Executive Director, Head of Payer Account Management

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We’re pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs.  With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees. 

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive. 

We’re building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you’re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HEAD OF PAYER ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

SUMMARY:

The Executive Director, Head of Payer Account Management, will play a critical role in Ionis’s evolution into a fully integrated biotechnology organization by building the capabilities needed to enable patient access to Ionis’s innovative products. This leader will establish the vision, strategy, operating model, and multiyear direction for the Payer Account Management function across Ionis’s current and future portfolio, including comprehensive engagement strategies and tactical plans to establish payer coverage and remove reimbursement barriers for launch products. Key customers include national commercial and government payers, key regional payers, Pharmacy Benefit Managers, Group Purchasing Organizations and other influential access stakeholders.

The Executive Director will translate broader company and US Market Access priorities into multifunctional objectives and provide access-related strategic direction. The role will also serve as a strategic advisor to executive management, anticipating payer and market dynamics that may influence Ionis’s access strategy, market position, and long-term commercial performance.  The Head of Payer Accounts is accountable for overall payer coverage decisions which contribute to top-line sales growth across our portfolio.

WORK LOCATION: Remote

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The ideal candidate will:

• Establish and lead the enterprise payer account management strategy across Ionis’s portfolio, translating company and US Market Access priorities into multiyear objectives, operating plans, and measurable outcomes across multiple functions.
• Leverage existing, and/or establish relationships, at strategic payer accounts to create and communicate the value proposition of launch products.
• Establish the strategic direction and standards for communicating the clinical and economic value of Ionis products to payers, formulary committees, and other external decision-makers.
• Set the strategic framework for account-specific engagement and oversee the development and execution of plans that maximize patient access and reimbursement across the portfolio
• Lead and develop the Payer Account Management function through subordinate directors and managers, establishing organizational capabilities, leadership expectations, and accountability for successful execution across assigned areas
• Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive account plans across pre-launch, launch, and post-launch stages, ensuring alignment with broader portfolio and company objectives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive management by evaluating complex payer, policy, channel, economic, and competitive dynamics; framing critical business tradeoffs; and influencing decisions that shape access strategy, portfolio priorities, and broader company direction.
• Anticipate emerging payer, regulatory, economic, and competitive factors that could affect Ionis’s market position and long-term commercial success, and establish proactive strategies and risk-mitigation plans.”
• Be accountable for securing desired breadth and quality of coverage aligned with brand access strategy within targeted access accounts in a timely manner for products.
• Lead the organization’s most significant payer negotiations and contracting matters, balancing patient access, financial impact, compliance considerations, and long-term company objectives
• Cultivate and leverage an expansive network of relationships with key customers within target accounts and industry organizations.
• Reconcile differing stakeholder perspectives and priorities to establish cohesive direction, resolve critical access issues, and drive decisions that support company and portfolio goals
• Establish and implement companywide policies, governance frameworks, and operating practices for payer engagement, payer account planning, contracting, customer communication, and performance measurement, in partnership with Legal, Compliance, Finance, and other relevant functions.
• Collaborate with field teams (Sales, Field Access, Medical Affairs, Nurse Educators, etc.) to identify any access barriers and partner with colleagues to mitigate.
• Proactively communicate payer criteria and terms to relevant field teams and share relevant market trends with the commercial team and leadership.
• Manage strategic advisors and vendors, including vendor recommendation and selection, contracting, SOP development, reporting requirements and budgets as necessary.
• Ensure all activities are consistent with all US Healthcare regulations, laws, and company policies and upholds behaviors that are in alignment with Ionis’ Culture and Core Principles
• Contribute to the Ionis Learning Continuum, and DEI programs and initiatives.
• Up to 50% Travel as required for live in-person customer engagements.

 REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid U.S. driver's license and driving record in compliance with company standards
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA strongly preferred.
• At least 18 years of biotech/pharma experience with at least 8 years of direct experience in payer account management.
• Successful specialty product launch experience in the US is required.
• Experience with both Pharmacy and Medical Benefit products, with knowledge of rare disease, orphan, or ultra-orphan product experience highly desirable.
• Experience leading and developing leaders and multidisciplinary teams, including leadership through subordinate directors or managers, is required. 
• Proven credibility in gaining access to key decision makers and influencers.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong project management, presentation, and writing skills. Communicates proactively and effectively.
• Exceptional customer business planning, tactical planning, and successful execution skills.
• Demonstrated negotiation and contracting skills
• Ability to develop sound business rationale to influence external decision makers.
• Strong financial, analytical, account management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage and measure results/performance.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented professional with strong project management, presentation, and writing skills. Communicates clearly, proactively, and effectively across teams.
• Collaborative and self-motivated team player with demonstrated leadership, networking, and relationship-building skills. Builds strong partnerships and works effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Please visit our website, http://www.ionis.com for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position; reference requisition # IONIS004122

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits

Full Benefits Link: https://ionis.com/careers#:~:text=Highly%20competitive%20benefits

The pay scale for this position is $227,000 to $295,000

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

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