Executive Director, Head of Payer Account Management

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

📋 Description

• Develop and spearhead the enterprise payer account management strategy for Ionis’s portfolio.

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

• Build and utilize strategic relationships with payer accounts.

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

• Create account-specific engagement frameworks and supervise plans to enhance patient access and reimbursement.

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

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

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

• Anticipate emerging factors that could impact market position and commercial success; establish risk-mitigation strategies.

• Achieve the desired scope and quality of payer coverage aligned with the brand access strategy.

• Manage significant payer negotiations and contracting issues.

• Cultivate connections with customers and industry organizations.

• Reconcile stakeholder perspectives, address access challenges, and drive decisions that support the portfolio.

• Develop companywide policies, governance structures, 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 remove access barriers.

• Relay 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 compliance of activities with 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

• Valid U.S. driver's license and driving record that meets company standards.

• Bachelor’s degree is 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 with successful specialty product launches in the US.

• Familiarity with both Pharmacy and Medical Benefit products.

• Experience with rare diseases, orphan, or ultra-orphan products is highly desirable.

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

• Established credibility in accessing key decision-makers and influencers.

• Strong project management, presentation, and writing abilities.

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

• Demonstrated expertise in negotiation and contracting.

• Ability to create sound business rationales to influence external decision-makers.

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

• Clear, proactive, and effective communication across teams.

• Strong leadership, networking, and relationship-building capabilities.

• Ability to forge strong partnerships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Adherence to US Healthcare regulations, laws, and company policies.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Participation in the Learning Continuum.

• Involvement in DEI programs and initiatives.

• Remote work environment.

• Up to 50% travel required for in-person customer engagements.