Distribution Strategy Associate Director - Pain

Biopharma Careers; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 148,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Vertex is seeking an Associate Director of Trade and Distribution Strategy to design, implement, and evolve the channel distribution strategy for the pain portfolio. This role leads cross-functional planning, aligning with country regulations, program sustainability, and customer access to maximize value and efficiency.

The ideal candidate combines pharma distribution expertise with strategic acumen and collaborative leadership to navigate evolving therapy models and drive impactful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of drug distribution channels including retail and digital pharmacy.
• Experience developing strategic distribution initiatives and projects.
• Ability to navigate US commercial healthcare and reimbursement landscape.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of scalable distribution strategies aligned with short- and long-term goals.
• Drive alignment across stakeholders on distribution and channel strategy.
• Partner with Trade and Distribution teams to assess capabilities and differentiation.
• Develop business cases on channel design, limited/open networks, and alliances.
• Identify evolution of distribution programs for launches, risk mitigation, and market changes.
• Maintain understanding of pharmacy and hospital capabilities and competitive landscape.

Skills

Distribution channels

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Analytical skills

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 Associate Director Trade and Distribution Strategy is accountable for the design, implementation and evolution of the channel distribution strategy for the pain portfolio. 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.

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 Duties and Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the tactical execution of design planning, informing the development of scalable, effective distribution strategies to serve short and long-term expectations while considering financial impacts and patient/customer experience
• Collaborate and drive alignment across key stakeholders on distribution and channel strategy development; apply subject matter expertise to maximize patient access and achieve corporate goals
• Partner with the Trade and Distribution account team and functional business partners to support Vertex’s understanding of distribution capabilities, market expertise and differentiation
• Produce business cases and recommendations on channel design, limited distribution and open network designs, strategic alliances (third party logistics providers, specialty pharmacy, wholesaler, specialty distributor, channel data aggregators).
• Support in identifying and defining timely evolution of current Vertex distribution programs with a focus on new product launch, risk mitigation, changes in market dynamics, competition, and/or regulatory and legislative changes
• Maintain a deep understanding of the distribution channel; understand pharmacy and hospital capabilities and the competitive marketplace to ensure Vertex maintains an industry leading approach
• 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 promoting enterprise thinking to drive breakthrough results

Knowledge and Skills:

• Current knowledge of drug distribution channels including retail distribution including digital pharmacy.
• 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
• Specialty/Biotech industry experience with at least 5+ years in Commercial Market Access and/or Retail Trade and Distribution
• Experience with GPO’s and IDN classes of trade.

Location:

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

Pay Range:

$148,000 - $222,000

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:

1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

#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]