Job Title:  

VP, Head of Commercial & Partners Excellence International

Division / Function: 

International

Location:

Paris or London

WHAT - Summary & Purpose of the Position

• The VP, Head of Commercial & Partners Excellence International is responsible for shaping and driving the commercial and partner strategy, ensuring its full execution across all International markets, and positioning the International organization as a commercial powerhouse.
• As a key strategic and operational enabler, he/she drives a meaningful impact for customers and patients across International by strengthening overall commercial, partner, launch and trade excellence and maximizing business operations.
• In collaboration with GPPS and affiliates, he/she contributes to the effective execution of brand plans and brands performance improvement through brand excellence.
• In collaboration with GPPS and affiliates, he/she is accountable for implementing the metrics, tools and actions needed to track, monitor, and enable performance, while driving optimization, enhancing constructive challenge, and effective execution.
• In collaboration with GPPS and affiliates, he/she is implementing and driving an effective launch readiness process
• He/she provides additional support, capabilities, and guidance to enable International to deliver meaningful, tangible, and measurable outcomes for both customers and Ipsen associates.
• He/she facilitates the exchange of practices and information between global and local teams on topics related to commercial, partner, launch, and trade excellence.

WHAT - Main Responsibilities & Technical Competencies

Customer & Business Excellence

• Drive tracking, analysis, and implementation of performance improvement plans in line with business and brand plans.
• Lead and improve standardized performance‑tracking frameworks and metrics across all affiliates.
• Build critical commercial capabilities across the International organization, including Field Force excellence, brand management, and marketing competencies.
• Strengthen and optimize business operations and customer excellence across International, ensuring alignment with brand strategies and global priorities.
• Lead the deployment of key commercial initiatives, in collaboration with Global Commercial, Medical, and Corporate Affairs & Value Access.
• Facilitate effective global‑to‑local and local‑to‑global exchange of insights, best practices, and strategic information.

Partners Excellence

• Define and align the overall partner strategy at regional and global levels, ensuring an optimal network of distributors and partners.
• Drive profitable and sustainable business growth through strong, value‑adding external partnerships.
• Optimize existing partnerships while developing new collaborations, including distribution and promotion agreements.
• Explore new business models (e.g., CSO, co‑promotion) to expand Ipsen’s reach, even in direct‑presence markets.
• Oversee contractual relationships with external partners, setting negotiation standards and promoting best practices across regions.
• Establish the governance framework for partnerships and lead the Partnership Committee to drive consistent business and performance planning.
• Lead the regional community of partner managers, ensuring unified standards and high‑quality execution.
• Ensure excellence in partner management across International by setting and implementing standards (RFP, due diligence, remuneration models, incentive schemes, KPIs, etc.).
• Support the One Ipsen ambition by fostering partner excellence and building the capabilities and behaviors needed for International to become a commercial powerhouse.
• Anticipate and monitor changes in import/export requirements and pharmaceutical regulations impacting partnerships.

Launch Excellence

• Lead flawless, compliant execution of product launches in close partnership with GMs, Regional Heads and Global Asset Teams and engaging with SBE launch excellence team.
• Collaborate with SBE team to embed end‑to‑end launch excellence in each market, aligning all functions—Commercial, Medical, Access, Public Affairs, and Patient Advocacy.
• Partner with SBE and Medical Launch Excellence teams to deliver fully integrated 360° launch planning and execution.
• Monitor launch performance in close collaboration with SBE, proactively identifying and resolving issues (e.g., segmentation, targeting, mapping) to ensure KPIs and launch objectives are met.
• Ensure clear follow‑up and delivery of all cross‑functional launch action items.
• Continuously benchmark and integrate external best practices to elevate launch excellence across International.

Trade Excellence

• Lead Trade Excellence and guide the team in defining and executing the overarching trade strategy.
• Ensure robust Local Demand Management (LDM) across International, securing continuous and optimal product distribution while strengthening supply‑chain reliability.
• Partner closely with local teams to understand market dynamics, challenge assumptions, and drive consistent LDM practices across geographies.
• Lead the Supply Chain and Finance communities on LDM topics, ensuring alignment with financial objectives and global supply priorities.
• Monitor demand flows, identify risks—including abnormal order patterns and potential parallel trade—and implement corrective actions.

Technical Competencies

Commercial Strategy & Operations

• Expertise in designing and implementing global commercial strategies.
• Strong capability in KPI development, performance tracking, and data-driven decision-making.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and account management processes.

Launch & Marketing Excellence

• Advanced knowledge of global-to-local launch frameworks and readiness planning.
• Ability to lead brand planning, forecasting, and market segmentation.
• Skilled in patient journey mapping and strategic marketing imperatives.

Partnership Management

• Strong negotiation and contractual management skills for complex partnerships.
• Experience in optimizing partnership structures and implementing incentive models.
• Familiarity with innovative business models.

Compliance & Governance

• Deep understanding of pharmaceutical regulations and trade compliance.
• Ability to implement governance standards and mitigate operational risks.

Data & Digital

• Proficiency in business analytics, competitive intelligence, and forecasting tools.
• Knowledge of digital transformation trends, including AI and automation in commercial models.

HOW - Behavioural Competencies Required

Drive Vision and Strategy

• Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
• Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.

Business Insights

• Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Making decisions based on data, facts, and figures, and considering different perspectives and the patients' voice.

Global Perspective

• Taking a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens.
• Seeing the bigger picture, thinking holistically about markets, future trends, and strategy

Manage Complexity

• Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Developing and evaluating alternative scenarios and solutions, focusing on decisions with real impact.

Cultivate Innovation

• Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Questioning the status quo, adopting new approaches, and integrating diverse perspectives.

Entrepreneurial

• Identifying opportunities and turning them into value-creating ventures.
• Demonstrating curiosity, boldness, and tenacity in the face of challenges.

Influences

• Using compelling arguments to gain support and commitment of others.
• Anticipating and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders, seeking win-win partnerships.

Collaborates

• Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Removing organizational barriers and focusing on continuous improvement.

Excellence in Execution

• Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Achieving results, even under tough circumstances, with clear KPIs and accountability.

Ensures Accountability

• Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Taking personal accountability for decisions, actions, successes, and failures.

Customer & Patient Focus

• Building strong customer/patient relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Integrating the patient voice into everything we do

HOW - Knowledge & Experience

Knowledge & Experience (essential):

• Extensive experience in international commercial operations, general management, business development, and partnership management within the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector
• Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and driving commercial excellence initiatives across multiple markets
• Strong background in launch excellence, market access, and optimizing complex partner networks
• Experience with digital transformation, data analytics, and innovative business models in a global context

Education / Certifications (essential):

•  Advanced degree in Business Administration, Life Sciences, Pharmacy, or related field

Education / Certifications (preferred):

•  MBA, Executive Education, or relevant professional certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Commercial Excellence programs)

Language(s) (essential):

•  Fluent in English (spoken and written)

Language(s) (preferred):

• Proficiency in additional languages relevant to Ipsen’s international markets (e.g., French, Spanish, German etc.)