Director, Forecast & Research

Xenon Pharmaceuticals • Needham, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Director, Forecast & Research to join our growing Commercial organization. This role will be a critical strategic partner responsible for leading forecasting, market research, and insights generation to support Xenon’s epilepsy portfolio. The successful candidate will work closely with cross functional leaders to deliver high‑quality analytics and actionable insights that guide strategic and operational decision‑making.
This position reports to the Vice, President, Commercial Operations and will be based out of Boston, MA, USA in our Needham office. Remote locations will be considered for exceptional candidates. Hybrid positions require a minimum of two onsite days per week.

Requirements

• Minimum undergraduate degree. 10+ years of relevant management experience or combination of degrees and experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in forecasting methodologies and scenario planning.
• Experience in neurology strongly preferred; epilepsy experience highly desirable.
• Track record of translating complex data into strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and cross‑functional influencing skills.
• Vendor management experience required.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced, growth‑stage environment

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, maintenance, and evolution of patient‑based and revenue‑based forecasts for Xenon’s assets.
• Partner closely with functional leaders to align on key assumptions, scenario planning, sensitivity analyses, and long‑range forecasting inputs.
• Serve as Xenon’s subject matter expert on the epilepsy market, providing continuous insights into epidemiology, competitive dynamics, treatment trends, and unmet need.
• Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to ensure forecasting accuracy for operational planning.
• Develop and present forecast updates to senior leadership, ensuring cross‑functional alignment and transparency.
• Design and execute primary market research, including vendor selection, methodology design, and synthesis of insights across HCPs, payers, patients, and caregivers.
• Leverage secondary data sources to identify meaningful trends, benchmark analogs, and assess market opportunities.
• Translate complex analytics and research results into clear, compelling insights that inform commercial strategy, launch readiness, and lifecycle planning.
• Provide analytical and insights support for business development assessments as needed.
• Manage external vendors/agencies to ensure high‑quality deliverables, budget adherence, and methodological rigor.
• Develop and propose short‑ and long‑term objectives for the function in accordance with overall Company strategies and plans.
• Plan and manage budget proposals and approved budgets in alignment with Company policies.
• Act in accordance with Company policies, including the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and ensure compliance among direct reports.
• Some international travel may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-& long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.
• Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown.
• Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees