Director, Payer Accounts - West Region

Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients with high unmet medical needs. We are advancing an exciting product pipeline addressing epilepsy, depression, and pain, including our Phase 3 azetukalner program—the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage development. Recent milestones include positive topline data from the Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study in focal onset seizures (FOS) and anticipated FDA New Drug Application submission in Q3 2026. Additional Phase 3 trials are underway for major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar depression (BPD), and other epilepsy indications. Our early-stage pipeline includes Phase 1 studies for XEN1701 (Nav1.7) and XEN1120 (Kv7) targeting pain. Backed by a strong balance sheet, Xenon is building a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with robust discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations.

About The Role

The National Account Director, Payer Accounts will play a critical leadership role in shaping and executing Xenon’s U.S. market access strategy with national and large regional commercial payers in preparation for the launch of azetukalner in epilepsy. This field-based position is responsible for building relationships with targeted customers, communicating Xenon’s value proposition, and securing favorable access to minimize barriers for patients. The role covers the West region, reports to the Senior Director, Payer Accounts, and is fully remote. The position level will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure Xenon’s products are quickly reviewed post-approval to enable rapid formulary adoption and patient access equal to branded competitors in relevant therapeutic categories.
• Account Expertise & Knowledge:
  • Establish and maintain multiple touchpoints at strategic payer accounts, including senior executives, to communicate Xenon’s payer value story.
  • Navigate payer organizations to build long-term relationships with key decision-makers and influencers, paving the way for Xenon’s pipeline of innovative products.
  • Develop a complete understanding of complex payer organizations and their subsidiaries that impact the epilepsy class; monitor for partnership opportunities.
  • Prioritize top accounts using data and personal intelligence.
• Securing Coverage & Access:
  • Secure rapid access and coverage for Xenon products at parity with key competitors in respective classes.
  • Develop strategic business plans by account.
  • Secure appropriate coverage and formulary positioning aligned with Commercial goals, collaborating with Medical Affairs and Value & Access to communicate the value proposition and HEOR data.
  • Evaluate and lead contracting opportunities consistent with Xenon’s goals, managing the contract process from initiation to negotiation/completion and conducting quarterly business reviews to evaluate ROI.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Review data (sales trends, competitive landscape) to identify pull-through opportunities; work with regional sales directors and representatives to address access challenges and execute aligned pull-through plans.
  • Assist in field training on access and reimbursement.
  • Deliver payer insights back to Market Access, Medical Affairs, and Patient Services as appropriate.
  • Represent Xenon at key industry conferences (e.g., AMCP, Asembia, PCMA).
• Develop and propose short- and long-term objectives for the function aligned with Company strategies and plans.
• Plan and manage budget proposals and approved budgets in accordance with Company strategic, operating, and Finance policies.
• Recruit, lead, direct, develop, coach, and evaluate direct reports (if any) in accordance with Company Human Resource policies and practices.
• Act in accordance with Company policies, including the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned; some international travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus.
• Minimum of 10–12 years of market access experience in biotech/pharmaceuticals, with at least 5 years calling on national accounts.
• In-depth knowledge of payer/PBM economics and key issues shaping the U.S. healthcare landscape.
• Strong analytical skills: ability to apply insights to drive account performance and collaborate effectively with analytical resources.

Benefits

• Competitive total rewards program including base salary, target bonus, and stock options.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program and travel insurance.
• Retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.
• Paid time off: vacation, personal days, sick days, and end-of-year company shutdown.
• Employee development: expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including tuition assistance for advanced degrees.

Pay

Compensation Range: $236,708 – $260,200