Commercial Strategy Director GCC

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; As Sudiyah; Hybrid; OMR 46,140 - 69,210; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Commercial Strategy Director in Oman to lead the strategic commercialization of Povetacicept across GCC markets, focusing especially on Saudi Arabia. The role encompasses the development and execution of commercial strategies and engagement with healthcare providers.

Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in specialty launches. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, alongside a strong ability to navigate complex healthcare systems.

The position allows hybrid work flexibility with on-site requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively across teams and leadership levels.
• Strong track record in launching innovative therapies in GCC healthcare systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the GCC commercial strategy for Povetacicept.
• Drive launch initiatives and market planning for glomerular diseases.
• Generate actionable market insights to inform strategic decisions.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership capabilities

Commercial strategy development

Healthcare provider engagement

Analytical and financial acumen

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical/Life Sciences or related discipline

MBA or advanced business degree

Job description

Position Summary

The Commercial Strategy Director will lead the strategic commercialization, launch readiness, and execution planning for Vertex’s asset in glomerular diseases, including IgA nephropathy, across the GCC markets, with a primary focus on Saudi Arabia.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the GCC commercial strategy for Povetacicept, ensuring alignment with Vertex’s global vision and regional healthcare transformation priorities.
• Drive launch excellence initiatives, go‑to‑market planning, customer engagement strategies, value proposition development, and access readiness efforts specific to glomerular diseases, including IgA Nephropathy.
• Identify, prioritize and maximize commercial opportunities across the GCC markets through deep understanding of market dynamics, healthcare policies, competitive landscape, and evolving standards of care.
• Operate with a high degree of strategic anticipation and agility to proactively address evolving market conditions, emerging business opportunities and risks.
• Own delivery against agreed commercial and strategic objectives, ensuring strong execution against revenue, growth, operational and efficiency KPIs.
• Generate and consolidate actionable market insights across HCPs and patient stakeholders to inform strategic decision‑making and brand planning.
• Lead cross‑functional launch readiness efforts in partnership with Medical, Market Access, Regulatory, Government and Public Affairs (GAPP), International Patient Engagement (IPE), Supply Chain, and Finance teams to ensure coordinated and successful product launches.
• Partner closely with international IHQ teams to drive strategic and operational alignment required to address evolving markets and healthcare system needs.
• Drive launch excellence through disciplined planning, execution governance, risk mitigation, and performance tracking across all launch phases.
• Drive integrated strategic planning and operational excellence across internal stakeholders, ensuring customer and market needs are effectively translated into execution plans and organizational priorities.
• Develop robust business cases supporting investment decisions, resource allocation, capability building and portfolio expansion across the region.
• Collaborate within external nephrology and glomerular disease ecosystem through strategic engagement with scientific leaders, healthcare institutions, policymakers and advocacy stakeholders.
• Represent the GCC region in regional and global strategic forums, ensuring GCC needs and insights are reflected in broader organizational planning.
• Ensure all commercial activities are conducted in full compliance with Vertex code of conduct, SOPs and all applicable laws and regulations across GCC markets.

Required Education Level

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical/Life Sciences or related discipline and/or MBA or advanced business degree.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, including significant experience in commercial strategy, specialty launches or rare disease commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience leading launch preparation and commercial execution within specialty or innovative therapeutic areas.
• Prior experience in nephrology, rare diseases or specialty care is strongly preferred.
• Strong experience across GCC markets, with Saudi Arabia experience considered essential.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Strong cross‑functional leadership capabilities with proven ability to operate effectively within complex matrix organizations.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing commercial strategies that drive measurable business outcomes. Experience in successfully launching innovative and preferably rare disease therapies in GCC healthcare systems.
• Deep understanding of GCC healthcare systems, healthcare transformation agendas, market access environments and stakeholder ecosystems.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams and senior leadership levels.
• Strong track record of effectively engaging with healthcare providers, and government stakeholders in the GCC.
• Strong analytical, financial and business acumen with ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.
• High level of ambition, accountability, agility and execution focus, with ability to manage competing priorities in fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate challenges, navigate uncertainty and lead through complexity and change.
• Strong project management and operational planning capabilities.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills.
• Sound understanding of compliance frameworks and regulatory requirements across GCC markets.
• Excellent command of oral and written English and Arabic.

Other Requirements

• Frequent travel within GCC may be required.
• Position is based in Riyadh, KSA.

Flexibility

• Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week.
• On‑Site: work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility.

Flex status is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

EEO Statement

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E‑Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].