Director, (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency) AATD Patient Support Services Strategy and Operations
About The Position
The Director, AATD PSS Strategy & Operations is a critical leadership role for the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) launch — Sanofi's newest rare disease franchise in COPD. This Director will build, launch, and then run a best-in-class Patient Support Services capability for the AATD community. The role encompasses strategic design of the AATD patient services model, launch readiness, and ongoing operational performance — partnering closely with the Head of Rare Disease PSS on development and performance of the PSS strategy and Field Education and Case Management teams. They will also lead collaboration across Commercial, Medical Affairs, Market Access, and external partners (vendors, healthcare providers, specialty pharmacies) to deliver a seamless patient and customer experience. The Director will drive end-to-end digital innovation and operational excellence, working with PSS Centers of Excellence to bring cutting-edge capabilities and continuous improvement to this launch. Join the team transforming care for people with immune challenges, rare diseases, cancers, and neurological conditions. In Specialty Care, you’ll help deliver breakthrough treatments that bring hope to patients with some of the highest unmet needs.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
- Minimum 7 years pharmaceutical/biotech/specialty pharmacy experience
- Prior leadership experience building a function or program from the ground up strongly preferred
- Demonstrated ability to strategically design patient support programs aligned to brand and corporate objectives
- Strong understanding of legal/regulatory parameters governing patient support programs in pharma
- Proven track record leading product launches or major strategic initiatives in a matrixed environment including budget management
- Experience driving digital innovation and operational excellence in patient services or healthcare operations
- Strong analytic skills to evaluate trends and identify program improvement opportunities
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to build relationships and resolve conflict
Nice To Haves
- Direct experience with rare disease launches or patient support program development
- Experience in respiratory disease, pulmonology, or AATD therapeutic area
- Background in case management, patient services, or healthcare operations
- Experience partnering with PSS Centers of Excellence or shared service models
- Established relationships within the AATD patient advocacy and provider communities
- Track record of implementing digital tools or automation to enhance patient experience
Responsibilities
- Own the strategic design of the AATD Patient Support Program — service model, staffing plan, KPIs, and operating structure — ensuring alignment with brand strategy and patient needs
- Lead launch readiness across the PSS remit, translating strategy into an operating capability that is fully ready on day one
- Represent AATD PSS as the launch lead in cross-functional forums and leadership reviews
- Drive innovation in program design, exploring new and creative partnership models to enhance patient access and experience
- Own ongoing operational performance of the AATD PSS program: monitor KPIs, budget, and service levels; course-correct as needed
- Partner closely with the Head of Rare Disease PSS to ensure Field Education and Case Management teams are strategically aligned to the Rare GTM model, and operationally ready to support AATD patients
- Drive end-to-end digital experience and operational excellence, working with PSS Centers of Excellence to bring innovation, automation, and best practices to the AATD launch
- Use data, insights, and stakeholder feedback to continuously assess program performance and identify enhancement opportunities
- Lead vendor strategy, performance, and quality oversight (financial assistance, copay, access technology, market research, etc.) in partnership with Centers of Excellence, identifying partners and ensuring delivery against contracted SLAs
- Explore and establish innovative partnerships with external organizations to enhance patient support capabilities and access solutions
- Own budget management for AATD PSS programs and operations
- Serve as the central coordination point across Commercial, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Legal, and Compliance for all AATD patient services matters
- Build strong relationships with healthcare providers, patient advocacy organizations, specialty pharmacies, and payers
- Partner with field access and field education leaders for a seamless disease-state and treatment experience
- Develop deep expertise in the AATD patient journey, treatment landscape, reimbursement pathways, and access barriers
- Monitor market, competitive, and regulatory developments; translate insights into operational and program adjustments
- Champion patient-centricity in all decisions and program enhancements
- Ensure full compliance with corporate and industry policies and regulatory requirements governing patient support programs
- Define and report program critical success factors, KPIs, and SOPs to leadership committees
Benefits
- high-quality healthcare
- prevention and wellness programs
- at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
