Associate Director, IT Compliance at Ascendis Pharma in Hellerup

Job description

Are you passionate about leading IT compliance in a modern, regulated environment? Do you combine deep knowledge of GxP, SOX, validation, and emerging regulatory frameworks with the ability to set direction, help people grow, and enable pragmatic delivery? If so, now is your chance to join Ascendis Pharma as our new Head of IT Compliance. Ascendis Pharma is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by our core values of Patients, Science, and Passion, we are applying our innovative TransCon® technology platform to fulfill our mission of developing new therapies that demonstrate best-in-class potential to address unmet medical needs. At our headquarters in Hellerup, Denmark, research facilities in Heidelberg, Germany, and additional offices across Europe and the United States, we are advancing programs in our Endocrinology Rare Disease and Oncology portfolios. We also collaborate with partners on the development of TransCon-based products in other therapeutic areas and markets. We are seeking an experienced and people-focused Head of IT Compliance to lead our IT Compliance competency team and shape how compliance enables innovation and delivery across Global IT. You will set direction for the area, guide a team of trusted compliance specialists, and partner closely with IT product and platform teams to translate regulatory requirements into practical, risk-based ways of working. As Head of IT Compliance at Ascendis Pharma, you will combine strategic leadership with hands-on execution. You will lead and develop the team while also working alongside them, shaping the direction of the function while actively contributing to its delivery and success. At Ascendis Pharma, we take a modern approach to IT compliance. Our ambition is to enable continuous compliance through modern IT tools, shift-left testing principles, and agile ways of working. As a leader and senior role model, you will champion critical thinking and a strong quality mindset, challenge unnecessary complexity, and create clarity and confidence for both your team and stakeholders. You will join Global IT and report directly to Henrik Aagaard Linnemann, Global Head of Digitalization. You will be based at our headquarters in Hellerup, Denmark. Your key responsibilities will be: Lead and further develop the IT Compliance function, including setting direction, developing team capabilities, and fostering a culture of quality, learning, and critical thinking. Partner with IT Product and Platform teams operating in GxP-regulated environments to enable compliant, efficient, and business-focused delivery. Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and stakeholders on IT compliance, quality management, computer system validation, testing, and applicable regulatory requirements. Drive the continuous evolution of the IT Quality Management System (IT QMS), governance frameworks, and related compliance processes, including SOX controls. Monitor and assess emerging regulatory requirements, ensuring that relevant changes are reflected in IT policies, standards, procedures, and ways of working. Promote modern compliance practices by advancing continuous compliance principles, shift-left testing approaches, and agile methodologies across Global IT. Build compliance capabilities across the organization through training, coaching, knowledge sharing, and awareness initiatives. Qualifications and Skills: You hold a relevant academic degree and bring extensive experience from regulated pharmaceutical or life-science environments, ideally including 10+ years within IT compliance, quality, validation, or related disciplines. You have leadership experience and can combine strategic direction with practical support to teams and stakeholders. Furthermore, you have: Strong experience with GxP, pharmaceutical IT compliance, computer system validation, validation planning, testing, test execution, and quality assurance. Solid knowledge of SO