Director, Trade & Distribution Strategy

Director, Trade & Distribution Strategy

Leading Biopharmaceutical Company

About the Role

The Director, Trade & Distribution Strategy is responsible for leading end-to-end U.S. distribution strategy across a diversified portfolio of specialty, rare, and high-touch therapies, while overseeing Trade Operations responsible for execution.

This role blends enterprise-level strategy with hands-on operational leadership, ensuring distribution models are compliant, scalable, and patient-centric. The position plays a critical role in supporting pipeline assets, upcoming launches, and lifecycle management across both pharmacy and medical benefit channels.

Key Responsibilities



Enterprise Distribution Strategy

• Lead and evolve U.S. distribution strategy across a broad portfolio of specialty and complex therapies
• Design channel models across specialty pharmacy, specialty distribution, wholesale, and buy-and-bill pathways
• Partner with Market Access, Pricing, Brand, and Payer Marketing teams to embed distribution strategy into launch and lifecycle planning
• Assess market, policy, and channel dynamics to inform forward-looking strategy
• Advise senior leadership on distribution risk, scalability, and long-term sustainability
  
  

Trade Operations Leadership

• Lead and develop a Trade Operations team responsible for execution across wholesalers, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacies
• Ensure operational readiness for launches, label expansions, and channel evolution
• Establish governance frameworks, operating models, and performance management across trade partners
• Drive process improvements across distribution operations, controls, and analytics
  
  

Cross-Functional & External Engagement

• Serve as the primary trade and distribution partner to Legal, Compliance, Finance, Supply Chain, Patient Services, and Commercial teams
• Lead strategic relationships with external distribution partners and support contract strategy development
• Manage and resolve complex distribution or access challenges
  
  

People Leadership

• Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing team
• Develop leadership capabilities and foster enterprise thinking
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence
  
  

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in biopharma market access, trade & distribution, channel strategy, or related commercial roles
• Proven track record leading distribution strategy and/or trade operations across multiple products
• Deep expertise in U.S. pharmaceutical distribution networks, including wholesale, specialty distribution, and specialty pharmacy
• Strong understanding of pharmacy vs. medical benefit models, including buy-and-bill dynamics and complex specialty pathways
• Experience supporting product launches and lifecycle management within a portfolio setting
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority
• Strong communication, analytical, and leadership capabilities

Preferred:

• Experience in rare disease or specialty therapeutics
• Familiarity with evolving policy and regulatory dynamics impacting distribution
  
  

Benefits Overview

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous PTO, company holidays, and year-end shutdown
• Paid parental leave and disability coverage
• Wellness programs and tuition reimbursement