New Product Planning Associate Director - Biopharma
Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.
Summary
The New Product Planning (NPP) Associate Director - 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 role 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 (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 description
Essential Functions
- 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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- 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 & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum 8 years of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
- 3-5 years of 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.
Travel Requirements
Primarily remote role with periodic on-site meetings in office. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry
- 3-5 years of experience in commercial planning, new product planning, or related strategic roles
- Deep understanding of CNS/Neurology
- Working knowledge of other therapeutic areas, clinical development pathways, and payer/reimbursement considerations
- Demonstrated expertise developing detailed financial forecasts, TPPs and market opportunity assessments
- 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
- Ability to work across multiple geographies
- Experience in CNS/Neurology (Parkinson’s Disease, rare epilepsies such as PME or DEE, narcolepsy, retinitis pigmentosa) is strongly preferred
- Ability to develop relationships in the organization, active listening and influencing are strongly preferred
Benefits
- 401(k) plan
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Paid sick time
- Short incentive plan
Company overview
Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. (SMPA) is a science-based, technology-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering therapeutic and scientific breakthroughs in areas of critical patient need. Formed in July 2023 through the consolidation of Sumitomo Pharma's U.S. affiliate companies, SMPA represents the integrated North American operations of the Japanese pharmaceutical giant. The company operates across multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, urology, women's health, rare disease, cell and gene therapies, and central nervous system disorders. With a diverse portfolio that includes six marketed products and a robust pipeline of early- to late-stage assets, SMPA leverages proprietary advanced analytics and computational technology platforms to accelerate drug discovery and development. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, the company employs approximately 2,200 people and maintains a strong focus on maximizing the value of key products like ORGOVYX®, MYFEMBREE®, and GEMTESA® while advancing innovative treatments for unmet medical needs.