Associate Director, Brand Field Trainer

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.•San Diego, CA

19d•Hybrid

About The Position

Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference. Please note that this position is based in either San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average. The Associate Director, Brand Field Trainer is responsible for creating, maintaining and implementing a field-based training continuum for all current & future Acadia Neuropsychiatry products and indications. This individual collaborates and partners with other members of the Business Effectiveness Team, marketing, and field leadership to assess the needs of our organization, support key marketing tactics, elevate disease state and product expertise that can be woven into the Customer Engagement Model. Training programs managed will span the Learning Continuum from Onboarding New Hires to ongoing learning for members of the commercial field organization. The incumbent will lead the development of training plans, communication, and on-line learning programs & content supporting the sales team. The Associate Director, Commercial Field Training will be instrumental in leading the building of training workshops supporting National and Regional Sales Meetings. Core responsibilities require the ability to effectively manage cross functional workstreams using project management frameworks, written and verbal communication, and an understanding of how to partner with key stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (science or business preferred) or equivalent combination of relevant education and applicable job experience may be considered. MBA preferred.
A minimum of 8 years progressively responsible experience in Pharmaceutical or Medical Sales and Learning & Development, with a minimum of 2 years in a training role.
A focus on Neurology, Psychiatry, Long-Term Care and Primary Care strongly preferred.
Requires prior pharmaceutical sales experience, first-line pharmaceutical/biotech sales management experience, vendor and contract management.
Experience with product launches and developing New Hire Training plans is highly desired.
Strong written communication skills.
Proven ability in creating effective learning & development materials.
Proven application of adult learning principles.
Experience facilitating training for small and large audiences in virtual or live settings.
Experience submitting and managing content for MLR approval prior to delivery.
Experience managing contracts and expenses with external vendors within budgetary guidelines.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Self-motivated and accountable to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
History of intellectual curiosity.
Humble confidence.
Organization, initiative, and self-motivation.
Strong project management experience.
Professionalism, integrity, and the ability to comply with strict policy, work in a highly regulated environment and maintain confidential information and data.
Skilled at negotiating with business partners or management and influencing senior level leaders regarding matters of significance to the organization.
Proficient at creating and communicating a clear vision among team members effectively aligning resources and activities to achieve functional area and/or organizational goals.
Ability to travel up to 30% overnight.

Nice To Haves

Experience in launching a product (Sales, Managed Markets and/or Learning & Development) is desirable.

Responsibilities

Develops and maintains related brand training curriculum from the on-boarding processes, new hire training, advanced training and ongoing learning to meet the current and emerging needs of the field commercial employees.
Facilitate virtual/live training for new hires, manager train the trainers, and at times support NSM/POA live training and/or field certifications
Responsible for the development, updating and implementation of all training modules, content and programs that are appropriate for field commercial employees.
Creates training materials that enhance the learning process; including study guides, home study materials, assessments, frequently asked questions, competitive overviews, etc. and works with leadership and HR on follow-up and corrective action as appropriate.
Interfaces and collaborates with marketing team to develop training and communications to support brand strategy.
Development of materials, job aids, sales training backgrounders, competitive backgrounders, and market updates to support brand strategy.
Manage contracts and expenses with external consultants and vendors within budgetary guidelines.
Lead content development and maintain Learning Management System which includes training modules and materials as well as live workshop content designed for a new hire.
Manages the approval of training materials and resources through Acadia’s MLR (Medical, Legal, and Regulatory) process including regularly attending MLR meetings.
Manage contracts and expenses with external vendors within budgetary guidelines.
Works with corporate compliance and/or our compliance agency partner to ensure commercial field market access employees are trained and up to date on policies and procedures that affect their respective functional areas.
Partners with cross functional partners and commercial field Teams to gain insight from commercial field leadership to facilitate one Acadia model.
Quarterly field rides to observe the implementation of field tactics and to identify opportunities to refine selling skills or execution of brand initiatives.
Provide training insights to brand planning/tactical planning and quarterly business reviews.

Benefits

Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
15+ vacation days
13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
10 days of paid sick time
Paid parental leave benefit
Tuition assistance