Director/Sr. Director, Trade

Position Title: Director/Sr. Director, Trade

Status: Exempt

Department: Commercial

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Sales, Commercial Operations & Market Access

Purpose

Reporting to the SVP, Sales, Commercial Operations & Market Access, the Director or Sr. Director, Trade leads the trade and distribution strategy for cytisinicline, Achieve Life Sciences’ lead product candidate for the treatment of nicotine dependence. The role owns the channel strategy, distributor and wholesaler relationships, and trade contracting that ensure reliable product availability and patient access across the U.S. market.

As a key member of the Commercial team, this individual builds the distribution infrastructure, partner relationships, and contracting frameworks required to support the Company through pre-launch, launch, and post-launch phases — ensuring cytisinicline reaches patients through wholesalers, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacies with the service levels, data flow, and compliance the launch requires.

Essential Responsibilities

Channel and Distribution Strategy

• Creating and executing a comprehensive channel strategy for cytisinicline, contracting with distribution partners to ensure optimal product availability and patient access while achieving targeted market penetration.
• Supporting the design and implementation of the trade and distribution components of the launch roadmap, including channel planning and tactical execution.
• Monitoring policy and distribution landscape changes relevant to trade, advising leadership on trends and dynamics that impact distribution strategy.

Trade Contracting and Partner Management

• Leading negotiations with distribution partners for pricing, data, and service contracts, ensuring alignment with company goals, market penetration, and patient access requirements.
• Defining and tracking key performance indicators for trade partners, ensuring compliance with service standards and consistent patient accessibility.
• Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with wholesalers, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacies to ensure reliable supply and service.

Patient Access and Compliance

• Partnering on the development and management of patient support programs, including specialty pharmacy and hub services, ensuring alignment with trade strategy and distribution operations.
• Collaborating with Legal and Compliance to maintain adherence to regulatory standards and corporate policies across all trade activities.

Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Partnership

• Leading and developing trade operations talent, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Partnering with Commercial Operations to optimize data flows and track key metrics, leveraging insights to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement within the channel strategy.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in science, business, or a related discipline; an advanced degree such as an MBA is preferred.
• At least 8 years of trade, distribution, or related commercial experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including a minimum of 3 years in oncology or other specialty therapeutic area with expertise in channel strategy and distributor contracting.
• Knowledge of the U.S. specialty distribution landscape, including wholesalers, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacy channels.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading trade and distribution operations for a U.S. specialty pharmaceutical or biotech product launch.

Key Competencies

• Trade and Distribution Expertise: Proven experience developing and executing channel and distribution strategy in support of a specialty product launch.
• Contract Negotiation: Strong track record negotiating distribution and service contracts with trade partners.
• Cross-Functional Credibility: Earns influence with Commercial Operations, Market Access, and Finance through reliable data and strong business logic.
• Ownership Mindset: Takes initiative, drives matters to completion, and holds self and team accountable to outcomes.
• People Leadership: Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent, fostering a collaborative and high-impact team culture.
• Adaptability and Agility: Comfortable operating in an agile, fast-paced, small-company environment, with the flexibility to adapt quickly to evolving market needs.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $240,000–$285,000 annually. This range represents a good-faith estimate of what Achieve reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of hire. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. This position is also eligible for an annual target bonus and equity compensation as determined by the Company’s compensation committee.

Benefits

Achieve offers a comprehensive benefits package, which currently includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan; company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage; paid time off, and paid company holidays.

Location & Travel

This is a remote position. Candidates may reside anywhere in the United States. This role requires travel of approximately 25% for trade partner meetings, industry conferences, and company meetings.

About Achieve Life Sciences

At Achieve, we are committed to bringing medicines forward that contribute to a healthier world. Achieve is a specialty pharmaceutical company committed to advancing cytisinicline as a widely available treatment option to help people battling nicotine dependence.

If you enjoy working in a dynamic team environment and are passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply. We strive to attract, develop, and retain highly qualified individuals representing the diverse communities we serve.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Achieve Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact hr@achievelifesciences.com.