Senior Director, US Payer & Specialty Pharmacy

About Us

At AstraZeneca, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, where everyone’s talents and ideas are welcomed and valued. We believe that our diversity makes us a stronger, more innovative team, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Position Summary

The Senior Director, Payer Team, will lead and drive the development and maintenance of strategic relationships essential for achieving AstraZeneca's business objectives within national accounts. You will be accountable for ensuring AZ's sales and product access objectives are met across various account channels, including specialty pharmacies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and motivate a high-performing team to deliver results aligned with organizational goals.
• Cultivate direct relationships with senior leaders at key accounts to strengthen strategic partnerships.
• Engage and influence customers and stakeholders across the organization.
• Collaborate with external customers and internal functions, including AZ brand teams, to develop and implement patient service programs.
• Utilize data and analytics tools proficiently to monitor performance and enhance contracts and services with specialty pharmacies.
• Present, negotiate, and execute performance contracts with various trade channels to support AZ brands' supply and access.
• Effectively communicate clinical information in line with company policies, supporting the utilization of AZ brands.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Market Access, Sales, and Operations, to achieve business objectives and resolve national account-related issues.
• Understand the payer environment, including PBMs and payer-owned specialty pharmacies.

Required:

• A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced business or science degree is desirable.
• Proven success in leading customer teams.
• Comprehensive understanding of national account segments/channels, including payor, trade distribution networks, and specialty pharmacy providers.
• Extensive experience in national trade, distribution, retail, payer, and specialty account management.
• Background in sales, leadership, field reimbursement, and account management.
• Strong conceptual, analytical, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Knowledge of managed market dynamics and the competitive landscape.
• Skill in collaborating and influencing senior leaders and peers.
• Proficient in managing multiple concurrent work streams across diverse functions and therapeutic areas.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership in project management.
• Strong customer-facing and negotiation skills.
• Ability to travel across the US as needed.

Desired:

• Advanced business or science degree.
• Extensive managed care/market access experience.
• Experience in managing national PBM and health plan accounts, with proven negotiation skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the oncology and specialty care marketplace and reimbursement landscape.
• Understanding of financial concepts and contracting issues, including legal and best price implications.
• Experience in sales management and managed care within pharmaceutical companies or organizations.
• Master’s degree and brand P&L experience.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.