Finance Director MEAM

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.
  
  

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics or a related discipline.
• Professional finance qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA or equivalent) preferred.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• Fluent English required.
• Arabic and/or French would be advantageous.