Director, Trade & Distribution Strategy


Cambridge
Permanent
USD220000 - USD265000
Commercial
PR/599376_1782920170
Director, Trade & Distribution Strategy

Director, Trade & Distribution Strategy

Leading Biopharmaceutical Company

About the Role

The Director, Trade & Distribution Strategy is responsible for leading end-to-end U.S. distribution strategy across a diversified portfolio of specialty, rare, and high-touch therapies, while overseeing Trade Operations responsible for execution.

This role blends enterprise-level strategy with hands-on operational leadership, ensuring distribution models are compliant, scalable, and patient-centric. The position plays a critical role in supporting pipeline assets, upcoming launches, and lifecycle management across both pharmacy and medical benefit channels.


Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Distribution Strategy

  • Lead and evolve U.S. distribution strategy across a broad portfolio of specialty and complex therapies
  • Design channel models across specialty pharmacy, specialty distribution, wholesale, and buy-and-bill pathways
  • Partner with Market Access, Pricing, Brand, and Payer Marketing teams to embed distribution strategy into launch and lifecycle planning
  • Assess market, policy, and channel dynamics to inform forward-looking strategy
  • Advise senior leadership on distribution risk, scalability, and long-term sustainability

Trade Operations Leadership

  • Lead and develop a Trade Operations team responsible for execution across wholesalers, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacies
  • Ensure operational readiness for launches, label expansions, and channel evolution
  • Establish governance frameworks, operating models, and performance management across trade partners
  • Drive process improvements across distribution operations, controls, and analytics

Cross-Functional & External Engagement

  • Serve as the primary trade and distribution partner to Legal, Compliance, Finance, Supply Chain, Patient Services, and Commercial teams
  • Lead strategic relationships with external distribution partners and support contract strategy development
  • Manage and resolve complex distribution or access challenges

People Leadership

  • Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing team
  • Develop leadership capabilities and foster enterprise thinking
  • Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence

Required Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in biopharma market access, trade & distribution, channel strategy, or related commercial roles
  • Proven track record leading distribution strategy and/or trade operations across multiple products
  • Deep expertise in U.S. pharmaceutical distribution networks, including wholesale, specialty distribution, and specialty pharmacy
  • Strong understanding of pharmacy vs. medical benefit models, including buy-and-bill dynamics and complex specialty pathways
  • Experience supporting product launches and lifecycle management within a portfolio setting
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority
  • Strong communication, analytical, and leadership capabilities

Preferred:

  • Experience in rare disease or specialty therapeutics
  • Familiarity with evolving policy and regulatory dynamics impacting distribution

Benefits Overview

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Generous PTO, company holidays, and year-end shutdown
  • Paid parental leave and disability coverage
  • Wellness programs and tuition reimbursement

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