Director, Operations

Job Profile Summary This position will be responsible for Specialty Operations at OAPI. The position will report to the Executive Director, Channel Strategy and Fulfillment. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Director of Specialty Operations to lead and oversee the operations for the launch of a new, ultra-orphan, specialty product. This role will be pivotal in building, optimizing, and managing all aspects of a highly integrated specialty operations model, while ensuring alignment with the product’s brand strategy. The Director will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Brand Marketing and Access Strategy, Data & Analytics, Sales, Patient Access, Key Account Management, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory, to integrate pharmacy operations seamlessly into the broader product launch strategy. Key Responsibilities Lead the development and execution of operational strategies for the launch of a new specialty product which will include specialty distribution, hub capabilities and pharmacy services, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and product goals. Develop a comprehensive specialty operations strategy, including processes for product distribution, buy-n-bill, dispensing, patient support programs, reimbursement, and logistics, to ensure a successful product launch. Act as the primary point of contact for all specialty model considerations during the launch phase, providing guidance to internal and external stakeholders. Support site-of-care coordination strategies that enable scalable therapy delivery, reimbursement readiness, and efficient operational execution. Lead operational planning related to medical benefit reimbursement, coding transitions, provider reimbursement readiness, and long-term reimbursement sustainability across institutional settings. Develop operational strategies that support longitudinal patient continuity as patients transition across payer types, care settings, and increasing disease complexity over time. Establish governance structures and escalation pathways across specialty pharmacy, specialty distribution, HUB services, institutional providers, and internal stakeholders to ensure aligned operational execution and patient visibility. Partner closely with Brand Marketing and Access Strategy to align marketing initiatives with specialty model considerations/operations, ensuring that the distributor/pharmacy component supports and enhances the overall product positioning and launch plans. Collaborate with Marketing and Patient Access teams to drive customer-centric programs and initiatives, such as educational materials, patient support, and engagement strategies. Work with Sales, Medical Affairs, Market Access, and Account Management teams to ensure smooth integration of pharmacy operations into product launch activities and delivery workflows. Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Compliance, Government Pricing, Finance, and Market Access to ensure operational support models align with applicable reimbursement, pricing, and compliance requirements. Partner with institutional providers and Centers of Excellence to support operational readiness, procurement coordination, reimbursement workflows, and treatment continuity across varying site-of-care models. Oversee the day-to-day operations of the specialty distribution network, ensuring compliance with regulations, industry standards, and best practices. Implement effective workflows for order processing, patient enrollment, care coordination, patient services and drug distribution to ensure high-quality, efficient service delivery. Identify and mitigate operational risks that may impact launch timelines or product performance. Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of specialty pharmacy operations, tracking launch success, patient outcomes, and service delivery metrics. Oversee development of operational dashboards and reporting capabilities related to patient progression, reimbursement status, treatment persistence, escalation management, and channel performance. Prepare regular performance reports and provide insights to senior leadership on progress toward operational and business goals. Lead quarterly business reviews/evaluations with all related vendors Lead, mentor, and develop a team, ensuring they are equipped to support the product launch and long-term business objectives. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, customer‑centricity, and operational excellence within the team. Qualifications Pharmacy Degree preferred Experience supporting ultra-rare, specialty, or medical benefit therapies with complex reimbursement and longitudinal patient management requirements Education: Bachelor's or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree required. MBA or related advanced degree preferred. Experience: 5-7 years of experience in specialty model development/operations, preferably having launched a product and managing direct reports. Proven experience in managing cross-functional teams, including Brand Marketing and Access Strategy, product management, and patient services. Deep knowledge of specialty operating models, medical benefit reimbursement, specialty distribution, specialty pharmacy, HUB services, buy-and-bill economics, and site-of-care delivery models, including operational considerations across outpatient and institutional settings. Demonstrated understanding of operational governance across multiple external vendors and institutional stakeholders preferred Skills & Competencies: Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare regulations, and patient‑centric programs. Proven track record of driving operational improvements and delivering results. Competencies Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change. Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long‑term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business. Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders. Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka. Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals. Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative. Minimum $186,489.00 - Maximum $278,875.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws. Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days. Company benefits: Comprehensive medical coverage Dental coverage Vision coverage Prescription drug coverage Company provided basic life insurance Accidental death & dismemberment insurance Short-term disability insurance Long-term disability insurance Tuition reimbursement Student loan assistance A generous 401(k) match Flexible time off Paid holidays Paid leave programs Other company provided benefits Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings; Join Our Talent Community: Stay connected with Otsuka by joining our Talent Community. Tell us about your interests, and we’ll notify you about future opportunities that align with your background. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a global healthcare company with the corporate philosophy: “Otsuka–people creating new products for better health worldwide.” In the U.S., Otsuka is comprised of two companies, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., that share a deep commitment to the development and commercialization of innovative products in the spaces of neuroscience, nephrology, and digital medicine. Driven by our purpose to defy limitation, so that others can too, we have an unwavering belief in doing more and transcending expectations. In going above and beyond—under any circumstances—for patients, families, providers, and for each other. It’s this deep‑rooted dedication that drives us to uncover answers to complex, underserved medical needs, so that patients can push past the limitations of their disease and achieve more than they thought was possible each and every day. OPDC and OAPI are indirect subsidiaries of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The Otsuka group of companies employed 34,400 people worldwide and had consolidated sales of approximately USD 14.2 billion in 2023. We invite you to explore our open positions for an opportunity to join our 2,200 colleagues in the U.S. whose passion for our mission and pride in our company has earned us certification as a Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute. Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr