Strategist - Xospata Key Customer Marketing
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Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com .
This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Hybrid work from certain states may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines. Candidates interested in hybrid work are encouraged to apply.
Purpose:
The Strategist, Key Customer Marketing for XOSPATA (gilteritinib), a market leading therapy for advanced acute myeloid leukemia patients, will be a key member of the brand team and will contribute to the development and implementation of programs to maximize the brand potential for patients and the connection with customers. This person is responsible for development of thought leader engagement strategy, ad board coordination, speaker bureau management and synthesis of insights across stakeholder groups. Success will be measured by achieving best in industry customer engagement and impactful, timely synthesis of insights from key customers and internal stakeholders that lead to influence of commercial strategies/tactics supportive of the overall brand plan while working in close collaboration with internal and external partners, including the sales force, Medical Affairs, executives, vendors, thought leaders, professional societies, among others.
Specific responsibilities will evolve based on the needs of the brand, lifecycle of the brand, and competencies required on specific projects.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Develop and sustain strong relationships with national and regional Thought Leaders in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) to support strategic engagement and insight generation.
Gather and synthesize timely, relevant insights from Thought Leaders and internal stakeholders (Field Sales, Medical Affairs, leadership, etc.) to inform and shape brand strategy and execution.
Design and evolve effective processes to integrate insights into strategic planning and tactical initiatives across the commercial team.
Lead planning and execution of Thought Leader engagements at key national and regional AML congresses, ensuring strategic alignment and follow-through.
Drive coordination of commercial engagements and advisory boards with clearly defined strategic objectives; translate insights into actionable recommendations across functions.
Oversee agency partners in developing project estimates, managing timelines, and executing deliverables—ensuring content aligns with Astellas’ strategy, compliance standards, and brand integrity.
Provide strategic leadership for the selection and management of the speaker bureau, including content development, HCP training, and seamless coordination with the field to ensure consistent and impactful peer-to-peer education.
Maintain detailed oversight of budget and resource allocation for assigned tactics, ensuring efficient and compliant execution.
Quantitative Dimensions:
Financial performance (market share, units, profitability)
Marketing strategy, management, and execution
Customer satisfaction and experience – enabling strong, business-centric, collaborative relationships with customers, both internal and external
Driving business performance through effective cross-functional team dynamics and collaborative initiatives especially implementation of effective processes to enhance performance
Contribute to broader organization by leveraging and sharing best practices
Efficient use of resources including management of vendors, negotiation for services both internally and externally, and monitoring of budgets
Organizational Context:
The Strategist, Key Customer Marketing for XOSPATA position represents a significant opportunity to assess, recommend, and lead activities that will directly influence the short and long-term success of XOSPATA and improve the lives of those impacted by acute myeloid leukemia. The position requires a significant level of collaboration across numerous functions and external stakeholders in order to be successful. This position requires both strong strategic planning and tactical execution. This position requires a highly motivated, self-starter with exceptional communication, leading without authority and relationship building skills. This position reports to the Sr. Director, Head of XOSPATA Marketing. This position does not have any direct reports.
Qualifications Required:
Bachelor’s degree
10 plus years of related, relevant experience in pharma (marketing, sales, sales training, market research, etc.)
Deep oncology therapeutic knowledge and experience
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with thought leaders
Demonstrated ability to be a high-level contributor or leader of a project, process, or function
Demonstrated ability to find creative solutions to problems or new opportunities
Must possess excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills
Proven ability to use analytical skills and critical thinking to diagnosis business issues and incorporate into development or adjustment of marketing plans
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
Demonstrates ability to lead and influence peers and stakeholders within and outside the organization
Deep Oncology and/or Hematology therapeutic experience, including experience in acute myeloid leukemia
Ability to travel 50% or more if needed
Preferred:
MBA or other related graduate level degree
Pharmaceutical sales experience
Experience in thought leader management and Thought Leader relationships in acute myeloid leukemia
Experience working in a partnership/co-promotion
Compensation Range: $157,000 - $210,000 (NOTE: Final Salary could be more or less, based on experience.)
Flexible grade level based on candidate background and skillset
Benefits:
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
401(k) match and annual company contribution
Company paid life insurance
Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
Referral bonus program
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Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.
EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans