Associate Director, Gene Therapy Marketing - Japan

Position Summary:

ultraimpact – Make a difference for those who need it most

Reporting to the Senior Director Gene Therapy Marketing, the successful candidate will lead marketing initiatives for a gene therapy product in collaboration with the Japan team and Global team. The role will involve the planning, development and execution of best-in-class annual marketing plans that are based on deep marketing knowledge and previously successful rare disease & biopharmaceutical marketing experience. This role will require developing and expanding the national network of Qualified Treatment Centers (QTCs) for gene therapy. This role oversees site identification, qualification, contracting, and readiness activities. As a growing and entrepreneurial organization, the candidate will participate in other business activities to support the growth of the company.   

Work Model:

Remote: Officially documented as working full-time from home, with travel to Ultragenyx's offices or other locations on occasion as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Global marketing teams to lead the development of Japanese marketing initiatives, monitor the progress of these marketing initiatives and adjust appropriately to optimize success and ensure achievement of business and sales objectives for gene therapy. Ensure all marketing programs are adherent to Ultragenyx policies, procedures and compliance procedures  

• Executing Marketing advisory boards and other HCP engagements to support market understanding and inform strategic and tactical planning and execution  

• Building and developing meaningful business relationships with HCPs and with necessary external stakeholders across Japan  

• Monitor and work to adapt the patient support program and its offerings to ensure optimal patient experience and product usage  

• Manage congress initiatives in collaboration with the event management team, including messaging, booth design and coordinating onsite materials and field training.  

• Identify issues that could potentially create barriers to optimal patient management and provide solutions  

• Work cross-functionally and partner with multiple non-commercial teams including Global Brand Strategy, Government Affairs, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, & Patient Advocacy  

• Partner with commercial colleagues and the customer facing Field Teams, providing training and ensuring field teams are appropriately prepared to deploy marketing programs   

• Collaborate with Medical and Commercial Field teams to identify and assess prospective QTCs and manage the contracting process, including in person site visits as needed.  

• Oversee coordination and progress of QTC readiness activities, vetting, contracting, and POD team engagement and ensure timely site activation.  

Requirements:

1. Strong passion to deliver innovative new drugs to patients who are suffering from rare or ultra-rare diseases 
2. BA/BSc degree or equivalent life-sciences qualification required. MBA preferred 
3. Minimum 3+ years of marketing experience and 3+ Years sales experience in the biopharmaceutical industry with preference to those with experience in rare/ultra-rare disease. Gene therapy experiences are preferred. 
4. Comfort working in start-up environments and working to define process and forge new operating principles with internal stakeholders  
5. Successful candidates will have a proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with a high degree of collaboration and a strong patient focus  
6. Strong command of analytical and market research techniques with a proven ability to interpret market insights to help guide strategic direction and prioritize patient tactics  
7. Experience of leading or collaborating on Market Access initiatives to expand patient access  
8. Experience of marketing Advisory Boards is preferred   
9. Demonstrated ability to think strategically and act creatively to develop and lead innovative brand strategies and tactics  
10. Proven experience in partnering with Field Teams  
11. Proven experience working with and managing external partners, including Advertising and Communications agencies  
12. Native-level proficiency in Japanese, as well as excellent public presentation skills, written communication and listening skills in English 
13. Travel will be frequently required  

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