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
FAQs
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