enterprise-level software for strategy, planning, and data analysis.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: The role necessitates frequent interaction with colleagues from various departments (R&D, BD, Marketing, Sales, Medical Affairs, Finance), fostering a dynamic and interconnected work environment.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the global nature of the role and the need to coordinate with teams across different time zones (e.g., US, Europe, Asia) will require flexibility. Early mornings or late evenings may be necessary for key meetings and project deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model reflects modern work practices. For a global role, the emphasis will be on effective remote collaboration and strategic in-office time for key planning sessions and team building. The specific office environments in Haarlem and Parsippany are likely well-equipped to support executive-level strategic work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior leader in GPS or Commercial) focusing on strategic experience, leadership approach, and specific examples of past successes.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from R&D, BD, regional commercial leads, and potentially other senior leaders. These will assess collaboration skills, understanding of drug development lifecycle, and ability to influence.

• Case Study / Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a strategic case study or address a hypothetical business challenge related to portfolio strategy, business planning, or launch execution. This is where portfolio elements will be crucial.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior executive (e.g., VP/SVP level) to assess strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit with Teva's executive team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study or project highlighted, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the operational execution, and the measurable business impact (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, successful launch metrics, efficiency gains).

• Showcase Strategic Frameworks: Present your methodologies for strategic planning, business planning cycles, and launch excellence. Explain why you chose these methods and how they were adapted to specific contexts.

• Demonstrate Cross-Functional Leadership: Use examples that clearly show how you collaborated with and influenced diverse teams (R&D, BD, Marketing, Sales, Medical, Finance) to achieve strategic goals.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers, percentages, and specific metrics to quantify your contributions and the success of your initiatives.

• Tailor to Teva: Research Teva's current neurology and immunology portfolio and strategic priorities. Frame your experience and insights in a way that demonstrates relevance to their specific business challenges and opportunities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Be prepared to analyze a complex pharmaceutical market scenario and propose strategic solutions, considering factors like competitive landscape, regulatory environment, and R&D pipeline.

• Business Planning Exercise: You might be asked to outline the key components of a global brand plan for a hypothetical innovative medicine or to critique/improve an existing planning process.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Practice articulating complex strategies in a concise manner suitable for different audiences (e.g., R&D scientists vs. Sales leaders vs. investors). Demonstrate how you would achieve alignment across these groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the strategic nature of this role and the "Global Product Strategy - Operations" title, expect a rigorous interview process heavily focused on strategic thinking, leadership, and operational execution. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases quantifiable achievements and strategic methodologies will be a significant differentiator.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Experience with enterprise-level CRM platforms such as Salesforce, Veeva CRM (highly prevalent in Pharma), or Microsoft Dynamics. Understanding of how CRM data supports commercial strategy and operations.

• Business Planning Software/Platforms: Familiarity with project management and strategic planning tools (e.g., Monday.com, Asana, Microsoft Project) or specialized pharmaceutical planning software.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) or Google Workspace for collaboration, document management, and communication.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in PowerPoint/Google Slides for creating executive-level presentations and strategic documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with data analysis and visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or advanced Excel for analyzing market data, commercial performance, and financial projections.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Platforms: Familiarity with BI tools that integrate data from various sources to provide dashboards and reports on key performance indicators.

• Market Research Databases: Access and understanding of pharmaceutical market data sources (e.g., IQVIA, GlobalData, EvaluatePharma) for competitive intelligence and strategic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Pharmaceutical-Specific CRM: Deep understanding of Veeva CRM and its modules (e.g., Vault for content management, Engage for field force interaction) is highly advantageous.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can streamline planning processes, data collection, and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool names might not be explicitly listed, a Senior Director in Global Product Strategy Operations must demonstrate a strong command of enterprise-level business intelligence, CRM, and project management tools. Proficiency with Veeva is particularly critical in the pharmaceutical industry. The ability to leverage data analytics and visualization tools for strategic decision-making is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centricity: A fundamental value in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring all strategies and operations ultimately serve patient needs.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and regulatory compliance.

