Director - Strategy & Analysis and Contract Operations

The Director, Strategy & Analysis and Contract Operations is responsible for directing and conducting pricing analysis of government policy and evaluating pricing strategy impact on pipeline and in-market portfolio products. Works cross functionally to develop WAC and associated contracting strategy for pre-market products. In addition, this role directs all contract operations including being responsible for Gross to Net (GTN) forecasting, government price reporting, and rebate invoice validation and payment operations.

This role leads an operations team and oversees a third-party vendor, while working cross functionally to ensure accomplishment of business objectives and compliance with all relevant policies and procedures.

Job Description

Strategy & Analysis :

Works cross functionally to develop WAC and associated contracting strategy for pre-market products.

Supports development of market access strategies for in-market and pipeline products.

Partners with Insights & Analytics team to assess impact of payer access controls and price on in-market products and pre-market products.

Works closely with Government Affairs to model / assess policy scenarios and evaluate the financial impact to Otsuka.

Contract Operations :

Oversees rebate invoice processing including validation and payment. Includes oversight of third-party vendor supporting the process.

Oversees Government Pricing operations including the third-party vendor to ensure all calculations and processes are performed according to approved policy and procedures. This includes ensuring accurate reporting and timely internal communications to ensure alignment. Ensures all deadlines are met and delivers effective overall operations.

Leads the process and third-party vendor for State Price Transparency Reporting. This includes establishing a process for monitoring state requirements, proactively identifying Otsuka’s requirements, and leading the development of reports through the approval and submission process. Ensures accurate and timely report submissions and maintenance of historical records. Informs leadership of relevant changes and provides recommendations regarding Otsuka's actions.

Reviews Government Pricing policy, SOP’s and SOX compliance documents on an on-going basis and updates as necessary.

Leads GTN forecasting in support of budget and forecast processes as well as assessments of strategic scenarios to determine impact on GTN; recommends optimal GTN approach.

Establishes KPIs to track the performance of operations.

People Management :

Leads a team to achieve agreed to goals and ensures compliance with policies.

Develops and improves team skill sets through formalized training as well as through formal and informal feedback : ensures continuing education in customer and market knowledge and supports team members in career development.

Ethics and Compliance :

Upholds all ethics and compliance policies and ensures those around him / her do the same.

Ensures a diverse and inclusive environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Qualifications / Required

Knowledge / Experience and Skills :

Qualifications

Skills and Experience :

A minimum of 10+ years of pharmaceutical industry, Market Access, or payer experience

Thorough understanding and knowledge of US healthcare economics and the drivers of pharmaceutical demand, including pricing and reimbursement

Deep understanding of US pharmaceutical value chain and its business processes

Extensive experience in healthcare contracting and in-depth understanding of GPO / PBM / National and Regional Health Plan business models, Medicare Part D, Medicare Part B, 340B, and the changing market landscape

In-depth knowledge of patient access, launch excellence, marketing and business processes

Strong government pricing knowledge and experience

Strong financial acumen, forecasting, and modeling abilities

Proven ability to navigate complex customers

Ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and strategic alignment across multiple teams

Excellent communication and executive presentation skills

Demonstrated ability to create solutions for complex processes and procedures

Inspirational leadership ability including a high level of self-awareness and curiosity as well as a focus on empowering others

Demonstrates high degree of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and creativity in solution-oriented ideation – results-oriented, fails fast to learn faster, and embodies an agile, growth mindset

Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint and Excel

Education :

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education / degree required, MBA or equivalent preferred