Commercial Lead, Narcolepsy

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Job Description

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

With around 30,000 people working in approximately 70 countries, Takeda is truly a global partner for better health. Takeda is dedicated to pharmaceutical innovation and tackling diseases for which there is currently no cure. We are expanding continuously into new fields of treatment and therapy. By always putting people first, we empower employees so everyone can develop to his or her full potential. We are looking for colleagues with the right skills and experience to support us in our mission to create better health for people and a brighter future for the world.

ROLE OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this role is to plan for and execute a best-in-class launch of Takeda’s Narcolepsy asset and its associated services, in line with the company’s goals, by driving and consolidating the pre-launch plans with the relevant functions as well reporting on their execution to set the foundation for a successful commercial launch. The purpose is also to ensure the asset enters the market optimally positioned for adoption, aligned with patients and stakeholders needs and supported by a robust organizational readiness.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can inspire others, focus on key priorities, and elevate organizational capabilities in line with Takeda's Leadership Behaviours. 

SCOPE

• Launch readiness: L-24

• Consolidate the integrated pre-launch plan and coordinate its execution by working with the cross-functional teams to ensure a robust market and customer understanding, identifying access and reimbursement pathways, align with medical and access on plans to interact with stakeholders to capture their insights and incorporate them in the brand strategy, developing brand value proposition and ensuring forecasting are aligned with the company’s goals.

• Mapping the target audience and sizing the sales force

• Work with DD&T to make sure Digital GtM model is fully integrated in the launch plan

• Coordinate and align local plans with Global guidelines (collaboration with MCE)

• Facilitate communication between cross functional teams to ensure alignment and address any issues promptly.

• Successful commercial launch:

• Lead the planning and execution of the commercial launch strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

• Monitor market trends and competitor activities, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve competitive advantage and shaping the market in preparation for launch.

• Coordinate cross-functional teams’ efforts for launch readiness, including marketing, sales, supply chain, access, regulatory, and medical affairs to ensure seamless execution.

• Develop and manage project timelines, ensuring milestones are met on schedule.

• Proposes and oversees sales targets, investments, budget planning and management, ensuring cost-effective use of resources, profitability and ROI according to company expectation.

• Prepare and present progress reports to senior management, highlighting key achievements and areas for improvement.

• Ensure training and support for sales and marketing teams to effectively promote the product.

• Responsible for KOL commercial engagement strategy and execution, including leading commercial ad boards and engagement at congress/ events.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging feedback and data to optimize launch processes.

• Performs these responsibilities within the framework of corporate policies, procedures, and objectives and within applicable Canadian laws and regulations.

Keyaccountabilities

Pre-Launch Preparation and Execution

• Coordinate cross-functional launch readiness, monitoring progress, removing roadblocks, and ensuring subject matter experts lead their respective areas.

• Co-develop and consolidate pre-launch campaigns, go-to-market plans, including Digital GTM model, branding, messaging, and channel strategies to build anticipation and awareness.

• Collaborate with MCE and other teams to ensure alignment between product features, marketing initiatives, and audience needs.

Strategic and Tactical Planning

• Develop and lead a comprehensive marketing strategy and roadmap for the product launch, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and audience insights to define unique selling propositions, target customer segments, and strategic opportunities.

• Create integrated strategic brand plans that optimize portfolio assets and incorporate lifecycle management to enable long-term growth in the Canadian market.

• Leverage market research, stakeholder insights, and external trends to strengthen product positioning, maximize performance, and maintain a leadership position.

Cross-Functional and External Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Communications, Regulatory, Medical Affairs, PAV/GEA, DDT teams to execute marketing strategies effectively.

• Partner with external agencies and vendors for creative development, media planning, and activation.

• Build and nurture productive relationships with key stakeholders, including KOLs, and actively shape the product experience and market conditions for launch success and growth.

Execution and Monitoring

• Develop marketing programs and materials, integrating digital initiatives to boost engagement and execution effectiveness.

• Anticipate stakeholder and market trends, identifying brand opportunities and risks, and implement innovative strategies to drive competitive advantage.

• Lead execution of strategic competitive response by liaising with customer-facing teams and providing cross-functional support.

Financial and Operational Leadership

• Collaborate with Business Intelligence and Finance to develop aligned forecasts and financial plans.

• Oversee cross-functional OPEX and marketing budgets, tracking investments, identifying deviations, and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure optimal financial stewardship.

• Ensure field budgets are allocated effectively to drive results.

Corporate Values and Compliance

• Uphold Takeda’s Code of Conduct, values, and decision-making framework based on Patient, Trust, Reputation, and Business considerations.

• Ensure all activities adhere to applicable laws, industry codes, and corporate policies.

SKILLS and LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

• Ability to lead cross functional teams.

• Strategic thinking, planning and execution with strong analytical skills.

• Strong project management skills.

• Financial acumen with expertise in P&L management.

• Strong ability to collaborate and innovate.

• Ability to generate new solutions & develop creative marketing approaches.

• Solid awareness of business issues, processes & outcomes as they impact company’s strategic direction.

• Ability to influence others to a desired mutually beneficial outcome.

• Agility and growth mindset.

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.

Digital Competencies

• Data-driven decision making: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to make informed decisions and drive business outcomes. 

• Knowledge of the digital marketing trends, including but not limited to Omni Channel and personalized omni channel campaigns.

• Digital collaboration: Experience working effectively with colleagues in virtual or remote settings, utilizing digital collaboration tools, incl. MS Teams. 

• Digital fluency: Proficiency in leveraging digital tools, platforms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies (incl. MS Office suite) to communicate with impact and perform tasks efficiently and effectively. 

• Learning and Innovation: Dedication to lead by example through intentional skill development, experimentation and fostering a culture of digital curiosity within the organization. 

• Trust & Security: Understanding of cybersecurity threats and best practices to protect sensitive information and systems. 

• Communication: Excellent digital communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders. 

• Transformation: Prior experience in driving digital transformation initiatives, showcasing a strategic mindset towards technology innovation and integration with daily work practices. 

Preferred Experience and Education

• Bachelors in health science related discipline and/or Business Administration; MSc in Health Sciences, or MBA an asset.

• Minimum of 5 years of pharmaceutical experience, including 3 years in Product Management and or new product launch.  Previous pharmaceutical sales management experience is an asset.

• Product Launch experience in pharmaceutical industry.

• Experience in Rare Disease is an asset.

• Understanding of the Canadian public reimbursement environment is an asset.

• Bilinguism (English/French) is an asset

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a head-office based position in Toronto, Canada.

• Willingness to travel to various meetings or client sites, including overnight trips. Some international travel may be required.

Takeda Canada encourages applications from all qualified candidates. In accordance with our accommodation policies and applicable provincial accessibility legislation, please advise us if you need accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process. Any information you provide relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

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