Associate Director, Trade Operations

Cogent Biosciences; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% medical, dental, and vision premiums

401(k) match with immediate vesting

Generous paid time off

12 weeks of fully paid parental leave

Job summary

Cogent Biosciences in Waltham, MA is looking for an Associate Director of Trade Operations to manage daily commercial channel operations. This role will oversee distribution, inventory management, and collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure smooth product flow.

The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience in pharmaceutical distribution and a strong understanding of the healthcare landscape. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in rare disease or oncology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee 3PL and specialty distributor operations.
• Ensure seamless distribution of high-value products.
• Monitor data feeds to track product movement.
• Support account management and long-term partnerships.

Skills

Analytical skills

Customer relationship management

Leadership and management skills

Knowledge of data flow

Education

8+ years in pharmaceutical trade & distribution

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing novel precision therapies to treat a broad range of patients with unmet medical needs. Cogent’s lead program, bezuclastinib, is designed to selectively and potently inhibit exon 17 mutations found within the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, including KIT D816V. KIT D816V is responsible for driving a rare and serious condition called Systemic Mastocytosis, and exon 17 mutations are also found in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Bezuclastinib has exhibited promising initial data across all three trials: APEX in AdvSM, SUMMIT in NonAdvSM and PEAK in GIST, including an encouraging safety profile across 600+ patients in single agent and combination dosing.

The Role

The Associate Director of Trade Operations will be responsible for the day-to-day aspects of Cogent Biosciences commercial channel operations. The key responsibilities will be to oversee the physical and financial flow of the Cogent Biosciences portfolio beginning with the launch of bezuclastinib. The candidate will troubleshoot with 3PL and Specialty Distributors to ensure smooth daily operations including inventory management, product fulfillment, data reporting and management of returns. This candidate will also support the long‑term management of Cogent Bioscience’s trade customers by contributing analysis and insight to the account planning process. The individual will report to the Executive Director Trade & Distribution within the Market Access team and work closely with Corporate Accounts, Supply Chain, Patient Access Services and Commercial Operations as well as other internal Cogent Biosciences colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Trade Operations – Oversee 3PL and specialty distributor operations including new customer onboarding, pricing updates, inventory management, order to cash process, support chargeback management, returns and any distribution related discrepancies within customers.
• Supply Chain Integrity – Ensure seamless distribution of high value products and manage inventory to ensure patient access.
• Data & Analytics – Monitor 852/867 as well as other data feeds to track product movement, channel pull-through and produce ad hoc reporting.
• Support account management – Support QBR preparation and development of long‑term partnerships.
• Cross Functional Collaboration – Partner with colleagues from Market Access, Supply Chain, Commercial Ops, Quality, Patient Services and Marketing to ensure distribution model supports the overall patient journey and brand strategy.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• 8+ years of pharmaceutical trade & distribution experience with a heavy preference for rare disease or oncology experience within 3PL and specialty distributors.
• 8+ years of experience in related fields such as Market Access, Wholesaler or Specialty Pharmacy account management, 3PL management or distribution & supply chain management in pharmaceutical / biotech companies.

Knowledge / Skills Needed

• Understanding of the current healthcare landscape, compliant manufacturer practices, 3 Rd Party Logistics, product distribution, and product fulfillment.
• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to determine trends and inform strategy.
• Ability to build strong customer relationships, strategic planning and influencing skills.
• Knowledge of data flow, chargeback management and or DSCSA requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills.

Personal Attributes Needed

• Ability to engage with customers and resolve product fulfillment issues or challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective collaboration working relationships with Field teams, Brand teams and home office functions.
• Ability to understand business requirements, market dynamics and propose solutions, gain alignment and execute.
• Proven ability to identify issues and provide effective solutions to address them. Ability to effectively communicate the solution and its value to affected parties.
• Ability to work with multiple customers simultaneously.
• Ability to learn and work autonomously.

Salary Range

$200k - $230k (exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and location).

Our Locations

Waltham, MA – Our headquarters is located in the Greater Boston life sciences community, with an open, collaborative office environment designed to support teamwork and connection. Employees benefit from convenient on-site amenities, including free on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.

Boulder, CO – Our Boulder location is home to Cogent’s discovery research organization and a key scientific hub with strong leadership based on site. Situated in the greater Denver-Boulder biopharmaceutical corridor, this office plays a central role in advancing our discovery efforts and pipeline.

Our Offer To You

At Cogent Biosciences, we offer a competitive salary, bonus, and ongoing stock awards, alongside a benefits package that sets us apart. We cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family, and help reduce out-of-pocket costs by funding up to 75% of in-network deductibles. Our benefits also include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, generous paid time off, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, paid family and medical leave for all employees regardless of location, and company-paid short-term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks. Additional perks like wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and inclusive family-forming support help you thrive at work and beyond.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.