Vice President, Commercial Operations and Strategy (Ann Arbor)

Company OverviewOur Mission: At Esperion, we are working tirelessly to deliver innovative medicines that help patients reach their goals today, tomorrow, and into the future. Esperion is a fully remote based company with a corporate headquarters located in Ann Arbor, MI. The Company offers a competitive salary including a performance-based bonus program and stock-based compensation, a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) matching plan and health insurance, and paid time off and holidays.Position Title: VP, Commercial Operations & StrategyThe VP, Commercial Operations & Strategy is a senior commercial leader responsible for building and leading a scalable commercial operating model that enables strong execution, disciplined decision‑making, and continuous performance improvement across the commercial organization.This role reports to the Chief Commercial Officer and is a member of the Commercial Leadership Team. The VP will lead core commercial enablement functions, including Commercial Analytics & Insights, Sales Training & Leadership Development, Sales Operations, Incentive Compensation, Targeting & Deployment, and Commercial Effectiveness.The role requires strong executive presence, the ability to operate effectively in a lean and fast‑moving environment, and a balance of strategic leadership with hands‑on execution.Commercial Analytics, Insights & Decision Support Lead a newly created Commercial Analytics function, setting strategy, priorities, and ways of working to ensure timely, actionable insights that inform commercial and enterprise decisions.Serve as the primary owner of commercial decision support for the CCO and Commercial Leadership Team, translating complex data into clear recommendations on growth opportunities, risks, and trade‑offs.Own the commercial data and analytics strategy, including evaluation, integration, and governance of internal and external data sources (e.g., CRM, claims, prescription, payer, promotional, and field activity data).Establish and evolve a scalable analytics framework that supports performance management, scenario planning, and long‑range strategic decision‑making.Ensure analytical rigor, data consistency, and clear interpretation of insights across Sales, Marketing, Market Access, and Finance.Enable a single‑source‑of‑truth mindset for commercial performance reporting and executive readouts.Sales Force Size, Structure & Commercial EffectivenessDesign, assess, and continuously optimize sales force size, structure, and deployment models based on demand drivers, productivity, coverage needs, and portfolio evolution.Lead segmentation, targeting, and alignment strategies in partnership with Sales and Marketing to ensure efficient and effective field resource deployment.Define and monitor key commercial effectiveness metrics (e.g., reach, frequency, call quality, territory productivity) and identify opportunities to improve impact and efficiency.Lead post‑launch and post‑initiative effectiveness assessments to inform future investment and resource allocation decisions.Foster a culture of disciplined measurement, ROI thinking, and continuous improvement across the commercial organization.Commercial Operations & Sales OperationsOwn the commercial operating cadence, including performance reviews, business reviews, and executive‑level reporting that drive accountability and decision‑making.Partner closely with Finance to support annual planning, budgeting, latest estimates, and performance variance analyses for commercial leadership.Provide leadership for sales incentive compensation strategy, design, and execution, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, compliance requirements, and enterprise objectives.Oversee territory alignment operations, CRM, and field enablement processes, ensuring usability, adoption, and high‑quality data.Lead sales communications processes and manage the integrated Commercial Calendar (e.g., sales meetings, conventions, strategic reviews).Ensure strong operational discipline, governance, and coordination across commercial vendors and partners.Sales Training & Leadership Development Lead the Sales Training and Leadership Development function, setting strategy and direction aligned to brand priorities, field needs, and organizational capabilities.Partner with Sales Leadership and Marketing to design and deliver onboarding and ongoing training programs for field and internal commercial teams.Oversee development of training curricula across product/market knowledge, selling skills, customer engagement models, and leadership capabilities.Ensure training approaches evolve with changes in strategy, portfolio, and market dynamics.Champion consistent execution, capability building, and professional development across the commercial organization.Leadership ExpectationsLead and develop high‑performing Analytics and Training teams, setting clear priorities, development plans, and performance expectations.Operate effectively in a remote, matrixed environment, influencing across functions and levels.Quickly assess organizational dynamics and establish credibility as a trusted advisor to commercial and enterprise leadership.Balance strategic thinking with tactical execution, particularly in a lean organization.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred with 20+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry in a variety of commercial roles of increasing scope and responsibility, including deep expertise in Commercial Operations, Analytics, and/or Sales Operations.Demonstrated experience leading Commercial Operations, Analytics and/or Training functions and supporting senior leadership decision‑making.Strong strategic mindset with the ability to translate strategy into practical, scalable execution.Proven ability to lead through complexity, manage multiple priorities, and influence in a matrix environment.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to synthesize data into clear executive‑level narratives.Track record of building a performance‑driven, growth‑oriented culture.