Executive Director, Trade, Distribution, & Patient Services

Role Summary

The Executive Director, Trade, Distribution, and Patient Services is responsible for developing, leading, and executing the Distribution Channel and Patient Support Services strategy for Summit Therapeutics. This role covers strategy development and implementation, including product launch plans, and involves managing relationships with 3PL, specialty distributors, specialty pharmacies, and service provider partners. The role also leads the patient and provider support services program and the field reimbursement team, requiring deep expertise in trade and specialty distribution, account management, state licensure, patient and provider support services, and field reimbursement. Reports to the VP of Market Access.

Responsibilities

• Specialty Distribution Model: Design and execute a best-in-class specialty distribution model for Ivonescimab, ensuring seamless product access via 3PL, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacies
• Cross-Functional Planning: Collaborate across the organization to ensure timely product availability at launch
• Strategic Relationships: Establish and maintain strategic relationships with all channel partners
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with state licensure requirements for product distribution, maintaining up-to-date licenses and certifications. Oversee state licensure partners to ensure all licenses are filed and approved in time for launch.
• Patient and Provider Support: Develop and manage patient and provider support services, including reimbursement support, co-pay programs, and patient assistance programs (PAP) to facilitate access to oncology treatments
• Field Reimbursement: Lead field reimbursement efforts to support healthcare providers and patients in navigating insurance coverage and reimbursement processes
• Partner Management: Manage day-to-day relationships with channel partners and service providers, including performance management and reporting to ensure safe, effective, and efficient patient access
• Market Analysis: Monitor market trends, channel dynamics, and contract performance, leveraging data to optimize the overall trade, distribution, and patient support services strategy
• Operational Efficiency: Partner with Commercial, Market Access, Finance, Accounting, CMC, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Quality teams to optimize operational efficiencies and deliver consistent customer experience across all channel partners
• Reimbursement Strategies: Collaborate with Market Access, Finance, and Commercial teams to optimize reimbursement strategies and patient access programs
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all channel activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and procedures
• Adaptability: Work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, balancing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 12+ years of experience in trade, specialty distribution, patient support services and/or related roles within the biopharmaceutical industry
• Experience with buy and bill products and commercial launches (preferably, at least 2 successful launches); IV oncology experience is preferred
• Deep understanding of all U.S. oncology healthcare segments and the 3PL, Specialty distributor, and patient support services landscape
• Superior negotiation skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Proven track record of achieving and maintaining compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal, and operational rules
• Ability to travel to support business priorities as needed

Skills

• Strategic leadership
• Negotiation and relationship management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Regulatory and compliance awareness
• Market analysis and data-driven decision making

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare, or a related field; advanced degree preferred

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel to support business priorities as needed