Sr Director, Brand Lead - Rare Disease

We are seeking a Rare Disease Brand Lead to drive strategic initiatives and prepare the rare disease market for successful product launches. This highly visible role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the rare disease landscape and the ability to collaborate across multiple functions to drive meaningful change. The Lead will assess market dynamics, develop targeted strategies, and work with both internal and external stakeholders to overcome barriers and enable successful commercialization at our top 10 pharma client.

Key Responsibilities

Address Rare Disease Market Challenges

• Analyze the rare disease landscape and identify key barriers to treatment, including limited reimbursement, healthcare disparities, and community distrust.

• Develop and execute innovative strategies to overcome ecosystem obstacles and foster launch readiness.

• Collaborate with patient advocacy groups and medical communities to establish referral pathways, increase disease awareness, and support genetic counseling.

• Shape the market ahead of product launches by addressing policy changes, raising awareness, and improving patient access.

• Lead initiatives aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and overall quality of life for patients with rare diseases.

• Develop targeted messaging and educational materials to support healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating rare diseases.

• Monitor industry developments and market trends to refine strategic plans and adjust tactics as needed.

Build Cross-Functional Alignment

• Partner with internal teams (Market Access, Public Affairs, Medical, Commercial, and Regulatory) to develop and align on strategic goals.

• Establish future-focused objectives to drive research, enhance patient outcomes, and overcome market access barriers.

• Foster a collaborative and aligned approach across functions to ensure consistent and coordinated execution of strategic initiatives.

Ensure Market Readiness

• Develop market preparation strategies to mitigate risks and support successful product launches.

• Engage with community organizations, healthcare providers, and industry partners to establish a supportive ecosystem for new treatments.

• Implement and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure ecosystem readiness and market acceptance.

• Ensure alignment of pre-launch and post-launch strategies to drive market adoption and sustained success.

Team Development and Leadership

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team, ensuring direct reports have clear development plans and growth opportunities.

• Provide regular feedback and coaching to support team members’ professional development and accountability.

• Build a culture of excellence and strategic focus within the team.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive sales and brand management/marketing experience within the pharmaceutical industry.

• Experience in rare diseases or complex therapeutic areas strongly preferred.

• Proven track record in new product planning and market development.

• Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical marketplace, including medical, regulatory, and clinical processes.

• Demonstrated success in cross-functional leadership and strategic planning.

• Prior management experience with a focus on talent development and team performance.

• Excellent organizational and analytical skills with a high attention to detail.