Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical - Gene Therapy Marketing Lead (Japan)

About Ultragenyx

At Ultragenyx, we are driven by a core belief: doing the right thing for patients and our people is paramount. Our vision is to lead the future of rare disease medicine by challenging the status quo and creating a new model that benefits more patients and caregivers with life-changing treatments. We achieve this by following the science, employing a rapid development approach, delivering innovative medicines at fair prices, and fostering a collaborative ecosystem. Our commitment extends to our employees, cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment for profound learning and growth, ensuring our team members can thrive both personally and professionally.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Gene Therapy Marketing, this role is pivotal in leading marketing initiatives for a gene therapy product within the Japanese market. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Japan and Global teams to plan, develop, and execute best-in-class annual marketing plans, leveraging deep marketing knowledge and prior rare disease/biopharmaceutical experience. A key focus will be on developing and expanding the national network of Qualified Treatment Centers (QTCs) for gene therapy, overseeing site identification, qualification, contracting, and readiness. As part of a growing and entrepreneurial organization, you will also contribute to broader business activities supporting company growth.

Work Model

This is a remote position, officially documented as full-time work from home, with occasional travel to Ultragenyx offices or other locations as required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Global marketing teams to lead the development and execution of Japanese marketing initiatives, monitoring progress and optimizing strategies to achieve business and sales objectives for gene therapy, ensuring adherence to Ultragenyx policies and compliance procedures.
• Execute marketing advisory boards and other HCP engagements to deepen market understanding and inform strategic and tactical planning.
• Build and nurture strong business relationships with Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) and external stakeholders across Japan.
• Monitor and adapt patient support programs to ensure an optimal patient experience and product usage.
• Manage congress initiatives, including messaging, booth design, and coordinating materials and field training, in collaboration with the event management team.
• Identify potential barriers to optimal patient management and propose effective solutions.
• Work cross-functionally with non-commercial teams, including Global Brand Strategy, Government Affairs, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and Patient Advocacy.
• Partner with commercial colleagues and Field Teams, providing training and ensuring preparedness for marketing program deployment.
• Collaborate with Medical and Commercial Field teams to identify, assess, and manage the contracting process for prospective QTCs, including necessary site visits.
• Oversee the coordination and progress of QTC readiness activities, including vetting, contracting, and POD team engagement, ensuring timely site activation.

Requirements

• A strong passion for delivering innovative new drugs to patients suffering from rare or ultra-rare diseases.
• BA/BSc degree or equivalent life-sciences qualification required; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 3+ years of marketing experience and 3+ years of sales experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, with a preference for experience in rare/ultra-rare diseases. Gene therapy experience is preferred.
• Comfort working in start-up environments and defining processes and new operating principles with internal stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams with a strong patient focus.
• Strong command of analytical and market research techniques, with a proven ability to interpret market insights to guide strategic direction and prioritize tactics.
• Experience leading or collaborating on Market Access initiatives to expand patient access.
• Experience marketing Advisory Boards is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and act creatively to develop and lead innovative brand strategies and tactics.
• Proven experience partnering with Field Teams.
• Proven experience working with and managing external partners, including Advertising and Communications agencies.
• Native-level proficiency in Japanese, with excellent public presentation, written communication, and listening skills in English.
• Frequent travel will be required.

Benefits

Full-time employees globally enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Generous vacation time and public holidays
• Volunteer days
• Long-term incentive and Employee Stock Purchase Plans or equivalent offerings
• Employee wellbeing benefits
• Fitness reimbursement
• Tuition sponsoring
• Professional development plans

(Benefits vary by region and country)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital and veteran status, and any other protected status. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all protected statuses, including individuals with disabilities, disabled veterans, for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, and based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants can request an accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. For assistance, contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@ultragenyx.com.