Senior Director/Executive Director, FP&A

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Director / Executive Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) to lead and oversee the FP&A team within our pharmaceutical/biotech organization. This leadership role will be key in providing strategic financial insight, partnering with business leaders across the organization, and driving the financial decision-making process. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, a strong background in financial planning and analysis, commercial launch experience with a proven track record of success, and the ability to manage complex budgets while supporting the strategic objectives of the business. Strong attention to detail is essential in ensuring the accuracy of financial modeling and reporting.

Your role

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the FP&A team across time zones and geographies (US, EU), fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture
• Provide guidance and development opportunities for team members, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement in FP&A processes and systems.
  
  

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Oversee the preparation, coordination, and consolidation of the annual budget, quarterly forecasts, and Long Range Plan.
• Partner with functional leaders and department heads to create comprehensive, accurate, and actionable financial forecasts.
• Ensure financial models and analysis are aligned with business strategy and operational goals.
• Lead the analysis of variances and recommend corrective actions to ensure alignment with financial targets.
• Develop financial models and key metrics to monitor business performance and ensure alignment with long-term growth targets.
  
  

Business Partnering

• Serve as a strategic partner to senior business leaders, providing financial insights to support key decision-making and ensure financial objectives are met.
• Collaborate with functional leaders (R&D, Commercial, Operations, etc.) to manage their budgets and identify opportunities for efficiency and cost control.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor in financial matters.
  
  

Strategic Financial Support

• Support business case development for new projects, investments, and initiatives, ensuring financial feasibility and alignment with corporate objectives.
• Provide financial insights into operational and strategic initiatives, including business development initiatives, helping to prioritize investments, cost management, and resource allocation.
• Lead scenario analysis and financial modeling to assess the impact of business decisions.
  
  

Commercial Launch Experience

• Leverage commercial launch experience to provide financial oversight and strategic input during product launches.
• Ensure alignment between the commercial strategy and financial goals, managing budgets and resources effectively throughout the launch process.
• Work with cross-functional teams to evaluate the financial success of commercial launches and identify opportunities for improvement.
  
  

Management Reporting & Communication

• Present financial performance and key insights to senior leadership, ensuring clear communication of financial trends and variances.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to the executive team, ensuring all reporting deadlines are met.
• Drive the development and enhancement of management reporting, ensuring clarity and strategic insights.
  
  

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to financial controls, accounting standards, and corporate governance policies.
• Work closely with Chief Accounting Officer and auditors to ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements.
  
  

Your profile

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (required).
• MBA or CPA, CFA, or equivalent advanced financial qualification (preferred).
  
  

Experience

• 12+ years of experience in FP&A, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Extensive experience within the pharmaceutical/biotech industry is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of success in commercial product launches, with hands-on experience in financial planning and budgeting for product introduction.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at the senior management level.
• Deep understanding of financial modeling, forecasting, and strategic financial planning processes.
• Strong track record of successfully partnering with operational and business leaders to achieve financial and business objectives.
  
  

Skills

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team management capabilities.
• Excellent financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail is required to ensure the accuracy of financial modeling and reporting.
• High proficiency in financial software and tools (e.g., Excel, SAP, Hyperion, or similar ERP/financial systems).
• Strong business acumen and ability to drive financial strategy aligned with business goals.
• Strategic mindset, with the ability to think both tactically and long-term.
  
  

Personal Attributes

• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex financial challenges.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and results-driven.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Collaborative and open to diverse perspectives.
  
  

Our offer

We offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest in the biotech industry. As part of Merus, you’ll experience a steep learning curve from your very first day in the job. And you’ll get to interact with a great international team of people who love what they do! To top it all, we offer a competitive salary, flexible working hours, an excellent pension scheme, a company bonus and 30 days’ annual leave (based on a full-time position in the Netherlands). Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to help us close in on cancer – everything you do matters at Merus.