Executive Director – Head of Payer Account Management

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Develop and steer the enterprise payer account management strategy across Ionis’s portfolio.

• Convert company and US Market Access priorities into long-term objectives, operational plans, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Build and utilize strategic payer account relationships and convey the value propositions of launch products.

• Set standards for conveying clinical and economic product value to payers, formulary committees, and external decision-makers.

• Create account-specific engagement frameworks and supervise initiatives that enhance patient access and reimbursement.

• Lead and advance the Payer Account Management function through subordinate directors and managers.

• Oversee account plans during pre-launch, launch, and post-launch phases.

• Provide counsel to executive management regarding payer, policy, channel, economic, and competitive dynamics.

• Predict market influences and devise proactive strategies and risk mitigation plans.

• Ensure the desired breadth and quality of payer coverage align with the brand access strategy.

• Lead critical payer negotiations and contracting processes.

• Foster relationships with target-account customers and industry organizations.

• Reconcile stakeholder viewpoints, resolve access challenges, and promote portfolio-supporting decisions.

• Establish enterprise-wide policies, governance frameworks, and operational practices for payer engagement, account planning, contracting, communications, and performance measurement.

• Collaborate with Sales, Field Access, Medical Affairs, Nurse Educators, and other field teams to identify and address access barriers.

• Communicate payer criteria, terms, and market trends to field teams, commercial teams, and leadership.

• Manage strategic advisors and vendors, including their selection, contracting, SOPs, reporting, and budgets.

• Ensure adherence to US healthcare regulations, laws, and company policies.

• Contribute to Ionis Learning Continuum and DEI programs and initiatives.

• Travel up to 50% for in-person customer engagements.

⛳️ Requirements

• A valid U.S. driver's license and a driving record that meets company standards.

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA is strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 18 years of experience in the biotech/pharma industry.

• At least 8 years of direct experience in payer account management.

• Proven experience in successfully launching specialty products in the US.

• Familiarity with both Pharmacy and Medical Benefit products.

• Knowledge of rare disease, orphan, or ultra-orphan products is highly desirable.

• Experience leading and developing leaders and multidisciplinary teams, including through subordinate directors or managers.

• Established credibility in gaining access to key decision-makers and influencers.

• Strong project management, presentation, and writing skills.

• Proactive and effective communication abilities.

• Exceptional skills in customer business planning, tactical planning, and execution.

• Demonstrated negotiation and contracting expertise.

• Capability to formulate sound business rationale to influence external decision-makers.

• Strong financial, analytical, and account management skills, with the ability to manage and evaluate results/performance.

• Skills in leadership, networking, relationship-building, and stakeholder partnerships.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Details of benefits available via Ionis Benefits link.

• Flexible remote work environment.

• Contribution to Ionis Learning Continuum.

• Participation in DEI programs and initiatives.