Sr. Director, Contract Strategy Implementation (Payer/PBM)
Roche
Summary
This role is a valuable part of our Contract Strategy Implementation (CSI) team within Channel & Contract Management (CCM), which is committed to ensuring patient access to our medicines by executing strategic managed care commitments. As a member of this team, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders to shape, set up, and manage end-to-end contracting operations across diverse customer segments. Your work directly drives operational excellence, compliance, and sustainable business solutions in alignment with broader market access strategies.
Job description
The Opportunity
The Sr. Director, Contract Strategy Implementation (Payer/PBM) serves as a strategic leader responsible for directing a high-performing team in the development, negotiation, and operationalization of innovative market access and contracting strategies across prioritized customer segments. In this role, you will bridge broad business vision with seamless operational execution to optimize portfolio access, enhance revenue protection, and drive cross-functional alignment. Furthermore, you will champion operational excellence by identifying and executing opportunities to leverage AI, automation, and emerging technologies to evolve contract operations and streamline processes across a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment.
- Lead the end-to-end strategy, planning, and execution of customer segment contracting initiatives across all lines of business in the U.S. market.
- Coach, empower, and develop a diverse team of professionals while overseeing resourcing, budget allocation, and day-to-day segment operations.
- Partner with cross-functional leaders in Customer Engagement, Squads, and PAA to translate complex market insights into sustainable, compliant contracting solutions.
- Direct customer-facing contract negotiations, interpretation, operationalization, and dispute management for all aligned priority segment agreements.
- Drive continuous improvement by leveraging technology, data capabilities, and operational efficiencies to track contract performance and streamline processes.
- Serve as a key member of the Channel & Contract Management (CCM) leadership team to shape organizational strategy, establish best practices, and anticipate market trends.
Who You Are
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required (general business, managed healthcare, or legal disciplines preferred); MBA or other advanced degree (JD, PhD) is a plus.
- Industry & Functional Experience: 12+ years of cross-functional experience in market access, account management, contract negotiations, strategic operations, or related fields within the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry is required. Expert understanding and direct experience within the Payer/PBM and specialty pharmacy segment is preferred.
- Leadership Experience: 6+ years of direct people management experience, with at least 5 years leading cross-functional strategy development or operations teams.
- Strategic & Business Acumen: Outstanding strategic orientation with deep knowledge of biotech industry dynamics, managed care customer segments, market access models, and government/regulatory contracting guidelines.
- Operational & Technical Proficiency: Proven expertise in long- and short-range strategic planning, departmental budgeting, and leveraging data analytics or relevant technology to optimize contract performance.
- Collaboration & Communication: Superior influencing, negotiation, and mobilization skills with a demonstrated ability to partner effectively across senior leadership, internal matrix teams, and external customers.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required (general business, managed healthcare, or legal disciplines preferred)
- 12+ years of cross-functional experience in market access, account management, contract negotiations, strategic operations, or related fields within the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry
- 6+ years of direct people management experience
- At least 5 years leading cross-functional strategy development or operations teams
- Expert understanding and direct experience within the Payer/PBM and specialty pharmacy segment preferred
- Outstanding strategic orientation with deep knowledge of biotech industry dynamics, managed care customer segments, market access models, and government/regulatory contracting guidelines
- Proven expertise in long- and short-range strategic planning, departmental budgeting, and leveraging data analytics or relevant technology to optimize contract performance
- Superior influencing, negotiation, and mobilization skills with a demonstrated ability to partner effectively across senior leadership, internal matrix teams, and external customers
Benefits
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Time Off
Company overview
Roche is a Swiss multinational healthcare company and a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, founded in 1896 and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. As the world's largest biotech company and the fifth-largest pharmaceutical company by revenue, Roche operates through two primary divisions: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics. The company is renowned for its leadership in personalized healthcare, combining strengths in both drug development and diagnostic testing to deliver tailored treatments for patients. Roche maintains a strong focus on oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, and central nervous system disorders, with a portfolio that includes over 30 medicines on the World Health Organization's Model Lists of Essential Medicines. The company owns significant subsidiaries including Genentech, Chugai Pharmaceuticals, Ventana Medical Systems, and Foundation Medicine. With approximately 103,000 employees worldwide and operations in over 100 countries, Roche has established itself as a leader in cancer treatments globally while maintaining a robust pipeline of innovative therapies and diagnostic solutions. The company's commitment to sustainability has been recognized through ten consecutive years as Group Leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices within the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry.