Director, Early Commercial Planning

Position Summary

The Director, Early Commercial Planning is responsible for supporting early-stage commercialization efforts, ensuring that Otsuka’s pipeline assets are positioned for long-term success. This role will focus on market assessment, competitive analysis, and early brand strategy development, working closely with R&D, business development, and commercial teams to shape evidence generation and pre-launch planning. The individual will also contribute to portfolio planning and business development assessments, ensuring that Otsuka makes data-driven investment decisions for pipeline assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Early Commercial Strategy Development: Support the development of commercialization strategies for pipeline assets, ensuring alignment with long-term CNS portfolio objectives.  Partner with R&D and Global Marketing to ensure the US point of view and needs are incorporated.  Serve as needed on relevant governance bodies and cross-functional asset teams (Early Development Teams, Global Brand Teams, etc.)
• Market Insights & Competitive Analysis: Conduct market research, forecast potential brand performance, and provide strategic recommendations based on competitive intelligence and customer insights.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, market access, medical affairs, and business development teams to shape evidence generation and prepare for future commercialization.
• Portfolio Planning Support: Assist in evaluating new product planning, pipeline prioritization, and business development opportunities to optimize Otsuka’s CNS portfolio.
• Pre-Launch Strategy & Readiness: Develop early positioning strategies, value propositions, and key differentiators to set the foundation for successful product launches.
• Business Development Support: Provide strategic input into commercial assessments for licensing and partnership opportunities, ensuring alignment with portfolio growth strategy.

Qualifications & Key Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred
• 6+ years of experience in early commercial planning, business development, or strategic marketing in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in CNS and/or Neurology is preferred.
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle planning and early commercialization principles
• Experience in market forecasting, competitive analysis, and financial modeling
• Working knowledge of the pharmaceutical research and development process including clinical trial design and evidence generation concepts.
• Cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate with R&D, business development, and market access teams
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret data and develop strategic recommendations
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Experience working in a matrixed environment, managing multiple priorities and cross-functional initiatives

Competencies
Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Minimum $183,335.00 - Maximum $274,160.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Company benefits:  Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings; https://www.otsuka-us.com/careers-join-otsuka.

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