Director, Specialty Operations

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc. is seeking a Director of Specialty Operations to lead the launch of an ultra-orphan specialty product. The role will oversee distribution, hub services, and pharmacy operations, aligning with brand strategy and cross-functional teams.

The position requires 5–7 years in specialty operations, a PharmD (MBA preferred), and a track record of launching products and managing teams. Remote work is supported as part of the launch strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree required; MBA or related advanced degree preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in specialty model development/operations, preferably having launched a product and managing direct reports.
• Experience supporting ultra-rare, specialty, or medical benefit therapies with complex reimbursement and longitudinal patient management requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of operational strategies for the launch of a new specialty product.
• Develop a comprehensive specialty operations strategy, including processes for product distribution, buy-n-bill, dispensing, patient support programs, reimbursement, and logistics.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the specialty distribution network, ensuring compliance and best practices.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to assess performance, patient progression, reimbursement status, and service delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team to support the product launch and long-term objectives.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Project management

Education

Pharmacy degree (PharmD)

MBA or related advanced degree

Job description

Remote

Full time

R12778

Job Profile Summary

This position will be responsible for Specialty Operations at OAPI. The position will report to the Executive Director, Channel Strategy and Fulfillment.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Director of Specialty Operations to lead and oversee the operations for the launch of a new, ultra-orphan, specialty product. This role will be pivotal in building, optimizing, and managing all aspects of a highly integrated specialty operations model, while ensuring alignment with the product’s brand strategy. The Director will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Brand Marketing and Access Strategy, Data & Analytics, Sales, Patient Access, Key Account Management, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory, to integrate pharmacy operations seamlessly into the broader product launch strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Leadership:

• Lead the development and execution of operational strategies for the launch of a new specialty product which will include specialty distribution, hub capabilities and pharmacy services, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and product goals.
• Develop a comprehensive specialty operations strategy, including processes for product distribution, buy-n-bill, dispensing, patient support programs, reimbursement, and logistics, to ensure a successful product launch.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all specialty model considerations during the launch phase, providing guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support site-of-care coordination strategies that enable scalable therapy delivery, reimbursement readiness, and efficient operational execution.
• Lead operational planning related to medical benefit reimbursement, coding transitions, provider reimbursement readiness, and long-term reimbursement sustainability across institutional settings.
• Develop operational strategies that support longitudinal patient continuity as patients transition across payer types, care settings, and increasing disease complexity over time.
• Establish governance structures and escalation pathways across specialty pharmacy, specialty distribution, HUB services, institutional providers, and internal stakeholders to ensure aligned operational execution and patient visibility.

Collaboration with Brand Marketing and Access Strategy & Cross-Functional Teams:

• Partner closely with Brand Marketing and Access Strategy to align marketing initiatives with specialty model considerations/operations, ensuring that the distributor/pharmacy component supports and enhances the overall product positioning and launch plans.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Patient Access teams to drive customer-centric programs and initiatives, such as educational materials, patient support, and engagement strategies.
• Work with Sales, Medical Affairs, Market Access, and Account Management teams to ensure smooth integration of pharmacy operations into product launch activities and delivery workflows.
• Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Compliance, Government Pricing, Finance, and Market Access to ensure operational support models align with applicable reimbursement, pricing, and compliance requirements.
• Partner with institutional providers and Centers of Excellence to support operational readiness, procurement coordination, reimbursement workflows, and treatment continuity across varying site-of-care models.

Operational Management & Oversight:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the specialty distribution network, ensuring compliance with regulations, industry standards, and best practices.
• Implement effective workflows for order processing, patient enrollment, care coordination, patient services and drug distribution to ensure high-quality, efficient service delivery.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks that may impact launch timelines or product performance.

Performance Metrics & Reporting:

• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of specialty pharmacy operations, tracking launch success, patient outcomes, and service delivery metrics.
• Oversee development of operational dashboards and reporting capabilities related to patient progression, reimbursement status, treatment persistence, escalation management, and channel performance.
• Prepare regular performance reports and provide insights to senior leadership on progress toward operational and business goals.
• Lead quarterly business reviews/evaluations with all related vendors

Team Development & Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team, ensuring they are equipped to support the product launch and long-term business objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, customer-centricity, and operational excellence within the team.

Qualifications/ Required Knowledge/ Experience, Skills and Educational Qualifications:

Required/Preferred:

• Pharmacy Degree preferred
• Experience supporting ultra-rare, specialty, or medical benefit therapies with complex reimbursement and longitudinal patient management requirements

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree required. MBA or related advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: 5-7 years of experience in specialty model development/operations, preferably having launched a product and managing direct reports.
• Proven experience in managing cross-functional teams, including Brand Marketing and Access Strategy, product management, and patient services.
• Deep knowledge of specialty operating models, medical benefit reimbursement, specialty distribution, specialty pharmacy, HUB services, buy-and-bill economics, and site-of-care delivery models, including operational considerations across outpatient and institutional settings.
• Demonstrated understanding of operational governance across multiple external vendors and institutional stakeholders preferred
• Skills & Competencies: Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare regulations, and patient-centric programs.
• Proven track record of driving operational improvements and delivering results.

Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.