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Jobs · Marketing · Massachusetts

Vice President, Head of External Innovation China, Strategy & Operations

Ipsen · Cambridge, MA · 2 wk ago
Marketing$263k–$350k/yrContract

About the Role

This is a critical leadership role with three core responsibilities:

  • Lead Ipsen’s External Innovation strategy and execution in China and surrounding territories across all Ipsen Therapeutic Areas.
  • Partner with the equivalent VP in Global Partnering to define the overall Global Partnering and External Innovation (GPEI) strategy and deliver operational excellence in dealmaking.
  • Ensure closer collaboration between Research and External Innovation (REI) and Early Development for more efficient delivery of the early portfolio.

The incumbent will spearhead efforts to develop the vision for Ipsen External Innovation (EI) in China, identify, evaluate, and secure Rare Disease, Neuroscience, and Oncology external opportunities at all stages from the region. The role will collaborate with other Ipsen functions (e.g., Regulatory, Therapeutic Area, and Clinical Development Operations) to enhance Ipsen’s overall R&D strategy and approach in China. The incumbent will also be responsible for recruitment of Ipsen staff in China as direct report(s).

The role is a member of the Global Partnering and External Innovation (GPEI) and Research and External Innovation (REI) Leadership teams, collaborating across functions to define the overall Ipsen External Innovation strategy and partnering with the equivalent VP-level role in GPEI to deliver operational excellence.

The deliverables focus on five key areas:

  • Strategic collaboration across GPEI, REI, and Early Development.
  • Ensuring operational efficiency across GPEI (e.g., reporting, dealmaking process, contract management, budget).
  • Leading delivery of REI and GPEI initiatives and improvements.
  • Tracking cycle times, throughput, success/kill rates, progress, and resourcing efficiency across departments.
  • Promoting cooperation and common understanding of goals across functions.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in positioning Ipsen as a partner of choice for external innovation and defining the approach in China and related territories. The candidate must master multiple areas of responsibility with flexibility to adapt to changes in the business environment while assisting staff and customers with challenges.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Ipsen’s external innovation strategy and execution in China and related territories to deliver efficient sourcing across therapeutic areas, contributing to Ipsen’s pipeline growth (preclinical to marketed).
  • Line management of direct report(s), including in China.
  • Cultivate and maintain global networks/relationships, with a focus on China and surrounding territories, with biotechs, VCs, and academic communities to identify opportunities early and position Ipsen as a partner of choice.
  • Collaborate with other Ipsen functions to contribute to overall operational execution and approach in China.
  • Collaborate with EI Therapeutic Area Heads to refine the overall Ipsen External Innovation strategy related to dealmaking and partner with the equivalent role in GPEI to define strategy and deliver operational excellence.
  • Collaborate with Early Development (ED) strategy and operations to ensure strong relationships and delivery for both REI and ED departments.
  • Establish and maintain External Innovation capabilities to identify asset opportunities early and maximize the company’s ability to successfully identify and close partnership opportunities:
    • Develop and maintain tools and processes for opportunity identification/sourcing, evaluation, and internal/external communication.
    • Provide expert insight for dealmaking and collaboration partnerships, contributing to the Due Diligence Team, Deal Review Board, and Portfolio Committee as appropriate.
  • Expand Ipsen’s visibility and "Partner of Choice" status globally, with a focus on China and surrounding territories, and connect Ipsen’s global hubs with local/regional biopharma ecosystems.
  • Maintain and enhance close working relationships between Research and External Innovation with other Ipsen functions, ensuring clear communication and fully aligned strategic and operational plans.

Leadership & Management

  • Act as an effective leader and matrix/line manager, responsible for talent development and supervision of team members.
  • Build capabilities and technical skills within the group to ensure high-quality delivery.
  • Support and influence the direction of the R&D and GPEI groups.
  • Collaborate with team members to drive strategic decision-making and deliver on organizational and patient commitments.

Requirements

  • Exceptional scientific credentials and external profile, evidenced by publications, delivery of early-stage innovative project milestones, successful grant funding, or other scientific accomplishments (biotech or pharma portfolio accomplishments). Examples delivered through external collaborations and deals or multi-partner constructs are highly valued.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of pharmaceutical discovery, development, and intellectual property processes.
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex information to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
  • Interpersonal and leadership skills to represent Ipsen professionally.
  • Ability to cultivate and develop long-term productive relationships with potential external partners.
  • Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to multitask efficiently, prioritize quickly, and manage a portfolio of projects.
  • Experience working in a matrix environment and leading/leveraging cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and in highly integrated teams.
  • Confidence and scientific credibility to lead interactions with senior leaders of biotech companies, academic research centers, VCs, and other external parties.
  • Proven ability to lead technical due diligence efforts/teams.
  • Ability to maintain and expand a network of biopharma leaders, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and academic scientists.
  • Proven strategic thinking related to product development and pipelines.
  • Ability to anticipate marketplace evolution and competition to maintain a competitive advantage in business model creation, innovation acquisition, and collaborations.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or M.D. in life sciences (essential).
  • Fluency in English (essential).

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position is $262,500–$350,000. This role is also eligible to participate in our short-term incentives program.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive employee benefits package, including 401(k) with company contributions.
  • Group medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance (short- and long-term).
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • Parental leave and paid time off.
  • Discretionary winter shutdown.
  • Well-being allowance.
  • Commuter benefits.

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