Director, Channel Distribution Strategy

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 180,800 - 271,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated seeks a Director of Channel Distribution Strategy to lead the design, implementation, and evolution of distribution models across North America. This role informs agreements, enables patient access, and steers channel strategy with a focus on value across small molecules, specialty, and cell and gene therapies.

The ideal candidate combines pharma channel expertise with strategic leadership, cross-functional influence, and experience navigating complex trade,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years in commercial market access, trade and distribution.
• Experience with cell and gene therapy, rare diseases, or small molecules.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable distribution strategies across US/Canada to maximize access.
• Lead cross-functional teams and partner with Trade and clinical groups.
• Provide analytics on channel economics, policy, and reimbursement.
• Inform distribution agreements and driver of market access strategies.
• Align stakeholders and present recommendations to Senior Leadership.
• Forecast and inform commercialization planning, including gross-to-net.
• Identify enhancements to current distribution programs for launches.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Promote Vertex values and enable enterprise level collaboration.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Channel distribution

Pharmaceutical market access

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory & policy awareness

Analytics & modeling

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Commercial strategy

Planning & forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

Vertex currently operates at the forefront of rare disease scientific innovation and has successfully developed and commercialized multiple breakthrough medicines for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Sickle Cell Disease, Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia and Acute Pain. In addition to clinical development programs in CF, Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs focused on the underlying mechanisms of other serious diseases including programs in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Type 1 Diabetes, IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), APOL-1 Mediated Kidney Disease, and Muscular Dystrophy, among others.

The Director, Channel Distribution Strategy is accountable for the design, implementation and evolution of channel distribution strategies across the organization's portfolio in North America. This individual will lead strategic planning considering country-specific regulations and policies, program sustainability, strategic alliances, patient and customer access, data, class of trade and setting of care. They will inform distribution service agreement design to support maximum access and distribution efficiency. They will leverage access and reimbursement expertise and considerations across a variety of drug types spanning small molecule, specialty and cell and gene therapies.

The ideal candidate combines deep pharmaceutical channel distribution expertise with strategic acumen, cross-functional leadership and the ability to navigate complex trade and emerging therapy models.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert on evolving supply chain and distribution related laws, channel models, and strategic channel partner business models and capabilities across US and Canada
• Maintain a deep understanding of the Hospital, Specialty & Retail pharmacy channels; understand pharmacy and hospital capabilities and the competitive marketplace to ensure Vertex maintains an industry leading approach to patient support in specialty channels.
• Lead a team in designing scalable, innovative distribution strategies to maximize patient access and achieve corporate goals while considering financial impact, patient/ customer experience and strategic alliances
• Support recommendation with strong analytics and consideration of channel economics, active and pending policy (e.g. serialization, importation, state and federal pricing policy, etc.), reimbursement, setting of care, financial implications and patient access dynamics
• Collaborate with and ensure alignment across key stakeholders on channel distribution strategy development; Deliver recommendations to Senior Leadership and relevant, internal governing bodies and strategic teams
• Partner with Trade team and functional business partners to support Vertex's understanding of distribution capabilities, market expertise and differentiation
• Partner with pipeline and inline strategy teams as well as trade team to generate insights and inform commercialization planning, including forecasting, gross-to-net and operational build considerations
• Identify and define timely evolution of current Vertex distribution programs with a focus on new product launch, risk mitigation, changes in market dynamics, competition, organizational portfolio needs and/or regulatory and legislative changes
• Exercise sound judgment in all activities to ensure integrity and compliance with company policies. Promote Vertex core values, leading by example, developing and fostering exceptional collaboration and promote enterprise thinking to drive breakthrough results

Knowledge and Skills

• Expert knowledge of drug distribution channels including cell and gene therapy, specialty distribution, specialty pharmacy and retail.
• Previous strategic leadership experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech or healthcare industry
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding objectives & goals, both as an individual and as part of a team
• Proven ability to develop and lead strategic initiatives and projects both internally and with external consultant support.
• Relevant experience with distribution networks, new product launches, trade processes, and understanding of pharmaceutical supply chain.
• Demonstrated understanding of the US commercial and government healthcare and reimbursement environment, including product and fund flow, patient support and government programs
• Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to customers and internal leadership
• Demonstrated ability to successfully navigate cross-functional teams, influencing without direct authority, with the interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and succeed in a highly matrixed environment
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and work effectively across cross-functional teams
• Excellent analytical skills with solid understanding of trade channel data.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field, Master's Degree preferred
• Deep industry experience (10+ years) in commercial market access, trade and distribution
• Previous channel distribution experience with cell and gene therapy, rare disease and small molecule

Location

• HQ or Hybrid Schedule (3 days a week in HQ)
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time.

Pay Range

$180,800 - $271,200

Disclosure Statement

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:

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

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

#LI-Hybrid

Company Information

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

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]