Director, HRBP - US Commercial - Job ID: 2004

Ascendis Pharma is a dynamic, fast-growing global biopharmaceutical company with locations in Denmark, Europe, and the United States. We're advancing programs in Endocrinology Rare Disease and Oncology. Our culture is built on exceptional science, visionary leadership, and skilled, passionate colleagues. Guided by our core values of Patients, Science, and Passion, we use our TransCon® drug development platform to develop new and potentially best-in-class therapies addressing unmet medical needs. We foster a workplace where adaptable, resourceful professionals can grow and make their mark.

About the role

The Director, Human Resources Business Partner - U.S. Business Unit & Princeton Site serves as the lead HR partner supporting the U.S. Business Unit (Commercial organization) and the primary HR Business Partner for the Princeton site, including employees from global functions. This role partners closely with leadership teams to drive organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, leadership development, talent management, succession planning, employee engagement, and business performance. Operating with a high degree of independence, the Director acts as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, translating business priorities and people strategies into organizational outcomes. The role collaborates with U.S. HR leadership, Global Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, HR Operations, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment between business priorities and people initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Business Partnership & Organizational Effectiveness
  • Serve as the lead HR Business Partner for the U.S. Business Unit (Commercial organization) and organizations led by the U.S. Business Unit Leadership Team, as well as the primary HR partner for Princeton-based employees and leaders from global functions.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to leaders on organizational effectiveness, workforce strategy, leadership effectiveness, and talent decisions.
  • Translate business objectives into people strategies that support growth, performance, and organizational capability.
• Talent, Succession & Workforce Planning
  • Own execution of talent review, succession planning, and leadership development strategies across supported organizations.
  • Partner with leaders to develop strategies for critical talent, high-potential employees, and organizational capability building.
• Leadership Coaching & Employee Relations
  • Coach senior leaders and managers on leadership effectiveness, performance management, talent development, employee relations, organizational effectiveness, and change leadership.
  • Lead employee relations matters and workplace investigations.
  • Partner with Legal and HR leadership on sensitive employee matters and risk mitigation.
• Compensation & Talent Decisions
  • Partner with leaders on compensation planning, promotions, talent movement, and organizational changes.
  • Collaborate with Global Human Resources and compensation stakeholders on job architecture, market positioning, compensation decisions, and workforce planning.
• Site Partnership
  • Serve as the primary HR Business Partner for the Princeton site.
  • Lead site-level people initiatives that strengthen employee experience and organizational health.
  • Promote collaboration and alignment across site-based organizations to support a positive employee experience and organizational effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience with significant HR Business Partner responsibility.
• Experience supporting commercial organizations within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or other highly regulated industries preferred.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leaders and leadership teams.
• Proven success advising leaders on organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, talent management, succession planning, leadership development, employee relations, and organizational change.
• Strong business acumen and ability to align people strategies with business objectives.
• Ability to influence within a matrixed, global environment.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time domestically and internationally.

Pay

The estimated salary range for this position is $220,000–$230,000. Actual salary determination depends on experience, qualifications, and geographic location. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus or incentive compensation plan, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives, and other compensation benefits.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company-offered Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Company-provided short- and long-term disability benefits
• Pet Insurance and Legal Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Professional Development
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various incentive compensation plans
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Mental Health resources
• Paid leave benefits for new parents