Vice President, Commercial Europe

The Vice President, Commercial Europe leads the Commercial Operations Function in Europe. This position leads three main elements, the Marketing Department, Commercial Operations (comprising but not limited to, Market insights, Strategic Planning / Forecasting / Sales Force Excellence / CRM / Training and any other commercial projects) and geographic expansion. To that end, this role sets the European commercial vision, and leads and coaches senior team members taking accountability for afore mentioned areas for deliverables. This position contributes to and supports the company's research and development efforts to create high value therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership:

• Being a key member of the TRIAD, consisting of the Head of Market Access and Pricing Europe, Head of Medical Affairs Europe, and this role. The TRIAD is responsible for aligning on all collaborative efforts leading to a successful product launch, inclusive of all expanded access programs (EAPs) and thereafter an optimized product life cycle.

Marketing:

• Leads the marketing department as it prepares for the launch of BEMPEG and potential other Nektar compounds. Guide and support in the Strategic Brand Plan, provide vision and focus on marketing, regionally in Europe and locally in the countries
• Builds close relationships / exchange and alignment w US colleagues and functions to ensure effective roll-up to Strategy Teams/EC/BoD
• Builds awareness of Nektar and BEMPEG indications (initial and subsequent) throughout the European markets as appropriate
• Development and execution of European professional promotions strategy and materials; non-personal promotions strategy and materials, with focus on Europe
• Ensures the European Brand Team is fully functioning, inclusive and appropriate

Commercial Excellence and Commercial Operations:

• In close collaboration with Operations Europe, develops the Long-Term-Planning (LTP) process for the brand/s - establishes market sales and resource forecasts / annual budget process establishing the Region Europe growth strategy
• Oversees European Commercial Excellence and sales force effectiveness, including the development and effective deployment of the CRM systems, KAM model, market data etc.
• Accountable for the set-up of an appropriate training platform for the marketing and KAMs as well as ensures close alignment in regard to the MSL teams (medical content and accountability)
• Market research to gain insights for Europe, as well as specific insights for countries
• Overseeing and alliance management of the European commercial aspect of Nektar’s collaboration with BMS

TRIAD Member ensuring effective working operations of the European team:

• Together with Medical Affairs and Market Access Heads, develop a cross-functional brand strategy, stakeholder strategy, and outreach
• Contributes to the European Pricing Committee (EPC) under the lead of the Head of Market Access
• Accountable for the European Commercial Strategy by establishing strong and optimal relationships with the countries and their GMs and leadership teams – ensuring alignment on commercial strategy

Ad Hoc Commercial Projects:

• Supports the Nektar efforts outside of Europe as we broaden our commercial footprint, either directly or indirectly
• Provides input on potential commercial development and partnership opportunities

Compliance:

• Ensures that all Commercial activities are in line with company policies, procedures and applicable local laws, regulations and guidelines.

People Leadership :

• Demonstrates organizational leadership and models the Nektar’s values
• Demonstrates the ability to create a culture of collaboration and teamwork that fosters open communication, constructive conflict, and organizational flexibility
• Ensures alignment of responsibilities between the roles contributing to Commercial Operation deliverables.
• Has the ability to focus the team on the potential benefits that make risks exciting and worth taking. Treats roadblocks and failures as chances to learn by creating new iterations and as a result to develop further.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, MD, PharmD, or PhD and/or post graduate preferred. Equivalent experience may be accepted. Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, which includes 12+ years’ Commercial experience in the pharmaceutical / biotech industry with a strong background in sales, commercial excellence, brand marketing, marketing research and new product development.  Oncology experience is a must, and Melanoma experience is preferred. Ideally experience gained both in country/affiliate leadership roles and at the regional level.  Proven track record of success in building and leading high-performing teams and solid managerial experience are essential. Previous experience leading commercial teams is an advantage. Able to attract, develop, inspire and retain key talent. Possess executive presence and the ability to lead by example and model collaborative behavior by soliciting opinions; effective in getting teams behind the decisions.  Possess strong leadership abilities and a strategic business perspective to bring products forward successfully.  Track record of thinking innovatively about strategy and anticipate future consequences and trends. Must have excellent written and verbal communication, ability to influence cross functional teams and senior management. Have credibility with KOLs and external medical communities. Possess strong analytical skills, especially in interpreting clinical trial data and medical published literature. Be nimble and energetic in a fast-paced, dynamic and collaborative environment. Capable of taking a hands-on approach and willing to "roll-up sleeves." Fluency in English mandatory and other European language(s) are a plus.  Ability to development long-range strategic commercial plans for the Region, translating the overall marketing strategy to support the achievement of corporate goals and objectives, inclusive of development of pricing strategy, marketing communications, engagement in technical product development and definition of promotional activities. Strong analytic and project management skills. Confidence with modern disciplines in marketing. In-depth knowledge of the EU Healthcare systems and Commercial practices; experience in communication with medical authorities, hospitals, physicians/specialists, KOLs and pharmacists, as well as other health care sector professionals.  Proven ability to successfully work across multiple Commercial functions including medical affairs, market access, product development, customer service and sales. Thorough experience and confidence in positioning new therapeutics with selected KOLs and prescribing physicians. Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed sales goals and objectives through building a strong cross-functional, a cross-country collaboration.  Extensive travel is anticipated as part of this position (50%).

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Nektar Therapeutics will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in the manner proscribed by the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.