Head, Market Development, Izervay (National Director)

About Astellas

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.

Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?

We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.

Purpose and Scope:

Responsible for building and leading a national market development team (MDM) focused on working with key thought leaders, opinion leaders and influencers in Retina (primarily), Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Optometry (secondarily), at the local and national level. This team leads key customer groups, influences and partners with retina societies (i.e. American Society of Retina Specialists) to identify and implement changes to improve the treatment of patients with GA, while also supporting any peer-to-peer education programs. Also supports the partnership with leading fellowship programs. The leader of this team is an exceptional leader with deep experience and key relationships in Retina.

The leader is tasked with creating and clearly articulating the vision for this team and leading the team to flawlessly execute the defined strategies, aligned with brand strategy.

The leader will also help in coordination of commercial engagements at major Congresses to advance the brand objective.  As this team will share target customers with multiple other customer facing teams (sales, RKALS, ARMs, MSLs), the leader needs to model and set the expectation for seamless inter-team communication and collaboration so that the customer experience is optimized.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Coach: Creates and cultivates an empowered team culture that enables high performance, accountability, collaboration, and team development.
• Develop Strategy – develops team strategy and overarching plan to maximize value of MDM team, aligned with brand strategy.
• Execute: Based on the strategy, develop an execution plan for customer engagement and set clear expectations for team performance.
• Motivate: Set the tone and motivate the team to perform at their best, driven by the opportunity to help deliver a medicine for patients in need.
• Collaborate: As a leader on the commercial team, demonstrate proactive and self-directed collaboration across peers and other key internal partner groups.
• Appropriately Influence Customers: Represent the company in customer engagements, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the customer environment and their needs and how our product and programs can support their patients. ID opportunities to partner toward improving GA treatment and expanding access to more patients. May be required to own relationships with key customers, customer groups and/or societies.
• Compliance: Creates a compliance minded culture and ensures team consistently operates in compliant manner.
• Inform and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of market development team and drive continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in science or business-related discipline; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries including at least 3- 5 years in team leadership roles.
• Direct experience with customers in Retina (required), ideally with a strong base of existing KOL relationships.
• Buy-and-bill launch experience is preferred.
• Broad range of leadership competencies and ability to work in cross-functional role.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Role model for our leadership commitments and able to foster a high-performance culture

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field such as Pharmacy, Health Economics, Public Health, or Business Administration
• Experience in developing and executing strategic market access plans for pharmaceutical/biotech products
• Expertise in creating value dossiers, health economic models, and other market access tools
• Experience negotiating with external stakeholders, such as payers, GPOs, and health systems
• Familiarity with relevant market access regulations, policies, and best practices

Location and Working Environment

This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois.  Remote work from anywhere in the US is available. 

At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

What awaits you at Astellas?

• Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide. Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
• Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
• A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.

Our Organizational Values and Behaviors

Values: Innovation, Integrity and Impact sit at the heart of what we do.

Behaviors: We come together as ‘One Astellas’, working with courage and a sense of urgency.  We are outcome focused and consistently take accountability for our personal contribution.

Salary Range

$170,450 - $243,500 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations) 

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Company paid life insurance
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program