Director of Corporate Operations - SAP ERP Program Manager

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We are pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With five currently marketed medicines for serious diseases and an expansive late-stage pipeline, we continue to build upon our groundbreaking innovations in science and technology to provide greater value to patients; and we are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know our success is a direct result of the exceptional talent and dedication of our employees.

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money, and energy into making our onsite and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.

We are building on our rich history, and believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. We invite you to apply and join us if you’re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, our employees, and our organization. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE OPERATIONS - SAP ERP PROGRAM MANAGER

Summary

The SAP ERP Program Manager role will help in designing, building/configuring, deploying and ultimately play a key role in maintaining Ionis’ SAP S/4HANA ERP system. This position requires a foundational understanding of SAP business functionalities within the Pharmaceuticals space and deep technical expertise to facilitate or help address Ionis’ needs across our business.

In this role, you will work directly with Ionis Business Units, our System Integrator, and SAP. This position requires working and communicating as part of a high-performing cross-functional team in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.

This individual will lead sub-projects, ensure timelines are met, and ensure high-quality project deliverables. This role will keep the ERP team members focused and on track and foster strong working relationships with key partners. This candidate will be highly knowledgeable about the SAP S/4HANA ERP product capabilities in the Pharmaceuticals space, business processes, solution mechanics, and configuration requirements. This individual will also advise Ionis leaders on the benefits delivered by SAP as a strategic asset to their broader Transformation journey.

After the SAP S/4HANA ERP system is deployed, this position will take the lead in identifying system improvements/optimizations and ensuring those enhancements are realized in future system releases.

This position will evolve to become the in-house ERP subject matter expert overseeing the performance of the SAP S/4HANA ERP system, managing the strategic partnership with SAP, and ensuring the successful deployment of future system enhancements and releases.

Responsibilities

Project Planning and Management:

• Project Planning - Develop detailed project plans outlining tasks, timelines, resources, and dependencies for the SAP S4HANA implementation aligned to Ionis' evolving strategic priorities. Establish a project team, define roles and responsibilities, and develop a communication plan for regular status updates and stakeholder engagement.
• Scope Management - Define and manage the project scope, ensuring all requirements are captured and documented and changes are properly assessed and approved. Maintain a comprehensive project plan that outlines the project’s scope, schedule, budget, and resource requirements.
• Budget Oversight - Manage the project budget, track expenditures, and ensure the project stays within budget.
• Team Leadership - Lead and motivate cross-functional project teams, ensuring collaboration, communication, and a shared commitment to project goals. Drive project execution by monitoring project status, gathering customer responses and needs, monitoring project scope, and watching for potential roadblocks.
• Interpret internal and external business challenges and recommend best practices to improve processes. Utilize understanding of industry standards to apply a fit to standard solutions.
• Resource Management - Manage project resources, including Ionis project team members, vendors, and contractors. Ensure the project team is appropriately staffed, trained, and motivated to achieve project objectives.
• Vendor Management - Collaborate with external vendors and consultants, ensuring they are aligned with project goals, tracking against timeline and deliverables.
• Change Management - Develop and execute change management strategies to ensure the organization's smooth adoption of the new SAP system. Training - Coordinate and facilitate training sessions for end users, ensuring they are well-equipped to use the new SAP S4HANA system effectively.
• Post Implementation/Deployment - Develop and action post-implementation support plans, ensuring a smooth transition to ongoing operations.
• Project Closure - Conduct a comprehensive project closure, including documenting lessons learned and ensuring that all project deliverables are complete.
  

Risk Management

• Risk Management - Identify, assess, and proactively manage risks and issues throughout the project lifecycle, implementing mitigation strategies to ensure successful outcomes. Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies, which are essential tasks to keeping the project on track.
• Stakeholder Communication - Maintain clear and regular communication with project stakeholders, providing updates on project progress, challenges, and milestones. Work with stakeholders to create a risk management plan that includes risk assessment, response strategies, and ongoing monitoring.
• Quality Assurance – Work with appropriate teams to ensure seamless quality assurance processes, including testing and validation, to ensure the integrity and functionality of the SAP S4HANA solution.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, industrial technology/engineering, or related field.
• Deep Knowledge of SAP S/4HANA and application in Pharmaceuticals industry
• Strong understanding of SAP S4HANA modules for Pharmaceuticals, functionalities, and best practices.
• Multiple years of experience with SAP S/4HANA (understanding/working on large end-to-end programs).
• Experience managing SAP ERP implementation projects. Must have delivered at least 2 SAP S4 HANA end-to-end implementation projects.
• SAP ACTIVATE certification is desired.
• Project Management: Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, ensuring efficient planning, execution, and monitoring of the project. Experience with project management tools, such as MS Project or JIRA
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management skills to guide and inspire cross-functional project teams. Adaptability and flexibility to navigate changing project priorities and timelines.
• Problem Solving Skills: Effective problem-solving abilities to address issues and challenges that may arise during implementation.
  

Desired Characteristics

• Experience in delivering SAP S/4HANA solutions in the pharmaceutical industry
• Willingness to travel up to 40%
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead programs/projects.
• Ability to document, plan, market, and execute programs.
• Established project management skills.
• Proven track record of delivering successful projects on time and within budget.
• Must be a quick learner who can connect the dots.
  
  

Please visit our website, http://www.ionis.com for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position; reference requisition #IONIS002907

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits

Full Benefits Link: https://www.ionis.com/careers/working-at-ionis/#:~:text=to%20Applicants%C2%A0%C2%BB-,Benefits,-Employees%20are%20rewarded

The pay scale for this position is $135,506 to $222,552

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.