Associate Director, Channel Distribution Strategy

Vertex Inc. • Boston, MA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Vertex currently operates at the forefront of rare disease scientific innovation and has successfully developed and commercialized multiple breakthrough medicines for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Sickle Cell Disease, Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia and Acute Pain. In addition to clinical development programs in CF, Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs focused on the underlying mechanisms of other serious diseases including programs in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Type 1 Diabetes, IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), APOL-1 Mediated Kidney Disease, and Muscular Dystrophy, among others. The Associate Director, Channel Distribution Strategy will be responsible for leading the evolution of the distribution strategy for the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) portfolio as well as preparing and planning for CF pipeline assets. This individual will lead strategic planning considering regulations and policies, program sustainability, strategic alliances, patient and customer access, data, class of trade and setting of care. They will inform distribution service agreement design to support maximum access and distribution efficiency. They will leverage access and reimbursement expertise and considerations across a variety of drug types spanning cell and gene therapies. The ideal candidate combines pharmaceutical channel distribution expertise with strategic acumen, cross-functional collaboration and the ability to navigate complex trade and emerging therapy models.

Requirements

• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding objectives & goals, both as an individual and as part of a team
• Proven ability to develop and lead strategic initiatives and projects both internally and with external consultant support.
• Relevant experience with distribution networks, new product launches, trade processes, and understanding of pharmaceutical supply chain.
• Demonstrated understanding of the US commercial and government healthcare and reimbursement environment, including product and fund flow, patient support and government programs
• Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to customers and internal leadership
• Demonstrated ability to successfully navigate cross-functional teams, influencing without direct authority, with the interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and succeed in a highly matrixed environment
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and work effectively across cross-functional teams
• Excellent analytical skills with solid understanding of trade channel data.
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Industry experience (5+ years) in commercial market access, trade and distribution
• Previous channel distribution experience with rare disease/specialty and small molecules

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert on evolving supply chain and distribution related laws, channel models, and strategic channel partner business models and capabilities
• Maintain a deep understanding of the Hospital, Specialty & Retail pharmacy channels; understand pharmacy and hospital capabilities and the competitive marketplace to ensure Vertex maintains an industry leading approach to patient support in specialty channels.
• Design scalable, innovative distribution strategies to maximize patient access and achieve corporate goals while considering financial impact, patient / customer experience and strategic alliances
• Support recommendation with strong analytics and a consideration of channel economics, active and pending policy, reimbursement, setting of care and patient access dynamics
• Collaborate with and ensure alignment across key stakeholders on channel distribution strategy development; Deliver recommendations to Senior Leadership and relevant, internal governing bodies and strategic teams
• Partner with Trade team and functional business partners to support Vertex’s understanding of distribution capabilities, market expertise and differentiation
• Partner with pipeline and inline strategy teams as well as trade team to generate insights and inform commercialization planning, including forecasting, gross-to-net and operational build considerations
• Identify and define timely evolution of current Vertex distribution programs with a focus on new product launch, risk mitigation, changes in market dynamics, competition, organizational portfolio needs and/or regulatory and legislative changes
• Exercise sound judgment in all activities to ensure integrity and compliance with company policies; Promote Vertex core values by leading by example, developing and fostering exceptional collaboration and promoting enterprise thinking to drive breakthrough results

Benefits

• This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards.
• At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level