Associate Director, Patient Access Brand Strategy & Operations – Dermatology

About the role

The Associate Director, Patient Access Brand Strategy & Operations – Dermatology is responsible for translating Dermatology brand and access strategy into an integrated, operational patient access model. This role leads the day-to-day governance and optimization of the patient access ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and governance of Dermatology patient support programs (e.g., benefits verification, bridge/QuickStart, copay/affordability, PAP, hub services), including business rules, eligibility criteria, and service models.
• Own vendor governance and performance management for hub partners, patient services vendors, and specialty pharmacy/channel partners (as applicable), including KPI/SLA definition, monitoring, escalation management, root-cause analysis, and CAPA.
• Partner with the Senior Director to ensure launch readiness and lifecycle updates are executed with controlled change management (process/SOP updates, training, communications, and readiness tracking).
• Establish an operating cadence (weekly/monthly performance reviews, quarterly business reviews) and deliver clear documentation of decisions, risks, and action plans.
• Drive integration of hub workflows, specialty pharmacy processes, and field reimbursement support to improve provider experience, dispensing timelines, and patient adherence and persistence.
• Oversee operational reporting and insights generation (volumes, turnaround times, abandonment, utilization, quality) and translate trends into prioritized improvements and resourcing recommendations.
• Manage program budget operations (forecasting, utilization monitoring, accrual support) in collaboration with Finance and leadership.
• Ensure compliance with Takeda policies, privacy requirements, and applicable regulations; support audits/monitoring activities and ensure vendors maintain audit-ready documentation and training.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical patient services, patient access operations, hub operations, market access operations, specialty pharmacy/channel operations, and/or related healthcare operations required.
• 3+ years of experience leading vendor performance and/or operational teams; people leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement patient support programs, operational service models, business rules, SOPs, and training in a regulated environment.
• Strong program and project management skills, including launch readiness and lifecycle change execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to influence across a highly matrixed organization.
• Analytical capability to interpret operational data, derive insights, and drive continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint); experience with case management/CRM platforms and BI tools preferred.
• Experience supporting specialty launches and/or Dermatology portfolio programs is a plus.

Qualifications

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical and data-driven approach.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

Takeda offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-term incentives.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• A 401(k) plan and company match.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance.
• A tuition reimbursement program.
• Paid volunteer time off.
• Company holidays.
• Well-being benefits.

Pay

The estimated salary range for this position is $154,400.00 - $242,550.00. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

Schedule

This position is currently classified as "hybrid" in accordance with Takeda's Hybrid and Remote Work policy.