Region Director, Sickle Cell Sales - Central

Novo Nordisk•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Region Director, Sickle Cell Sales is an influential first-line people leader responsible for developing people and growing the business through organizational growth and novel product launch. The role leads a regional Sickle Cell Field Sales Team in executing sales strategies within assigned accounts, advancing regional execution in alignment with national Sickle Cell Disease priorities, and maximizing sales objectives. The director manages, coaches, and develops direct reports, oversees regional budgets, and executes regional business plans. The position also builds Novo Nordisk’s presence and reputation in the Sickle Cell Disease community through strategic relationships with customers, key opinion leaders, and other regional stakeholders. The director leads a Regional Business Unit and works closely with Rare Disease and Sickle Cell Field Leadership and cross-functional partners, including Commercial Strategy & Marketing, Community Engagement, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Commercial Execution, Operations, Legal, IT, Compliance, P&O, and Training. External relationships include key customers, local stakeholders, and advocacy organizations. The position reports to the Sr. Director, Sickle Cell Field Sales. The role is accountable for regional sales performance, launch uptake, team development, customer and account planning, compliant execution, and budget and administrative oversight. It requires 50–75% overnight travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
At least 10 years of progressive pharmaceutical or healthcare sales experience.
At least 2 years of people-management experience.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with thought leaders and key opinion leaders.
Strong background in coaching and developing individuals and teams.
Experience as a business leader of multiple disciplines, such as sales, account management, or commercial execution.
Ability to develop strategic plans and leverage synergies between functions and disciplines.
Proven ability to lead account planning and ongoing account management with cross-functional activities that deliver results.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional business partners.
A consistent and significant record of sales accomplishments.
Ability to travel overnight 50–75% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Four years of management experience preferred.
Pharmaceutical experience in hematology, bleeding disorders, specialty, or rare disease sales leadership preferred.
Rare Disease or specialty product launch experience highly preferred.
Experience in one or two other commercial or therapeutic areas, such as Market Access, Marketing, Learning & Development, or Commercial Operations.

Responsibilities

Lead a regional Sickle Cell sales team and hold the team accountable for sales performance and launch uptake.
Set ambitious goals, prioritize resources and initiatives, and simplify processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Provide regional market insights through quarterly business reviews and monthly calls with the Sickle Cell Field Sales Leader and home-office stakeholders.
Translate marketing brand strategies into local business plans for the region, territories, and key accounts.
Attract, develop, coach, and retain diverse, high-performing employees; provide feedback, recognize development, and address performance issues.
Lead the team through change and ambiguity, communicate business plans and priorities, and foster an engaging, motivating work environment.
Analyze local market data, analytics, financial insights, and market intelligence to anticipate trends, identify opportunities, measure performance, and inform recommendations.
Develop integrated sales and customer strategies, prioritize resources, identify new customers and coverage gaps, and communicate relevant market and customer insights.
Build an account-focused regional team and coordinate field resources and account plans around key customer and patient needs.
Develop and sustain relationships with regional healthcare stakeholders, including thought leaders, patient advocacy groups, market access stakeholders, hospital systems, and other key accounts.
Ensure team activities comply with company and industry policies, regulations, sales and marketing direction, and Novo Nordisk guidelines.
Submit competitive-product and company activity reports or updates as directed.
Oversee regional administrative policies and procedures, manage regional budgets and expenses, and review and audit expense reports.
Participate in the sales leadership team and foster a winning culture grounded in the Novo Way.
Maintain knowledge of Novo Nordisk and competitive products and management practices through self-study and approved training.
Collaborate across commercial channels and functions to align priorities, leverage resources, and deliver integrated solutions.
Coordinate with other Region Directors and the home office to support regional business plans and ensure alignment of programs and initiatives.
Lead POA workshops and facilitate field and home-office sessions as assigned.
Ensure direct reports have individual development plans with annual goals, measurements, learning and aspiration plans, and interim reviews; manage and communicate company policies and the Novo Way.

Benefits

Company bonus based on individual and company performance.
Long-term incentive compensation and/or company vehicles, depending on position level or other company factors.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Life insurance and disability insurance.
401(k) savings plan.
Flexible spending accounts.
Employee assistance program.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Voluntary benefits, including group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and auto/home insurance.
Sick time, flexible vacation policy, and parental leave policy.