Director, Contract Development - Axsome Therapeutics

Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing and delivering novel therapies for the management of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The Axsome team is a lean, dynamic group of individuals committed to addressing unmet needs for patients with CNS disorders. Axsome is based in New York City.

About This Role:

Axsome Therapeutics is seeking a Director, Contract Development to support the review, negotiation, and implementation of key contracts with strategic Market Access Partners. The Director, Contract Development will serve as the subject matter expert in negotiating and implementing core contract terms and conditions with GPOs, PBMs, Trade, Patient Services, Pharmacy, and Government Contracts. This position will collaborate directly with the Market Access Leadership team and General Counsel. This critical role will report to Vice President of Market Access.  

This role is based at Axsome's HQ in New York City with an on-site requirement of at least three days per week. We are unable to consider candidates who are looking for fully remote roles. 

Job Responsibilities and Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Review and negotiate core contract agreements with key market access partners, including PBMs, GPOs, LTCs, Trade & Distribution, Patient Services Partners, and Pharmacies. 
• Ensure agreements align with company objectives and organizational strategies
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners, including Trade, Patient Services, Government Pricing, and Contract Strategy, to understand the key objectives of each agreement. Ensure that agreements meet stated business goals and objectives
• Work closely with General Counsel to convey the business intent behind contract redlines and align on final language that meets both business needs and legal requirements
• Evaluate the performance of key contracts, proactively identifying areas of risk and recommending solutions
• Support field-based account management team on all requests for bids, quotes, and negotiations with customers as required
• Evaluate and articulate the potential impact of agreements on government pricing and reporting, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.  
• Establish and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to contract development and management. Ensure all cross-functional partners adhere to these SOPs 

Requirements / Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in science, business, or related field OR Bachelor's degree and JD
• 10 years of experience in Pharmaceutical or Biotech industry with 5+ years of contract development experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry.   
• Ability to work onsite Monday, Tuesday & Thursday. We are unable to consider candidates looking for fully remote roles. 

Experience and Knowledge  

• Deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare market: reimbursement, payment models including legal and compliance requirements is critical to the role
• Strong understanding of distribution landscape including traditional, direct to pharmacy, specialty, direct-to-consumer, IDN, and GPO based distribution models
• A strong understanding of how negotiated discounts with cross-functional partners can affect government pricing is essential
• Deep understanding of pricing
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and demonstrated critical thinking 
• Strong understanding of the payer landscape and how payer decision making impacts providers and their patients
• Proven project management experience
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills with ability to use number and data to tell a story, influence decision makers, and explain complex concepts clearly to a variety of audiences
• Previous contracting experience, preferably across multiple market access functions
• Familiarity with current legal and regulatory landscape pertinent to the industry  

Salary and Benefits:

The anticipated salary range for this role is $190,000 - $220,000. We encourage candidates of all levels to apply as there may be flexibility on final job title and responsibilities. The salary offer will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, qualifications, internal equity and location. Axsome offers a competitive employment package that includes an annual bonus, significant equity and a generous benefits package.

Axsome is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Axsome Therapeutics does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or third-party recruitment agencies and will not pay placement fees for unsolicited candidates that are sent to hiring managers, the HR team or other Axsome team members. Only approved vendors who have been explicitly asked to support a specific search will receive access to our Applicant Tracking System to submit candidates for consideration.