Head of Marketing

HEAD OF MARKETING

Zentalis is a clinical oncology innovator developing a treatment approach for ovarian cancer and multiple tumor types. Leveraging therapeutics development and biomarker expertise, Zentalis is advancing monotherapy and combination studies of its investigational first-in-class WEE1 inhibitor, azenosertib. Focused on translating WEE1 science into clinical practice, we aim to equip physicians with a targeted, non-chemo, orally available medicine that enhances treatment experience, choice, and outcomes. Our mission: to unburden cancer patients with more convenience and care.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals is seeking an experienced, visionary, and entrepreneurial biotechnology commercial leader to serve as the Head of Marketing. As a member of the company's inaugural commercial leadership team, this executive will play a pivotal role in shaping the commercial organization from the ground up as we prepare for the launch of our first commercial product.

Reporting to the SVP of Commercial Strategy, the Head of Marketing will have end-to-end accountability for designing, building, and executing the US and global brand plan in preparation for the company’s first commercial product launch. This individual will lead the development of the brand vision, market positioning, promotional plan, disease state education, and be involved with and/or lead the ultimate build-out of a high-performing field sales force. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of oncology, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and brings a proven track record as a leader of successful first-in-class and/or best-in-class product launches in a competitive marketplace, preferably in oncology.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Brand Management

• Lead the development and execution of the comprehensive, multi-year commercial launch plan for Zentalis’s lead oncology asset, azenocertib, ensuring seamless alignment across Commercial, Medical Affairs, and other cross-functional team members.
• Oversee global branding, messaging, positioning, and biomarker strategies to differentiate the asset in a competitive oncology landscape.
• Develop product messaging and outreach plans for all key stakeholders including KOLs, community-based oncologists, nursing & support staff, pathologists, and patients.
• Optimize launch readiness through data-driven decision making, leveraging insights from robust market research, competitive intelligence, and in-depth market analytics.
• Establish sales & marketing budget including annual and long-range sales and expense forecasts, in partnership with Analytics and Finance collaborators.
• Align on key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytical frameworks to monitor metrics such as launch trajectory, diagnostic uptake, market share expansion, duration of therapy, and sales force effectiveness.

Cross-Functional and External Collaboration

• Provide commercial insight to Product Strategy Teams, informing development and lifecycle planning for azenocertib and additional therapies in the Zentalis pipeline.
• Partner with Market Access colleagues to optimize pricing, patient access, reimbursement strategies, and payer engagement plans ahead of launch.
• Represent Zentalis externally, gathering insights and establishing strong strategic partnerships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), oncology networks, and patient advocacy groups.
• Incorporate companion diagnostic message development, deployment strategies, and testing partnership needs, such as Day 1 Readiness, in all brand planning activities.
• Take a leadership role in supporting and contributing to an action-oriented, collaborative culture which puts patient outcomes first.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, sciences, or a related field is required. An MBA or advanced scientific degree is highly preferred.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressive commercial experience within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with a substantial portion dedicated to oncology commercial strategy. Preferable to have both US and global experience.
• Launch Leadership: Proven track record of playing a leadership role in successful oncology product launches. Experience launching with a companion diagnostic preferable.
• Organization Building: Direct experience designing, scaling, and managing marketing (and sales) teams within a small-to-mid-sized biotech environment. Demonstrated success navigating organizational change, such as advancing a company from a purely clinical-stage R&D organization to a fully commercial operating entity.

Additional Attributes & Competencies

• Strategic Agility & Execution: Possesses the macro-level vision to build long-term commercial frameworks while retaining the hands-on agility to manage day-to-day tactical execution in an entrepreneurial setting. Must be willing to do the day-to-day executional work necessary in a small company while leading the overall brand strategy.
• Inclusive & Values-Driven Leadership: Committed to building culture-first teams that prioritize collaboration, high ethical standards, operational transparency, and a shared dedication to improving patient outcomes.
• Resilience & Ambiguity Management: Thrives in fast-paced, fluid environments typical of launch preparations; exhibits steady leadership and a problem-solving mindset when facing complex regulatory or market dynamics.
• Exceptional Communication: An eloquent communicator capable of translating complex clinical data and commercial strategy into inspiring narratives for internal teams, board members, and external stakeholders. Ability to translate relevant clinical studies into actionable and clinically meaningful messages that motivates prescribers to change and adapt to new treatment options.

This is a remote role which requires travel, both within the US and internationally.