Role Summary
The Director / Lead Pricing and Contracting - Biologics leads pricing and contracting strategy for Dr. Reddy’s Biologics portfolio in the US. Responsible for developing pricing strategies and managing contracting across key accounts (payers, PBMs, GPOs, IDNs, and other provider networks). Directs pricing and reimbursement strategy for new launches and in-line products, guiding tactical execution to achieve brand objectives and profitable growth. Works with Market Access, Sales, Finance and Government pricing teams; chairs the pricing committee and collaborates with payer and GPO account teams, external customers, legal and contract teams. Reports to the Head of Commercial Strategy, Pricing and Analytics.
Responsibilities
- Develop list pricing strategy and gross to net modeling for Biologic brand launches.
- Develop and maintain channel pricing and contracting strategy for launches and in-line products.
- Lead the pricing committee to establish, review and manage the price approval process.
- Conduct financial analysis and develop content to support the contract review and approval processes including partnership with legal, market access, and finance.
- Conduct financial modeling and analysis to evaluate the impact of pricing and contracting decisions on revenue and profitability.
- Closely partner with Market access, sales, and marketing teams to target achievement of the brand’s financial objectives.
- Manage ASP forecasting, and continually assess impact of contracting changes on ASP and reimbursement.
- Assist with price forecasting for pipeline products and licensing opportunities.
- Leverages understanding of the competitive landscape to anticipate and pre-empt future competitor moves by developing innovative pricing strategies and tactics.
- Monitor brand performance across different channels and optimize pricing strategies for success.
- Monitor key external trends in the areas of managed care, reimbursement and other healthcare policies which would impact Brand financials, and share with internal stakeholders.
- Supports development of the pricing and contracting strategy, playbook, and guidelines for all new product launches to aid account team planning and implementation.
- Works collaboratively with Market Access/Sales Account Managers, Legal and Contract teams to support the implementation of contracting strategy.
- Assess contract performance of payers/PBMs, GPOs, Strategic IDNs. Compares actual results against projected KPIs and developing a contingency plan to bridge any gap. Provide directional insights to account and field teams.
- Participates directly in key customer meetings, as appropriate. External relationships include interactions with key managed markets payers, GPOs and other channel partners.
- Monitor and assess impact of legislative changes to brand financials.
- Lead the reimbursement code application and approval process working closely with government pricing and regulatory teams.
- Work closely with the finance team to establish rebate processing to payer and other contracted stakeholders.
- Develop and present financial impact analysis and other ad-hoc reporting as needed to senior management.
- Lead the yearly review of current pricing strategies and owns the process for developing recommendations for the upcoming year.
- Lead the annual budgeting process for brands and be the custodian of the Biologics commercial team’s budget.
Qualifications
- Minimum experience: 6 to 8 years of relevant US pharmaceutical experience in any of the following areas - Market Access, Pricing, Contracting, Finance, and Brand Analytics.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in managing Buy & Bill brands/biosimilars in Immunology/Oncology space.
- Advanced understanding of market access dynamics, pricing and contracting levers across payers, pharmacy benefit managers, GPOs, specialty pharmacies, Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs), etc.
- The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of pricing, reimbursement and contracting dynamics in the Buy & Bill Biologics space. Strong expertise in managed care landscape across medical and pharmacy benefit, commercial and government payer segments is required. Experience in handling Biosimilars would be an added advantage.
- Previous Biosimilar product launch experience in a competitive environment is highly desired.
- Track record of managing pricing and contracting strategies for products straddled across medical and pharmacy benefit highly desired.
- Good understanding of provider reimbursement dynamics to effectively guide team members (e.g., Average Sales Price, Net Cost Recovery, etc.).
- Experience working with a matrixed team in contract approval process, reviewing key business terms, liaising with Legal, Compliance, and Contract Operations groups.
- Excellent communication (written, verbal, and presentation), interpersonal influencing, and prioritization skills required.
- Ability to influence across matrixed organizations including influencing without authority.
- Ability to interact and manage multiple internal relationships at all levels of the business.
- Understanding of organizational behavior, culture and be able to flourish in a complex and rapidly evolving workplace.
- Positive “glass half full” attitude, collaborative mindset, ability to work with limited resources, and a willingness to take ownership and be accountable.
- Always be thirsty to learn more and think outside the box for new ideas, technology and approaches to build robust operational capabilities.
Skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and other key platforms.
- Pricing strategy development and financial modeling.
- Contracting negotiations and cross-functional collaboration.
- Strong written and verbal communication, and presentation abilities.
- Ability to influence across matrixed organizations and manage multiple internal relationships.
- Strategic thinking with attention to detail and ability to translate insights into actionable plans.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences and/or Business Administration; MBA is preferred.
Additional Requirements
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S. or otherwise authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.