Job Description

Position Summary

The Director, Early Commercial Planning is responsible for supporting early-stage commercialization efforts, ensuring that Otsuka’s pipeline assets are positioned for long-term success. This role will focus on market assessment, competitive analysis, and early brand strategy development, working closely with R&D, business development, and commercial teams to shape evidence generation and pre-launch planning. The individual will also contribute to portfolio planning and business development assessments, ensuring that Otsuka makes data-driven investment decisions for pipeline assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Early Commercial Strategy Development: Support the development of commercialization strategies for pipeline assets, ensuring alignment with long-term CNS portfolio objectives. Partner with R&D and Global Marketing to ensure the US point of view and needs are incorporated. Serve as needed on relevant governance bodies and cross-functional asset teams (Early Development Teams, Global Brand Teams, etc.)
• Market Insights & Competitive Analysis: Conduct market research, forecast potential brand performance, and provide strategic recommendations based on competitive intelligence and customer insights.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, market access, medical affairs, and business development teams to shape evidence generation and prepare for future commercialization.
• Portfolio Planning Support: Assist in evaluating new product planning, pipeline prioritization, and business development opportunities to optimize Otsuka’s CNS portfolio.
• Pre-Launch Strategy & Readiness: Develop early positioning strategies, value propositions, and key differentiators to set the foundation for successful product launches.
• Business Development Support : Provide strategic input into commercial assessments for licensing and partnership opportunities, ensuring alignment with portfolio growth strategy.
• Travel is expected up to 25% of the time based on business need.

Qualifications & Key Competencies

• Top-tier MBA/Ph.D in Biology, Life Sciences or Medicine desirable
• 10+ years of experience in combination with consulting and early commercial planning, business development, orstrategic marketing in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry
• Ability to interpret and synthesize pre-clinical and clinical scientific data and identify broader implications for our programs and / or specific opportunities
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in neurology and/or neuropsych is preferred.
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle planning and early commercialization principles
• Experience in market forecasting, competitive analysis, and financial modeling
• Working knowledge of the pharmaceutical research and development process including clinical trial design and evidence generation concepts.
• Cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate with R&D, business development, and market access teams
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret data and develop strategic recommendations
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Experience working in a matrixed environment, managing multiple priorities and cross-functional initiatives

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