Finance Director, MEAM

About Ipsen:

Ipsen is a mid-sized global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on transformative medicines in three therapeutic areas: Oncology Rare Disease and Neuroscience. Supported by nearly 100 years of development experience with global hubs in the U.S. France and the U.K we tackle areas of high unmet medical need through research and innovation.

Our passionate teams in more than 40 countries are focused on what matters and endeavor every day to bring medicines to patients in 88 countries. We build a workplace that champions human-centric leadership and fosters a culture of collaboration excellence and impact. At Ipsen every individual is empowered to be their true selves grow and thrive alongside the companys success. Join us on our journey towards sustainable growth creating real impact on patients and society!

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Finance Director MEAM (Middle East Africa & Maghreb)

Location: Dubai UAE or Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Ipsen is seeking an experienced Finance Director to join the MEAM Leadership Team supporting a diverse region spanning the Middle East Africa and Maghreb.

Partnering closely with the General Manager and senior leaders you will drive financial performance support strategic decision-making ensure strong governance and lead finance teams across both direct affiliates and distributor markets. This role also contributes to the wider Commercial International Finance Leadership Team and key global finance initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic business partner to the MEAM General Manager and Leadership Team.

• Lead financial planning budgeting forecasting reporting and performance management across the region.

• Provide financial insight and challenge to support commercial operational and investment decisions.

• Ensure compliance with statutory tax audit and internal control requirements.

• Drive cash flow working capital and profitability improvement initiatives.

• Lead develop and coach finance teams across multiple countries.

• Partner with Supply Chain and Procurement teams to support business growth launches and operational efficiency.

• Contribute to broader finance transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Education

• Degree in Finance Accounting Business Economics or a related discipline.

• Professional finance qualification (ACA ACCA CPA CIMA or equivalent) preferred.

Essential Experience

• Significant finance leadership experience within a multinational organisation.

• Experience within the pharmaceutical biotechnology healthcare or life sciences industry.

• Strong background across FP&A business partnering accounting compliance and financial governance.

• Experience leading teams across multiple countries within a complex matrix environment.

• Proven ability to support senior commercial leaders and influence strategic decisions.

• Experience managing both direct affiliate and distributor market business models.

• Direct experience supporting or leading finance activities across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

• Track record of driving business performance organisational transformation and change.

Languages

• Fluent English required.

• Arabic and/or French would be advantageous.