VP, US Marketing and Launch Lead

Zai Lab (US) LLC•South San Francisco, CA

2d•$300,000 - $431,000•Onsite

About The Position

The VP, US Marketing and Launch Lead will lead strategy, planning, and execution for Zai Lab’s first U.S. commercial launch and subsequent pipeline launches, while building the U.S. marketing function to support a growing portfolio. The role owns brand strategy, positioning, and launch readiness, and brings Commercial, Medical, Market Access, Regulatory, and global teams together under an integrated launch plan. The position reports to the Operating Partner and is based in the company’s South San Francisco, California office. The role leads U.S. launch planning from pre-approval through early lifecycle, including go-to-market strategy, launch governance, readiness tracking, and delivery of launch-critical activities. It develops U.S. brand strategy and messaging using market research, customer insights, and competitive analysis; partners with R&D and Global Product Leaders on asset strategy and clinical development plans; and translates clinical data into a clear value proposition and differentiation story. The position leads cross-functional launch teams, informs pricing and access strategy, directs multichannel HCP and patient marketing, manages agency and vendor relationships, and oversees marketing forecasts and budgets. It builds and develops the U.S. marketing team and associated processes, aligns U.S. plans with global and China-based teams, and contributes to portfolio strategy and business development evaluations as needed. The role maintains a presence with sales teams, key customers, and major medical congresses, and requires travel of up to 25%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, life sciences, or a related field.
15 or more years of commercial experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including 10 or more years in U.S. marketing.
Maintains the highest standards of integrity and ethics.

Nice To Haves

MBA, PhD, or other advanced degree.
Proven track record leading U.S. product launches from pre-launch through in-line growth.
Experience in specialty therapeutic areas such as oncology, immunology, or hematology.
Experience shaping asset strategy in partnership with R&D.
Strong multichannel HCP and patient marketing experience.
Working knowledge of U.S. promotional regulations, market access, and payer strategy.
Experience owning brand forecasts, budgets, and agency relationships.
Operating experience in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial biotech environment.
Commercial or launch experience in ex-U.S. markets, such as EU5, Japan, or China.
Experience in cross-regional collaboration, including Asia/China.

Responsibilities

Lead U.S. launch planning for the first launch and subsequent pipeline launches, from pre-approval through early lifecycle.
Develop go-to-market strategy, launch governance, and delivery of launch-critical activities.
Own the integrated launch plan, timeline, readiness scorecard, and KPIs.
Develop U.S. brand strategy, brand identity, positioning, value proposition, and core messaging based on market research, customer insights, and competitive analysis.
Partner with R&D and Global Product Leaders to shape asset strategy and clinical development plans and translate clinical data into a clear value proposition and differentiation story.
Lead the U.S. launch team across Medical Affairs, Market Access, Regulatory, Sales, Commercial Operations, and Supply Chain; track risks and drive timely decisions.
Partner with Market Access to inform pricing, payer value proposition, and patient support programs, and incorporate access considerations into brand plans.
Direct multichannel HCP and patient marketing, including digital, peer-to-peer, congress, and personal and non-personal promotion.
Manage agency partners and guide promotional materials through medical, legal, and regulatory review.
Work with Commercial Operations and Finance on forecasts, latest estimates, operating budgets, and performance KPIs.
Manage the marketing budget and agency and vendor spend.
Build, lead, and develop the U.S. marketing team and establish processes and an agency network to support launch and future growth.
Align U.S. plans with global brand strategy, forecasting, and lifecycle plans in partnership with global and China-based teams.
Contribute to portfolio strategy and business development evaluations as needed.
Maintain a strong presence with the sales team, key customers, and at major medical congresses.
Collaborate across several time zones and travel up to 25%.