Director, Specialty Operations

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.); Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 186,000 - 279,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) match

Flexible time off

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan assistance

Disability insurance

Job summary

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc. in the United States seeks a Director of Specialty Operations to lead the launch of an ultra-orphan specialty product.

You will build, optimize, and manage an integrated specialty operations model aligned with the brand strategy, partnering with Brand Marketing, Access Strategy, Data & Analytics, Sales, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, and more. This role requires strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a track record of launching complex

Qualifications

• Pharmacy degree required or preferred; MBA or related degree is a plus.
• 5–7 years of experience in specialty model development/operations, preferably with product launches and direct reports.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams including Brand Marketing and Access Strategy.
• Deep knowledge of specialty operating models, medical benefit reimbursement, HUB services, and site-of-care delivery.
• Experience coordinating governance across external vendors and institutional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of operational strategies for the launch of a new specialty product, including distribution, hubs, and pharmacy services.
• Develop a comprehensive specialty operations strategy covering distribution, buy-n-bill, dispensing, patient support, reimbursement and logistics.
• Act as primary contact for specialty model considerations during the launch phase and guide stakeholders.
• Support site-of-care coordination strategies enabling scalable therapy delivery and reimbursement readiness.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

MBA or related advanced degree

Job description

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.

Competencies

• 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.
• Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Minimum $186,489.00 - Maximum $278,875.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Application Deadline

This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting [e-mail].

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