Director, Trade and Distribution Strategy
Biogen · Cambridge, MA
- On site
- Full-time
- $242,500 / year
- Cambridge, MA
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Hi Taylor — I came across the Director, Trade and Distribution Strategy opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Biogen stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Lead U.S. distribution strategy for Biogen's portfolio.
- Design and implement channel models for therapies.
- Manage Trade Operations team for execution.
- Drive continuous improvement in trade processes.
- Develop high-performing teams and foster culture.
About the role
Director, Trade and Distribution Strategy
About This Role
The Director, Trade & Distribution Strategy is accountable for overseeing and advancing Biogen’s end‑to‑end U.S. distribution strategy across the entire Biogen portfolio, while leading the Trade Operations team responsible for execution. This role owns distribution strategy and operational leadership for specialty, rare, and high‑touch therapies across both pharmacy and medical benefit models, ensuring compliant, scalable, and patient‑centric access.
This leader will balance enterprise strategy with hands‑on operational leadership, shaping distribution models for pipeline and launches while strengthening day‑to‑day trade execution across marketed products.
What You’ll Do
Enterprise Distribution Strategy
- Own and evolve U.S. distribution strategy across the full Biogen portfolio, spanning specialty, rare, and complex therapies.
- Design channel models that support pharmacy and medical benefit pathways, including specialty pharmacy, specialty distribution, buy‑and‑bill, and site‑of‑care considerations.
- Partner with Market Access Strategy, Pricing, Payer Marketing, and Brand teams to embed distribution strategy into launch and lifecycle planning.
- Assess external market, policy, and channel dynamics and translate insights into forward‑looking distribution strategies.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on channel risk, sustainability, and scalability.
Trade Operations Leadership
- Lead and develop the Trade Operations team responsible for distribution execution across wholesalers, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacies.
- Ensure operational readiness across launches, label expansions, and channel changes.
- Establish clear governance, operating models, and performance management across trade partners.
- Drive continuous improvement across trade processes, controls, data, and analytics.
Cross‑Functional & External Engagement
- Act as the primary distribution and trade partner to Legal, Compliance, Finance, Supply Chain, Patient Services, Field Access, and Commercial Operations.
- Lead strategic relationships with key distribution partners and oversee contract strategy in partnership with Legal and Finance.
- Support escalation management and resolution of complex distribution or access issues.
People Leadership
- Build, coach, and retain a high‑performing team.
- Develop future leaders with strong enterprise thinking, judgment, and collaboration skills.
- Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and operational excellence.
Who You Are
You are a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of pharmaceutical distribution networks and a knack for operational leadership. Your ability to navigate complex market dynamics and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority sets you apart. You thrive in fast-paced environments and are adept at managing relationships with key partners and stakeholders.
Required Skills
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech market access, trade & distribution, channel strategy, or related commercial roles.
- Demonstrated experience leading distribution strategy and/or trade operations across multiple products.
- Strong understanding of U.S. pharmaceutical distribution networks, including wholesale, specialty distribution, and specialty pharmacy.
- Working knowledge of pharmacy and medical benefit models, including buy‑and‑bill and high‑touch specialty pathways.
- Proven ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.
- Experience supporting product launches and lifecycle management across a portfolio.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with rare, specialty, and/or complex therapeutic areas
- Familiarity with evolving policy and regulatory considerations impacting distribution
- Strong analytical, communication, and executive presence skills
Job Level: Management
Additional Information
The base compensation range for this role is: $204,000.00-$281,000.00
Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.
Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
- Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
- Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
- A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
- Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
- 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
- Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
- 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
- Employee Resource Groups participation
Why Biogen?
We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.
At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about Biogen.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.
Key skills/competency
- Director Trade and Distribution Strategy
- U.S. Distribution Strategy
- Specialty Pharmacy
- Biopharmaceutical Distribution
- Market Access
- Channel Strategy
- Trade Operations
- Product Launches
- Supply Chain Management
- Cross-functional Leadership
Skills & topics
- Director
- Trade Strategy
- Distribution Strategy
- Pharmaceutical
- Biotechnology
- Market Access
- Channel Management
- Operations Management
- Leadership
- Strategy
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in pharmaceutical distribution, trade strategy, and market access, aligning with Biogen's needs for this Director role.
- Showcase leadership: Emphasize your experience leading cross-functional teams and managing distribution operations for complex therapies.
- Demonstrate strategic thinking: Articulate your ability to develop and evolve distribution strategies, considering market dynamics and regulatory factors.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with product launches, lifecycle management, and influencing without direct authority.
- Research Biogen's mission: Understand their commitment to delivering life-changing medicines and fostering inclusion to align your responses.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What does a Director, Trade and Distribution Strategy at Biogen do?
- The Director, Trade and Distribution Strategy at Biogen is responsible for the end-to-end U.S. distribution strategy for Biogen's entire portfolio, including specialty, rare, and high-touch therapies. This role involves leading the Trade Operations team, designing channel models, and ensuring compliant and patient-centric access to medicines.
- What are the key responsibilities for the Director, Trade and Distribution Strategy role at Biogen?
- Key responsibilities include owning and evolving U.S. distribution strategy, designing channel models, partnering with cross-functional teams for launch and lifecycle planning, leading the Trade Operations team, ensuring operational readiness, establishing governance with trade partners, and driving continuous improvement in trade processes.
- What qualifications are required for the Director, Trade and Distribution Strategy position at Biogen?
- A Bachelor's degree is required (advanced degree preferred), along with 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical market access, trade & distribution, or channel strategy. Demonstrated experience leading distribution strategy or trade operations across multiple products is essential, as is a strong understanding of U.S. pharmaceutical distribution networks and benefit models.
- How does Biogen approach compensation for a Director, Trade and Distribution Strategy?
- The base compensation for this role ranges from $204,000.00 to $281,000.00 annually, determined by factors like skills, experience, and location. Employees are also eligible for short-term and long-term incentives, including cash bonuses and equity, based on individual and company performance.
- What kind of benefits does Biogen offer to its employees?
- Biogen offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, fitness and wellness programs, disability insurance, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, personal days), paid parental leave, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan, and tuition reimbursement.
- How can I tailor my resume for the Director, Trade and Distribution Strategy role at Biogen?
- To tailor your resume for this role, focus on highlighting your experience in pharmaceutical distribution, trade strategy, and market access. Emphasize your leadership in cross-functional teams, experience with specialty and rare therapies, and your ability to develop and execute distribution strategies. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.