Director of Specialty Pharmacy & Trade - Job ID: SPTJOP - Ascendis Pharma

Ascendis Pharma is a dynamic, fast-growing global biopharmaceutical company with locations in Denmark, Europe, and the United States. Today, we're advancing programs in Endocrinology Rare Disease and Oncology.

Here at Ascendis, we pride ourselves on exceptional science, visionary leadership, and skilled and passionate colleagues.

Guided by our core values of Patients, Science, and Passion, we use our TransCon® drug development platform to fulfill our mission of developing new and potentially best-in-class therapies to address unmet medical needs.

Our culture fosters a place where skilled, adaptable, and highly resourceful professionals can truly make their mark. We offer a dynamic workplace for employees to grow and develop their skills.

Position Description

We are looking for an experienced Director of Specialty Pharmacy & Trade, who will be accountable for developing and executing Ascendis’ strategic plans within, across, and among key targeted Specialty Pharmacy & Trade Accounts and affiliated stakeholders. The AD/Director will, in close collaboration with key internal stakeholders from across the organization, establish a robust Specialty Pharmacy strategy to support portfolio and/or brand-level objectives, as well as lead the development and execution of account-specific engagement plans for products in our Endocrinology Rare Disease portfolio. With a primary focus on supporting the anticipated launch of an investigational treatment for hypoparathyroidism currently under review by the FDA, this role requires a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, market trends, and regulatory landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive strategic plans to penetrate and expand market share within assigned accounts. Identify key opportunities for growth and market expansion.
• Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including trade partners, specialty pharmacy networks, and industry associations. Act as the primary point of contact for assigned trade accounts, addressing their needs and concerns effectively.
• Market Analysis: Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify trends, competitive landscape, and opportunities for product positioning and differentiation. Stay abreast of industry developments, regulatory changes, and reimbursement policies affecting trade.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate favorable terms and agreements with trade partners to ensure optimal product access, distribution, and pricing. Monitor contract performance and compliance, and resolve any issues or discrepancies as needed.
• Compliance and Regulatory Affairs: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies in all trade-related activities. Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines governing trade practices.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with internal teams, including marketing, sales operations, commercial analytics, market access, legal, patient services, and supply chain, to align trade account strategies with overall business objectives. Provide input and support for product launches, market access initiatives, and pricing strategies.

Requirements

• Minimum of ten (10) years of pharmaceutical or healthcare sales or account-level engagement experience, with at least three (3) years of trade performance accountability and / or managed markets experience. 
• Experience balancing the needs of customer-facing engagements with involvement in internal decisions requiring cross-functional alignment and coordination.
• Ability to travel nation-wide domestically up to 75% of the time with substantial overnight travel from a home base located within a 90-minute drive of a major international airport.
• Proven experience in trade sales, account management, or business development, preferably in a relevant industry.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present ideas and influence others.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and draw actionable insights.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.

A note to recruiters:

We do not allow external search party solicitation.  Presentation of candidates without written permission from the Ascendis Pharma Inc Human Resources 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.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid maternity leave
• Paid paternity leave
• Commuter benefits
• Disability insurance