• Innovation: Driving forward with new therapeutic approaches and novel ways to bring medicines to market.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a spirit of partnership across functions and regions to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for outcomes and driving initiatives to completion with a focus on measurable results.

• Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Striving for the highest standards in strategy, execution, and operational efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Strategic Partnership: Building trust and strong working relationships with peers and leaders across R&D, BD, Commercial, and Regional teams.

• Influence & Alignment: Effectively influencing stakeholders and driving alignment on complex strategic decisions, even without direct authority.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent communication, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving.

• Global Mindset: Demonstrating an understanding and respect for diverse perspectives and operating styles across different global regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Teva's values, combined with the nature of a global, innovative product strategy role, suggest a culture that values both scientific rigor and commercial acumen. The emphasis on collaboration is key in a matrixed organization, and candidates who can demonstrate strong influencing skills will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Matrix Organization: Effectively influencing and aligning diverse stakeholders across different functions and geographies without direct reporting lines.

• Balancing Innovation with Execution: Translating cutting-edge scientific research into viable, executable commercial strategies in a complex and regulated industry.

• Global Strategy Deployment: Ensuring consistent and effective implementation of global strategies across varied regional market conditions and regulatory landscapes.

• Pace of Change: Adapting to evolving market dynamics, competitive pressures, and scientific advancements within the neurology and immunology space.

• Data Integration & Insight Generation: Synthesizing complex data from multiple sources (clinical, market, financial) to derive actionable strategic insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Strategic Training: Access to internal and external programs focused on strategic planning, leadership, and pharmaceutical market dynamics.

• Therapeutic Area Specialization: Deep dive into the intricacies of neurology and immunology, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Global Leadership Development: Opportunities to refine skills in leading global teams, managing international projects, and navigating cross-cultural business environments.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in key industry events to stay abreast of trends and build professional networks.

• Mentorship: Learning from and being mentored by senior leaders within Teva's global commercial and strategy functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to its strategic scope and complexity. However, these challenges are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry and advance their careers at a global level.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a long-term commercial strategy for an innovative medicine. What were the key challenges, your approach, and the ultimate outcome?"

• "How would you design a global business planning process to ensure buy-in and effective execution across R&D, BD, and regional commercial teams?"

• "Walk me through your experience with Launch Excellence. What are the critical components of a successful launch, and how would you embed best practices within Teva's GPS team?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Teva's current neurology and immunology portfolio and strategic priorities?"

• "How do you approach building relationships and driving alignment with senior stakeholders in a matrixed global organization?"

• "Describe your leadership style and how you develop talent within your teams."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a high-level overview of your most impactful projects, highlighting key achievements and strategic insights.

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as narratives, clearly outlining the challenge, your strategic solution, the operational steps taken, and the quantifiable results. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Process Focus: For process-related contributions, use flowcharts or diagrams to illustrate your approach to designing or optimizing workflows.

• Metrics & ROI: Be prepared to discuss the specific KPIs you used to measure success and demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of your initiatives.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your methodologies, decision-making rationale, and how you would apply your experience to Teva's specific context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your strategic thinking process, leadership philosophy, and operational execution capabilities with concrete examples. Demonstrating an understanding of the pharmaceutical product lifecycle and the unique challenges of bringing innovative therapies to market will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Director, Global Product Strategy - Operations position:

• Submit your application through the Teva Pharmaceuticals careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in global product strategy, commercial operations, pharmaceutical launches, strategic planning, and people leadership. Quantify achievements with specific metrics related to revenue growth, market share, or efficiency improvements.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key case studies that best demonstrate your strategic planning, business planning cycle leadership, launch excellence implementation, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Focus on impact and measurable results.

• Research Teva: Understand Teva's mission, values, current therapeutic areas (especially Neurology and Immunology), and recent strategic announcements.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare detailed answers to common strategic, leadership, and situational questions, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and drawing from your portfolio examples.

⚠️ 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.