Biogen
Therapy Area Commercial Lead, Rare Disease
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Therapy Area Commercial Lead, Rare Disease
Commercial Therapy Area Lead, Rare Disease (UK & Ireland)
About the Role
In the highly visible Commercial Therapy Area Lead, Rare Disease role, you will lead Biogen’s cross-functional Rare Disease team across the UK and Ireland, with direct accountability for marketing and commercial field teams. Biogen has a strong presence in rare diseases, with a significant launch currently underway alongside a promising pipeline of licensed and clinical-stage medicines addressing four distinct disease areas.
This pivotal go-to-market strategy position requires responsibility for shaping and delivering the UK and Ireland strategy—aligning local priorities with global plans while fostering collaboration across internal teams and external partners. Reporting to the Head of Commercial UK, you will:
- Contribute to portfolio strategy while ensuring financial, compliance, and organisational objectives are met.
- Develop a high-performing team culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
This opportunity allows you to influence strategic direction, strengthen commercial execution, and drive meaningful patient impact. The role is hybrid, requiring 50% on-site presence in Maidenhead.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership for UK and Ireland sales and marketing in Rare Disease, with accountability for launch delivery.
- Develop and implement go-to-market strategies for pre- and post-launch phases, aligning with European and global plans.
- Build, develop, and lead a high-performing team, setting objectives for successful launch execution.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration across Sales, Marketing, Market Access, Medical, and External Affairs to drive Rare Disease business delivery.
- Lead marketing and brand strategies, informed by market analysis and organisational goals.
- Cultivate strong external relationships with HCPs and key stakeholders, ensuring effective partnership working.
- Represent the UK and Ireland business in leadership forums and collaborate with regional and global teams, advocating for local needs while ensuring compliance with policies and legislation.
- Define and drive portfolio strategy, including pricing and market development, based on market insights and competitor activity.
- Set performance objectives and deliver commercial results, with P&L Leadership for the Rare portfolio.
- Lead strategic and tactical planning to sustainable growth and ensure consistent delivery against objectives.
- Promote a culture of professional conduct, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with Field Force Effectiveness to enhance field performance and capability.
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Requirements
- Experienced leader with a strong track record in biotechnology/pharmaceuticals, preferably in rare disease.
- Proven expertise in product launches and portfolio strategy in complex, competitive markets.
- Collaborative and inclusive leader who builds high-performing teams and strong stakeholder relationships.
- Strategic thinker with adaptability to changing environments, maintaining focus on execution.
- Strong commercial judgement and patient-centred mindset, with excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Science, with a CIM marketing diploma preferred.
- Substantial marketing leadership experience or transferable commercial experience in biotech/pharma.
- Rare disease market experience highly valued.
- Previous sales leadership and track record of new product launches/growth.
- Proven ability to manage specialised secondary-care products and engage opinion leaders.
- Extensive experience leading complex cross-functional teams (medical, sales, marketing).
- Demonstrated expertise in competitive markets with cost-containment challenges.
- Broad commercial expertise in market and customer needs analysis.
- Leadership, motivation, and people management skills.
- Awareness of change management principles and experience building agile teams.
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Why Biogen?
Biogen is a global team driven by innovation and impact, blending the stability of a well-established biotech company with opportunities for growth and development. Join a collaborative environment where every role contributes to delivering life-changing medicines, guided by our mission:
Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.
Benefits include:
- A diverse and inclusive culture that values empowerment and innovation.
- Unparalleled learning and career progression for talented professionals.
- A proven commitment to ethical recruitment—scam warnings provided.
Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.
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