Director, Patient Access Launch Planning & Operations

We are seeking an experienced, strategic Director to lead Launch Planning and Operations within Patient Access. This role will drive key launch initiatives, elevate the patient experience, and optimize existing support programs. The Director will oversee cross-functional execution, ensure delivery of innovative, patient-centric solutions and manage and enhance the Patient Access service platform for optimal usability and performance/effectiveness reporting.

This leader will play a critical role in operationalizing Patient Access strategies—aligning processes and best practices with Rare Disease teams, strengthening data analytics and storytelling capabilities, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory guidelines. Ideal candidates bring strong operational leadership, a passion for improving patient journeys, and experience working alongside Patient Access leaders to help translate their strategic vision into scalable, effective programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide patient access leadership and support strategy development for patient access and support programs
• Provide a Patient Access POV acting as a SME in launch meetings and discussions in which Patient Access LT members cannot be present
• Oversee the appropriate review, development, and distribution of patient support program materials across various channels for both existing and new launch brands
• Collaborate with brand teams and matrix partners to design and implement patient-centric solutions and processes, enabling their ability to be measured
• Stay updated on reimbursement landscapes and disease states to ensure resources and materials remain up to date and relevant
• Manage assigned vendor spend in support of functional budget
• Partner with training teams to develop and implement patient experience training for internal and external teams
• Lead cross-functional efforts to align Patient Access with broader company objectives
• Oversee and manage related systems and tools; implement new strategies and technologies to evolve patient engagement and optimize outcomes
• Drive process improvements and efficiencies in both operational program architecture and technological platform functionality
• Ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations, HIPAA, and industry standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or related graduate-level degree preferred
• 10+ years of cross-functional and operational leadership experience in life sciences or healthcare industry
• Proven track record in managing support of complex patient support programs
• Experience influencing, building and managing CRM platforms, their data and resulting data stories
• Excellent analytical, operational, and strategic thinking skills
• Outstanding collaboration, stakeholder management, and communication abilities
• Proficiency in managing vendors and aligning them with organizational strategy
• Deep understanding of patient support offerings and payer markets
• Ability to navigate high-level conversations and influence senior leadership

Key Competencies

• Transformational leadership
• Intimate understanding of laws and regulations governing Patient Services activities within the industry
• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Cross-functional collaboration and influence
• Innovation and continuous improvement mindset
• Strong project and change management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Detail-oriented with a focus on operational excellence

#LI-Remote

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 $186,489.00 - Maximum $278,875.00, 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