New Product Planning Director, Biopharma (Topeka)

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.

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Job Overview

The Director of New Product Planning (NPP) – Biopharma reports to the Executive Director, R&D Strategy and New Product Planning, and plays a critical strategic role at the interface of R&D and Commercial. This leader provides forward‑looking strategies, market positioning, and strategic commercial guidance to shape the development of early‑stage and mid‑stage assets, with a particular focus on U.S. markets. Biopharma assets include programs in multiple Therapeutic Areas (but with an initial focus on CNS/Neurology) and across multiple modalities. The role ensures pipeline programs are positioned for clinical, regulatory, and commercial success, while helping the organization make informed investment and portfolio decisions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead commercial strategy for all CNS pipeline programs, partnering closely with R&D to shape Target Product Profiles and development plans.
• Develop and assess market landscapes , including patient segments, treatment paradigms, and competitive pipelines, to inform asset and portfolio decisions.
• Develop commercial forecasts and scenario analysis to support valuation, prioritization, and investment cases.
• Provide strategic input on clinical trial design, evidence generation, and regulatory strategy to optimize future market access and differentiation.
• Generate insights from proactive monitoring of competitive landscape and market developments to guide strategic recommendations.
• Support annual portfolio prioritization process by providing an objective commercial perspective on global R&D CNS programs.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally across Clinical, Regulatory, Medical, HEOR, and Finance to integrate commercial perspectives into drug development.
• Support early brand development , including value propositions, positioning concepts, and go‑to‑market considerations.
• Contribute to business development assessments with commercial evaluations of external assets.

Key Core Competencies

• Deep understanding of CNS/Neurology, with working knowledge of other therapeutic areas, clinical development pathways, and payer/reimbursement considerations.
• Demonstrated expertise developing detailed financial forecasts, TPPs and market opportunity assessments.
• Ability to develop relationships in the organization, active listening and influencing are strongly preferred.
• Ability to work across multiple geographies.
• Strong strategic thinking and structured problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to translate data and scientific insights into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling abilities.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity, fast‑paced environments, and matrixed organizations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry. Master's degree is preferred.
• Prior experience in commercial planning, new product planning, or related strategic roles within biotechnology/pharmaceutical companies and/or consulting.
• Therapeutic Area: Experience in CNS/Neurology (Parkinson's Disease, rare epilepsies such as PME or DEE, narcolepsy, retinitis pigmentosa) is strongly preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Base salary range: $197,400.00 – $246,800.00. 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 in line with your work state. Our robust time‑off policy includes flexible 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.

Other Requirements

Travel Requirements: Primarily remote role with periodic on‑site meetings in office. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Drug Screening Requirements: Applicants for sales/field, manufacturing, or other designated roles will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Accommodation Contact

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