Sr. Director/VP Trade & Distribution

Who We Are

Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases. The most advanced clinical program, bezuclastinib, is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is designed to potently inhibit the KIT D816V mutation as well as other mutations in KIT exon 17. KIT D816V is responsible for driving systemic mastocytosis (SM), a serious disease caused by unchecked proliferation of mast cells. Exon 17 mutations are also found in patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Top-line results from registration-directed trials in NonAdvanced SM, Advanced SM and GIST are expected in 2025. The company also has an ongoing Phase 1 study of its novel internally discovered FGFR2 inhibitor. In addition, the Cogent Research Team is developing a portfolio of novel targeted therapies to help patients fighting serious, genetically driven diseases targeting mutations in ErbB2, PI3Kα and KRAS.

Our Team

https://cogent.culturehq.com

The Sr. Director/VP, Trade & Distribution is to provide leadership throughout the commercial organization in planning and execution for commercial distribution strategies and managing relationships with key customers (3PL, Specialty Distributors, Specialty Pharmacies, GPO’s & wholesalers).  This role will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning and execution of Cogent’s product distribution and trade platform.  Additionally, the Sr. Director/VP will be the main liaison between the 3PL, Specialty Distributors and Cogent Biosciences.  This role will report to the Sr. VP of Market Access.

• Commercial Distribution Strategy and Implementation:
• Responsible for the development of commercial distribution strategies to support Cogent’s pipeline products
• Serve as internal project lead to establish and execute distribution channel projects and programs. Build cross-functional support for distribution initiatives with Cogent’s supply chain and CMC teams
• Serve as initial and single point of contact for all day-to-day business initiatives and implementation for ongoing commercial distribution both internally and with 3rd party vendors
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including supply chain, CMC, and quality teams etc. to ensure alignment with distribution strategies
• Serve as a point person for Market Access team on internal S&OP committee
• Collaborate with the field and home office teams to execute strategies to maximize product access with commercial distribution customers
• Lead distribution-related contract design and negotiations with channel distribution partners (i.e., Wholesalers, Specialty Distributors and or Specialty Pharmacies, Fee for Service Agreements). Provide expertise on distribution trends and environment
• As a trade expert, keep abreast of industry trends and changes (i.e., consolidations, acquisitions, new laws, or regulations)
• Ensure that all activities within the role remain in compliance with all corporate, regulatory, and legal guidelines

• Distribution Account Management:
• Lead contact for distribution channel customers including 3PL, Regional Wholesalers, Specialty Distributors and Specialty Pharmacies. Build and maintain solid relationships with key distribution partners to ensure familiarity with company products and to enable successful programs
• Oversee Cogent’s efforts to ensure strong internal and external relationships are built with key accounts
• Regularly attend customer meetings to define both strategy and objectives as well as manage implementation and monitor programs
• Manage and execute all pricing communications, NDC changes, new product launches and any other ad hoc communications to external trade partners
• Work closely with all distribution channel customers to ensure adequate inventory levels, minimizing potential for product disruptions, shipment delays and manufacturing challenges

• Third Party Companies:
• Work directly with 3PL on Order Management, review and approve all purchase orders
• Manage the returned goods process
• Resolve distribution issues (i.e., damaged product, undeliverable product, purchase orders discrepancies and invoice payments etc.)
• Work with 3PL and internal finance department to ensure timely payments to and from commercial customers. Review and approve all wholesaler agreement invoices before sending to finance for payment
• Closely monitor inventory levels at the 3PL and coordinate shipments with the Cogent manufacturing and supply team
• Coordinate required data reporting with third party data warehouse vendor and ensure data is delivered at agreed upon time to the data warehouse by distribution partners
• Provide ad hoc reports generated from 852 & 867 data to support the needs of cross-functional departments

• Trade Organizations and Conferences:
• Function as liaison for Cogent Biosciences, with trade organizations such as GPO’s, HDMA, etc. to keep abreast and informed of changes in the industry, laws, and regulations

• BS/BA with at least 12 years' pharma/biotech industry experience in Trade Relations and Distribution
• 10 years in Market Access, with a focus on Trade and Distribution in pharma/biotech, oncology/rare disease is preferred
• US Launch experience
• Successfully developed and built key relationships in preparation for commercial launch
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating agreements
• Ability to travel to customer sites.  Estimated travel 40%

Our Locations

Waltham, MA: Our Boston office includes an open office layout that has recently undergone a makeover designed for collaboration and giving our employees the best work place possible. Free access is provided for both on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.

Boulder, CO: We have just moved into our new state-of-the art Research Facility in the fast-growing biopharmaceutical hub in the greater Denver/Boulder corridor.  Our CEO is based full-time in this location and we are proud to call this the home of Cogent’s discovery research organization.

Our Offer To You

To attract the very best talent, we offer a generous benefits package that includes competitive pay, performance-based bonus, stock options, insurance coverage (health, dental, life, and disability), competitive time-off, a 401(k) plan, and commuter/parking benefits.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Salary : $234,130 - $324,319