Director/Sr. Director, Trade

Achieve Life Sciences

3d•$240,000 - $285,000•Remote

About The Position

Reporting to the SVP, Sales, Commercial Operations & Market Access, the Director or Sr. Director, Trade leads the trade and distribution strategy for cytisinicline, Achieve Life Sciences’ lead product candidate for the treatment of nicotine dependence. The role owns the channel strategy, distributor and wholesaler relationships, and trade contracting that ensure reliable product availability and patient access across the U.S. market. As a key member of the Commercial team, this individual builds the distribution infrastructure, partner relationships, and contracting frameworks required to support the Company through pre-launch, launch, and post-launch phases — ensuring cytisinicline reaches patients through wholesalers, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacies with the service levels, data flow, and compliance the launch requires.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science, business, or a related discipline; an advanced degree such as an MBA is preferred.
At least 8 years of trade, distribution, or related commercial experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including a minimum of 3 years in oncology or other specialty therapeutic area with expertise in channel strategy and distributor contracting.
Knowledge of the U.S. specialty distribution landscape, including wholesalers, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacy channels.
Demonstrated experience supporting or leading trade and distribution operations for a U.S. specialty pharmaceutical or biotech product launch.
Proven experience developing and executing channel and distribution strategy in support of a specialty product launch.
Strong track record negotiating distribution and service contracts with trade partners.
Earns influence with Commercial Operations, Market Access, and Finance through reliable data and strong business logic.
Takes initiative, drives matters to completion, and holds self and team accountable to outcomes.
Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent, fostering a collaborative and high-impact team culture.
Comfortable operating in an agile, fast-paced, small-company environment, with the flexibility to adapt quickly to evolving market needs.

Nice To Haves

an advanced degree such as an MBA is preferred.

Responsibilities

Creating and executing a comprehensive channel strategy for cytisinicline, contracting with distribution partners to ensure optimal product availability and patient access while achieving targeted market penetration.
Supporting the design and implementation of the trade and distribution components of the launch roadmap, including channel planning and tactical execution.
Monitoring policy and distribution landscape changes relevant to trade, advising leadership on trends and dynamics that impact distribution strategy.
Leading negotiations with distribution partners for pricing, data, and service contracts, ensuring alignment with company goals, market penetration, and patient access requirements.
Defining and tracking key performance indicators for trade partners, ensuring compliance with service standards and consistent patient accessibility.
Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with wholesalers, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacies to ensure reliable supply and service.
Partnering on the development and management of patient support programs, including specialty pharmacy and hub services, ensuring alignment with trade strategy and distribution operations.
Collaborating with Legal and Compliance to maintain adherence to regulatory standards and corporate policies across all trade activities.
Leading and developing trade operations talent, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
Partnering with Commercial Operations to optimize data flows and track key metrics, leveraging insights to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement within the channel strategy.