Rare Disease Business Manager - Portland, ME

Role Summary

The Rare Disease Business Manager (RDBM) drives sales and territory growth for a rare neurological sleep-disorder product related to narcolepsy type 1. The role collaborates with regional leadership and cross-functional teams to educate healthcare providers and ensure patient access to a new therapeutic option after regulatory approval. Reporting to a Regional Business Leader, the RDBM supports a new product introduction, builds relationships with targeted HCPs and accounts within the territory, and generates demand through clinical education about the product, the orexin system, and narcolepsy type 1.

Responsibilities

• Drive results and sales execution to support a successful rare disease product introduction.
• Possess and communicate disease state and product knowledge to educate HCPs and drive demand.
• Drive sales strategy and execution after approval by implementing plans and using approved on-label materials to achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals; manage territory activities and contribute to diagnosis and treatment of NT1.
• Build and educate HCPs including sleep specialists, neurologists, pulmonologists, sleep centers and staff on disease state and approved Takeda orexin therapies.
• Analyze local, regional, and national trends; apply insights to tailor regional/local business strategies to market trends and customer needs.
• Demonstrate strong communication with specialty HCPs and accounts; use CRM to document account profiles, develop pre-call plans, and record post-call activities.
• Manage a territory budget in compliance with Takeda policies.
• Partner with internal teams (Patient Access, Market Access, Marketing) to align on strategies and tactics; collaborate with Sales and Marketing leadership; foster a collaborative culture of accountability and engagement.
• Adhere to Takeda’s compliance policies and demonstrate leadership and integrity by seeking clarification on compliance matters.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree – BS/BA.
• Required: 3+ years of successful selling experience in pharmaceutical, biotech or medical device and/or relevant clinical or industry experience; OR 2+ years of successful selling experience at Takeda.
• Required: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Required: Proven ability to navigate complex selling environment and influence across various decision makers in key accounts.
• Required: Strong business acumen and strategic planning skills to identify and execute on selling opportunities.
• Required: Demonstrated territory planning, strategic account management and prioritization skills; ability to interpret analytical data to create effective sales strategies.
• Required: Strong collaborative skills and ability to work within a matrix of cross-functional partners on behalf of the customers served.
• Required: Understanding of payer access and reimbursement at territory, regional, and state levels.
• Required: Adaptability to changing market conditions and customer needs.
• Required: Demonstrated learning agility with ability to develop and compliantly apply clinical expertise and selling skills.
• Required: Must reside within the territory or within close proximity to assigned geography.
• Preferred: 5+ years of pharmaceutical sales experience, preferably in rare disease or sleep disorders.
• Preferred: Sales experience with pharmaceutical or biologic products requiring coordination with patient access and market access teams.
• Preferred: Relevant clinical or industry experience.
• Preferred: Consultative / needs-based selling skills.
• Preferred: Experience working in a highly regulated marketplace.
• Preferred: Adept at leveraging emerging technologies, digital tools, and openness to AI-enabled processes.

Skills

• CRM usage to document account profiles, develop pre-call plans, and record post-call activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for discussions with HCPs and accounts.
• Ability to analyze market trends and apply data to strategic planning.
• Cross-functional collaboration with internal teams (Patient Access, Market Access, Marketing).
• Understanding of payer access and reimbursement processes at local/regional levels.

Additional Requirements

• Travel: Ability to drive and/or fly to accounts and occasional business meetings; some overnight travel of up to 25–50% may be required depending on geographic assignment.
• Training Requirements: Successful completion of mandatory product training including written and oral examinations; during training, non-exempt status with overtime eligibility; after training, exempt status and eligibility for sales incentive programs.