Otsuka Pharmaceutical
Director, Early Commercial Planning
Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Princeton, New Jersey, United States
Position Summary
The Director, Early Commercial Planning is responsible for supporting early-stage commercialization efforts, ensuring that Otsuka’s pipeline assets are positioned for long-term success. This role will focus on market assessment, competitive analysis, and early brand strategy development, working closely with R&D, business development, and commercial teams to shape evidence generation and pre-launch planning. The individual will also contribute to portfolio planning and business development assessments, ensuring that Otsuka makes data-driven investment decisions for pipeline assets.
Key Responsibilities Early Commercial Strategy Development:
Support the development of commercialization strategies for pipeline assets, ensuring alignment with long-term CNS portfolio objectives. Partner with R&D and Global Marketing to ensure the US point of view and needs are incorporated. Serve as needed on relevant governance bodies and cross-functional asset teams (Early Development Teams, Global Brand Teams, etc.) Market Insights & Competitive Analysis:
Conduct market research, forecast potential brand performance, and provide strategic recommendations based on competitive intelligence and customer insights. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with R&D, market access, medical affairs, and business development teams to shape evidence generation and prepare for future commercialization. Portfolio Planning Support:
Assist in evaluating new product planning, pipeline prioritization, and business development opportunities to optimize Otsuka’s CNS portfolio. Pre-Launch Strategy & Readiness:
Develop early positioning strategies, value propositions, and key differentiators to set the foundation for successful product launches. Business Development Support
: Provide strategic input into commercial assessments for licensing and partnership opportunities, ensuring alignment with portfolio growth strategy. Travel is expected up to 25% of the time based on business need.
Qualifications & Key Competencies Top-tier MBA/Ph.D in Biology, Life Sciences or Medicine desirable 10+ years of experience in combination with consulting and early commercial planning, business development, orstrategic marketing in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry Ability to interpret and synthesize pre-clinical and clinical scientific data and identify broader implications for our programs and / or specific opportunities Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in neurology and/or neuropsych is preferred. Strong understanding of product lifecycle planning and early commercialization principles Experience in market forecasting, competitive analysis, and financial modeling Working knowledge of the pharmaceutical research and development process including clinical trial design and evidence generation concepts. Cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate with R&D, business development, and market access teams Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret data and develop strategic recommendations Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders Experience working in a matrixed environment, managing multiple priorities and cross-functional initiatives
Key Responsibilities Early Commercial Strategy Development:
Support the development of commercialization strategies for pipeline assets, ensuring alignment with long-term CNS portfolio objectives. Partner with R&D and Global Marketing to ensure the US point of view and needs are incorporated. Serve as needed on relevant governance bodies and cross-functional asset teams (Early Development Teams, Global Brand Teams, etc.) Market Insights & Competitive Analysis:
Conduct market research, forecast potential brand performance, and provide strategic recommendations based on competitive intelligence and customer insights. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with R&D, market access, medical affairs, and business development teams to shape evidence generation and prepare for future commercialization. Portfolio Planning Support:
Assist in evaluating new product planning, pipeline prioritization, and business development opportunities to optimize Otsuka’s CNS portfolio. Pre-Launch Strategy & Readiness:
Develop early positioning strategies, value propositions, and key differentiators to set the foundation for successful product launches. Business Development Support
: Provide strategic input into commercial assessments for licensing and partnership opportunities, ensuring alignment with portfolio growth strategy. Travel is expected up to 25% of the time based on business need.
Qualifications & Key Competencies Top-tier MBA/Ph.D in Biology, Life Sciences or Medicine desirable 10+ years of experience in combination with consulting and early commercial planning, business development, orstrategic marketing in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry Ability to interpret and synthesize pre-clinical and clinical scientific data and identify broader implications for our programs and / or specific opportunities Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in neurology and/or neuropsych is preferred. Strong understanding of product lifecycle planning and early commercialization principles Experience in market forecasting, competitive analysis, and financial modeling Working knowledge of the pharmaceutical research and development process including clinical trial design and evidence generation concepts. Cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate with R&D, business development, and market access teams Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret data and develop strategic recommendations Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders Experience working in a matrixed environment, managing multiple priorities and cross-functional initiatives