Commercial Learning & Development Director

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies and CNS. With several marketed products and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage investigational assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website https://www.us.sumitomo-pharma.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

The Commercial Learning & Development Director is responsible for building applied commercial capability and improving field performance through practical, role-relevant learning experiences across the client facing organization. This role focuses on how commercial leaders execute the business, translating strategy into action through field ready-skills, decision making, and behaviors that drive measurable business impact.

This role focuses on functional commercial capability building (e.g., sales execution, business acumen, account management, and field leadership in role), applied field execution and enablement solutions.

The Director designs and delivers a blend of live, virtual, and experiential learning solutions, continuously assessing commercial capabilities and evolving programs to ensure learning directly supports business priorities, field readiness and organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Commercial Learning and Development owner for field-specific application and commercial capability development, aligned with enterprise leadership standards.
• Collaborate on the strategy, design, and evolution of commercial field leader and leadership development programs in partnership with HR Learning & Organizational Development. Actively lead and execute specific segments as required.
• Translate commercial priorities and field capability gaps into targeted, role-specific development pathways and learning experiences.
• Align learning solutions to Commercial L&D and HR leadership frameworks and standards.
• Design learning solutions that move beyond knowledge transfer to field execution, performance improvement, and observable behavior change in role.
• Co-create clear learning journeys that support learners at every stage of development.
• Develop programs that equip leaders to think beyond activity management and operate as business leaders.
• Build commercial leaders’ capability in business planning, financial acumen, and strategic decision-making.
• Reinforce enterprise mindset and cross-functional thinking through commercial decision-making and execution.
• Maintain a clear point of view on capability priorities (e.g., coaching, communication, performance, business acumen, development)
• Leverage innovative learning approaches, digital tools, and experiential methods.
• Define and own metrics to assess learning effectiveness and business impact

Assessment, Measurement and Continuous Improvement:

• Conduct ongoing needs assessments using feedback, performance insights, and stakeholder input.
• Define and apply methods to evaluate program effectiveness (e.g., adoption, confidence, behavior change, effectiveness and performance impact).
• Use data and qualitative insights to continuously improve learning experiences and outcomes.

Additional Scope of Role:

• Advanced Sales Learning & Development initiatives
• Account management training
• Commercial business acumen development
• Strategic business planning capability building

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 – 15 years (w/o Masters) or 8 – 12 years (with Master’s) of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry, with significant experience in sales leadership, sales training, and/or leadership development.
• Must have 5+ years of field sales leadership experience
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing people and enabling leader performance.
• Proven track record designing and delivering applied commercial and leader capability development programs (virtual, live, and blended).
• Strong facilitation capability with executive presence and the ability to engage and influence field leaders.
• Highly organized, results-driven, and comfortable managing multiple initiatives in a matrixed environment.

The base salary range for this role is $188,800 to $236,000. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state. Our robust time-off policy includes unlimited paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter. Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential.

Compliance: Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.