Director of Operations

Position Summary:

Cipher Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and strategic Director of Operations to lead and optimize the operational performance of our U.S. business. Based in Carmel, Indiana, this hybrid leadership role will oversee critical business functions including commercial operations, financial management, process improvement, vendor relationships, compliance support, and operational planning.

Reporting directly to the President, U.S. Operations, the Director of Operations will serve as a key member of the leadership team and work closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Corporate Controller, and cross-functional stakeholders to drive operational excellence, scalability, and business performance. This role will be responsible for translating strategic objectives into actionable operational plans while ensuring the organization has the processes, resources, and controls necessary to support continued growth.

The Director of Operations will provide leadership to the U.S. operational infrastructure, including direct oversight of the Senior Accounting Specialist and other operational functions as the organization continues to expand.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operational activities of the U.S. business to ensure efficient and effective execution of organizational objectives.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational processes, policies, and procedures.
• Partner with executive leadership to establish operational priorities and execute strategic initiatives.
• Monitor operational performance through key performance indicators (KPIs) and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Drive organizational scalability by identifying opportunities for automation, process enhancement, and resource optimization.

Commercial Operations

• Support the commercial organization through reporting, analytics, territory performance monitoring, and operational planning.
• Partner with sales, marketing, and customer-facing teams to improve operational support and business execution.
• Oversee commercial reporting, data integrity, incentive compensation support, and business analytics.
• Collaborate with leadership to evaluate market opportunities, operational risks, and growth initiatives.

Financial Management & Business Planning

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities in partnership with the CFO and Corporate Controller.
• Review financial performance and operational metrics to support informed business decision-making.
• Monitor operating expenses and resource allocation to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting processes.
• Provide financial and operational analyses to support strategic initiatives and investment decisions.

Vendor & Business Management

• Manage key vendor relationships and third-party service providers.
• Oversee operational contracts, service agreements, and business partnerships.
• Evaluate vendor performance and identify opportunities to improve service levels and cost efficiency.
• Support procurement and operational purchasing activities as required.

Compliance & Corporate Governance

• Support compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and internal control requirements.
• Assist with audit preparation and operational compliance initiatives.
• Ensure operational processes align with the requirements of a publicly traded organization.
• Partner with finance and leadership teams to strengthen governance, risk management, and internal controls.

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to operational team members.
• Directly supervise the Senior Accounting Specialist and support future growth of the operations function.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Lead cross-functional projects and organizational change initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Operations Management, or a related field required.
• MBA, CPA, or other advanced professional designation preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, finance, commercial operations, or business management.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and organizational initiatives.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and business planning.
• Experience developing and implementing operational processes and performance metrics.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and business reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, life sciences, or other regulated industries.
• Experience working within a publicly traded company environment.
• Experience supporting multi-entity or multinational organizations.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, CRM platforms, and business intelligence tools.
• Experience supporting commercial operations, sales operations, or revenue-generating organizations.
• Proven track record of driving operational improvements and organizational growth.