Vice President, Trade Relations & Manufacturer Strategy

Birdi•Plymouth, MI

7d•Remote

About The Position

The Vice President, Trade Relations & Manufacturer Strategy owns Birdi's enterprise-wide manufacturer strategy and serves as the organization's primary executive relationship owner for pharmaceutical manufacturers. This is a highly visible, revenue-generating leadership position responsible for securing Limited Distribution Drug (LDD) access, negotiating manufacturer agreements, commercializing pharmacy data assets, and developing value-added service offerings that strengthen Birdi's position within the specialty pharmacy ecosystem. Success in this role requires a unique combination of clinical expertise, commercial acumen, specialty pharmacy knowledge, and executive-level relationship management. You will serve as Birdi's voice to manufacturer trade, market access, brand, and patient services teams while helping position the organization for future specialty growth opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Health Administration, Business, Life Sciences, or a related field.
PharmD strongly preferred.
Active pharmacist license is highly desirable.
10+ years of progressive experience in specialty pharmacy, pharmaceutical trade relations, specialty distribution, or manufacturer contracting.
5+ years of leadership experience.
Demonstrated success securing Limited Distribution Drug (LDD) and exclusive network access opportunities.
Experience negotiating manufacturer data agreements and enhanced service contracts.
Established relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturer trade and market access leaders.
Track record of leading successful manufacturer presentations, competitive evaluations, and network selection processes.
Experience presenting to executive leadership and Boards of Directors.
Deep clinical knowledge across specialty disease states.
Strong understanding of specialty pharmacy operations and patient support models.
Exceptional negotiation and relationship management skills.
Demonstrated commercial and financial acumen.
Ability to develop and defend revenue, margin, and service fee models.
Strong analytical and presentation skills.
Understanding of manufacturer-pharmacy regulatory requirements and fair market value principles.
Proven ability to manage multiple complex negotiations simultaneously.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and contract management systems.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, MHA, MS) preferred.
Experience in both specialty pharmacy and mail-order pharmacy environments.
Understanding of PBM economics and payer network strategy.
Familiarity with URAC, ACHC, and NABP accreditation standards.
Experience supporting rare disease, cell and gene therapy, oncology, or biosimilar distribution strategies.
Knowledge of 340B programs, hub services, patient assistance programs, and copay support models.

Responsibilities

Lead Manufacturer Relations Strategy: Serve as the executive owner of Birdi's relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Build and maintain executive-level relationships across manufacturer trade, market access, brand, medical affairs, and patient services teams. Lead quarterly and annual business reviews with manufacturers focused on performance, growth opportunities, and strategic alignment. Represent Birdi in enterprise-wide discussions with manufacturers, distributors, and industry partners.
Drive Limited Distribution Drug (LDD) Access & Network Placement: Own Birdi's LDD growth strategy across specialty, rare disease, oncology, orphan, and other high-cost therapies. Lead manufacturer RFIs, RFPs, audits, site visits, presentations, and capability reviews. Negotiate network participation and distribution agreements. Develop and maintain a prioritized specialty pipeline with projected revenue and margin opportunities. Protect existing network access and manage re-credentialing activities related to licensure, accreditation, or organizational changes.
Expand Data & Commercial Service Revenue: Lead the development, negotiation, and execution of manufacturer data agreements. Define and commercialize Birdi's specialty pharmacy data offerings. Partner with IT, Analytics, Compliance, and Operations teams to ensure data quality and reporting excellence. Build and manage data revenue as a measurable business line. Establish scalable reporting programs that support manufacturer requirements and network retention.
Create & Grow Enhanced Service Offerings: Design and negotiate enhanced manufacturer service agreements beyond traditional dispensing services. Develop service offerings related to: Medication adherence and persistence, Patient onboarding, REMS support, Benefits investigation and prior authorization, Cold chain management, Nursing and injection training, Market research and patient support programs. Ensure all contracted services are operationally feasible, financially sound, and measurable.
Lead Pipeline Strategy & Launch Readiness: Monitor emerging therapies, pipeline products, PDUFA dates, biosimilars, and specialty market trends. Identify future access opportunities 12 to 24 months before commercial launch. Develop readiness plans around staffing, technology, accreditation, clinical programs, and operational capabilities. Present pipeline opportunities and risks to executive leadership and the Board.
Industry Leadership & Market Presence: Own Birdi's conference and manufacturer engagement strategy for: Asembia, NASP, AMCP, PCMA, Industry distributor and payer forums. Build Birdi's reputation through speaking engagements, panels, publications, and industry participation. Develop a measurable manufacturer opportunity pipeline from conference activity and industry networking.
Build & Lead the Function: Recruit, develop, and mentor the Trade Relations team. Establish performance goals and long-term team strategy. Partner with Operations, Finance, Clinical Services, Compliance, and IT to ensure contractual commitments are operationally achievable. Contribute to enterprise planning, budgeting, and specialty growth initiatives.
Ensure Compliance & Contract Integrity: Partner with Legal and Compliance teams to structure manufacturer relationships appropriately. Maintain compliance with applicable regulations, including: Anti-Kickback Statute, HIPAA, DSCSA, Medicare Part D Sunshine Act/Open Payments requirements. Manage agreement renewals, contract obligations, and audit readiness activities. Support manufacturer-related accreditation and quality initiatives.