Director, Contracting & Pricing

Description

Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company preparing to launch AtzumiTM (dihydroergotamine (DHE) nasal powder), a novel therapeutic product approved in the US for the acute treatment of migraine. AtzumiTM incorporates proprietary advanced powder and device technology (SMART – Simple MucoAdhesive Release Technology™) and is designed to be easy-to-use, easy-to-carry, and for quick self-administration.

Position Summary: 

The Director, Contracting and Pricing will lead the development and execution of pricing, contracting, and related governance capabilities across Satsuma Pharmaceuticals' commercial portfolio. This individual will play a critical role in preparing Satsuma Pharmaceuticals for commercial launch by establishing pricing strategies, contract evaluation processes, operational controls, and performance-reporting capabilities that support patient access and the company’s financial objectives. This role requires a strategic, collaborative leader with deep expertise in pharmaceutical contracting and pricing. The successful candidate participates with senior management to establish strategic plans and objectives for the contracting and pricing function, effectively cascading functional strategy and contributing to development of organizational policies, with a master-level understanding of the function and how it fits within the company and competitive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of commercial contracting strategies and pricing that support Satsuma Pharmaceuticals' market access and commercialization objectives.

• Translate business segment strategy into functional contracting and pricing plans and guide execution, participating in corporate development of methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for programs.

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of commercial agreements, including payer, PBM, GPO, wholesaler, specialty pharmacy, distribution, and customer contracts.

• Partner with Market Access, Legal, Finance, Compliance, and Commercial teams to ensure contracts align with business strategy and regulatory requirements.

• Oversee contract implementation, amendments, renewals, and lifecycle management while ensuring timely execution and documentation.

• Support contract analytics, pricing assumptions, rebate validation, and financial forecasting in collaboration with Finance and Market Access.

• Identify contractual risks and recommend practical solutions that balance business objectives with compliance requirements.

• Support launch pricing decisions through market assessments, analog analyses, scenario modeling, and evaluation of payer, provider, patient, and channel considerations.

• Develop and maintain pricing governance processes, decision frameworks, approval authorities, and documentation standards including establishing Satsuma’s Pricing Committee

• Develop and improve contracting processes, templates, and governance to drive operational efficiency and consistency.

• Monitor changes in the healthcare and reimbursement landscape and assess potential impacts on contracting strategy.

• Contribute to development of strategies for the contracting and pricing function or multiple departments, exercising judgment on complex issues where problems are not clearly defined and fundamental principles may not fully apply.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on commercial contracting matters and support cross-functional business initiatives.

• Interact with senior management, executives, and/or major stakeholders, negotiating matters of significance to the organization and reconciling multiple stakeholder views to drive business results.

• Proactively identify, assume, and execute additional responsibilities, initiatives, and special projects as business needs evolve.

Minimum Requirements Education/Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Life Sciences, or a related field required.

• Demonstrated mastery of the contracting and pricing function and how it fits within the overall company and competitive environment, with the ability to make final decisions on implementation and ensure operational effectiveness.

• MBA, JD, or other advanced degree preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, including significant commercial contracting and pricing experience.

• Demonstrated success negotiating and managing commercial contracts across payer, PBM, GPO, specialty pharmacy, wholesaler, and distribution channels.

• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical pricing, reimbursement, and market access principles.

• Experience partnering with Legal, Finance, Compliance, Commercial Operations, and Market Access in a cross-functional environment.

• Experience implementing or managing contract management systems is preferred.

• Deep understanding of pharmaceutical commercial contracting, contract lifecycle management, and pricing.

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and build collaborative relationships.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• High level of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to compliance.

• Proven ability to direct the activities of a functional area through lower management, accountable for actions that impact departmental budgets.

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may substitute for stated qualifications.

Benefits and Pay:

The expected salary range for this position is $200,000.00 - $250,000.00 USD. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. 

Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is committed to providing its employees with benefit options that are comprehensive, competitive, and that individual employees can tailor to their and their families’ specific needs. Eligible employees are offered Health Insurance, Dental & Vision Insurance, Healthcare & Dependent Care FSA, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k) Savings Plan, Long-term Incentive Plan, Life Insurance, Accident & Disability Insurance, Telemedicine, Generous Paid Time Off, and Company Holidays.

EEO & Employment Eligibility:

Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company. We provide equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Satsuma Pharmaceuticals also complies with all applicable national, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification required of applicable law.