Head of IT Compliance

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 SOX controls and regulatory frameworks such as 21 CFR Part 11, EudraLex Volume 4 Annex 11, GAMP 5, the EU AI Act, NIS2, and European data privacy regulations. A strong technical understanding and the ability to translate complex regulatory expectations into clear, practical guidance for highly skilled IT professionals. Experience supporting agile product and platform teams while maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight and a risk-based approach. Experience developing people through leadership, coaching, training, and knowledge sharing, and the ability to build trusted relationships across functions and geographies. Key competencies: You are a strong team player, analytical, and have a can-do attitude. You possess an entrepreneurial mindset and can thrive in an informal, open environment where innovation and change are key. To succeed in this role, we expect you to be pragmatic, collaborative, and self-driven. You are capable of managing priorities independently, build trusted relationships across stakeholders, and enjoy coaching and developing colleagues through knowledge sharing and guidance. You possess a strong technical understanding and can communicate effectively with highly skilled IT professionals. You naturally act as a role model, demonstrating a strong quality mindset, sound judgement, critical thinking, and risk-based decision making. Furthermore, you maintain an up-to-date understanding of evolving regulatory expectations and thrive in environments where continuous improvement, innovation, and practical problem solving are valued. Travel: Approx. 5–10 days per year. Office: Ascendis Pharma, Tuborg Havn, Hellerup, Denmark. Global IT is a global function with presence in Denmark, Germany, and the United States, and flexibility is expected when collaborating across time zones. Apply now. We evaluate applications when received, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please note that we conduct interviews on a rolling basis and reserve the right to remove the job posting at any time. To ensure your application is reviewed, please submit it through the specified platform. Applications sent by email or other channels will not be evaluated. For more details about the position or the company, please contact Henrik Aagaard Linnemann, hal@ascendispharma.com You can learn more about Ascendis by visiting our website www.ascendispharma.com Applications must be submitted in English and will be treated confidentially. A note to recruiters: We do not allow external search party solicitation. Presentation of candidates without written permission from the Ascendis Pharma HR team (specifically from: Talent Acquisition Partner or Human Resources Director) is not allowed. If this occurs, your ownership of these candidates will not be acknowledged.