Galderma is the emerging pure-play dermatology category leader, present in approximately 90 countries. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of premium flagship brands and services that span the full spectrum of the fast-growing dermatology market through Injectable Aesthetics, Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology. Since our foundation in 1981, we have dedicated our focus and passion to the human body's largest organ - the skin - meeting individual consumer and patient needs with superior outcomes in partnership with healthcare professionals. Because we understand that the skin, we are in shapes our lives, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story.
We look for people who focus on getting results, embrace learning and bring a positive energy. They must combine initiative with a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Above all, they must be passionate about doing something meaningful for consumers, patients, and the healthcare professionals we serve every day. We aim to empower each employee and promote their personal growth while ensuring business needs are met now and into the future. Across our company, we embrace diversity and respect the dignity, privacy, and personal rights of every employee.
At Galderma, we actively give our teams reasons to believe in our bold ambition to become the leading dermatology company in the world. With us, you have the ultimate opportunity to gain new and challenging work experiences and create an unparalleled, direct impact.
The Global Head of Clinical Operations is responsible for defining and leading the global clinical operations strategy and execution across the injectable Aesthetics and Therapeutic Dermatology portfolio. This role provides enterprise level leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and efficient clinical trials across all phases of development.
Reporting to the Global Head of R&D, this position is a key member of the R&D Leadership Team and plays a critical role in shaping the clinical development execution, portfolio prioritization, and operational strategy. The Global Head of Clinical Operations oversees global clinical operations capabilities, drives innovation and trial design and execution, and ensures inspection readiness and regulatory compliance across all regions.
This leader will operate in a highly matrixed, global environment, influencing senior stakeholders and external partners to accelerate development timelines, optimize investment, and enhance clinical trial performance.
Key Responsibilities
Global Clinical Operations Strategy & Execution
Define and implement the global clinical operation strategy align with portfolio priorities and corporate objectives.
Oversee end-to-end execution of global, multi-regional clinical trials across early- and late-stage development, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and within compliance and regulatory requirements.
Establish governance frameworks, operational standards, and performance metrics to drive consistency, quality, and accountability across all trials.
Provide strategic input into portfolio planning, trial feasibility, and investment decisions to optimize resource allocation and execution outcomes.
Ensure inspection readiness and lead or organizational responses to global health authority inspections and audits (e.g., FDA, EMA, PMDA).
Ensure inspection readiness and support responses to global health authority inspections and audits
Cross-Functional & Executive Leadership
Serve as the Clinical Operations representative and R&D leadership forums, contributing to enterprise level decision making and portfolio governance.
Partner closely with Clinical Sciences, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Program Management, and Commercial teams to align clinical execution with development and business strategies.
Influence senior stakeholders to drive alignment on timelines, risks, and tradeoffs across the development portfolio.
Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners including Contract Research Organizations (CROs), vendors, and key industry stakeholders.
Operational Excellence & Innovation
Drive continuous improvement of clinical operations through the implementation of innovative approaches, including risk-based quality management (RBMQ), centralized monitoring, and data-driven decision-making.
Lead the adoption of advanced technologies, including digital tools, AI-driven analytics, and real-world evidence, to enhance trial efficiency and patient-centricity.
Optimize outsourcing strategies, vendor governance models, and operational processes to improve speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of clinical trial innovation.
Global Team Leadership & Organizational Development
Lead and develop a global Clinical Operations organization, including a leadership team responsible for Clinical Trial Management, Monitoring, Clinical Supplies, Standards and Business Operations.
Build organizational capability through talent development, succession planning, and performance management.
Foster a high performance, collaborative culture aligned with company values and leadership expectations.
Lead organizational transformation and changes initiatives to enhance agility, scalability, and operational effectiveness.
Financial & Vendor Management
Oversee global clinical operation budgets, ensuring financial discipline and alignment with portfolio priorities.
Establish and manage strategic partnerships with CRO's and vendors, including contract negotiations, performance management, and governance.
Drive cost optimization while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
Skills and Qualifications
Education
Advanced degree (PhD, MD, PharmD, or Master’s) in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, or related field a related field required.
Additional business or leadership training a plus.
Experience
15+ years of experience in clinical operations within pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
8-10+ years of progressive leadership experience, including leaders in global, matrix organizations.
Proven track record of successfully delivering global, multiregional clinical trials across multiple phases of development.
Significant experience with CRO oversight, outsourcing strategies, and vendor governance at scale.
Demonstrated leadership and regulatory inspections and interactions with global health authorities.
Experience managing large, complex clinical operation budgets.
Therapeutic area experience in dermatology, aesthetics, immunology, or specialty care strongly preferred.
Experience with medical devices, injectables, or combination products is a plus.
Key Competencies
Enterprise leadership and strategic mindset.
Deep expertise in global clinical trial execution.
Strong financial and operational acumen.
Executive presence and influencing skills.
Organizational leadership and talent development.
Ability to lead in a complex, matrix, global environment.
Change leadership and transformation capability.
Success Indicators
Consistent delivery of global clinical trials on time, within budget, and with high quality.
Successful regulatory inspections and sustained compliance across regions.
Accelerated development timelines and improved portfolio execution predictability.
High performing engaged organization with strong leadership bench strength.
Effective cross functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment at executive level.
Measurable improvements in operational efficiency, innovation adoption, and cost optimization.
Strong, strategic partnerships with CRO's and external vendors.
About the Compensation:
The base salary range for this role is determined based on several factors. These include but are not limited to job accountabilities; skill sets; experience and training; certifications; work location; competitive market rates and other business needs. At Galderma, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on a unique combination of factors for each role. A reasonable estimate of the hiring range for this role is $320,000-$380,000 USD.
In addition to base salary, we provide an opportunity to participate in an annual short-term incentive program that is based on corporate performance with a multiplier focused on individual performance. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits program including health insurance, 401(k) plan with employer match, a generous paid time off policy, hybrid work schedules and more.
What we offer in return
You will be working for an organization that embraces diversity & inclusion and believe we will deliver better outcomes by reflecting the perspectives of our diverse customer base. You will also have access to a range of company benefits, including a competitive wage with shift differential, annual bonus opportunities and career advancement and cross-training.
Next Steps
If your profile is a match, we will invite you for a first virtual conversation with the recruiter.
The next step is a virtual conversation with the hiring manager
The final step is a panel conversation with the extended team
Our people make a difference
At Galderma, you'll work with people who are like you. And people that are different. We value what every member of our team brings. Professionalism, collaboration, and a friendly, supportive ethos is the perfect environment for people to thrive and excel in what they do.
Employer's Rights:
This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not an employment contract, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position