Vice President, Sales

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 targeting 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), with a New Drug Application submission anticipated in Q3 2026. Additional Phase 3 trials are underway for epilepsy, major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar depression (BPD), alongside early-stage programs for pain. Backed by a strong balance sheet, Xenon is building a fully integrated neuroscience company with robust discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations.

About The Role

The Vice President, Sales will lead the design, build, and execution of Xenon’s U.S. commercial sales organization as the company transitions from clinical-stage to a fully integrated commercial enterprise. This role involves shaping national sales strategy, building a high-performing field team, and driving execution across specialty neurology and CNS markets. As a core member of the commercial leadership team, you will define field structure, hire and develop talent, and establish systems and processes to scale effectively. This fully remote position reports to the Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the U.S. sales strategy in alignment with corporate and commercial objectives.
• Partner with executive leadership to shape commercial vision and growth strategy.
• Lead sales launch readiness planning, including field deployment strategy, targeting philosophy, training input, incentive plan partnership, and execution readiness.
• Define the field structure, talent profile, and leadership expectations for the sales organization.
• Build, hire, lead, and develop a high-performing national sales organization, including Regional Directors and field representatives.
• Establish clear performance metrics, sales goals, and accountability frameworks across the organization.
• Set the culture, leadership standards, and talent bar for the sales organization to support long-term performance and scalability.
• Partner with Commercial Operations to implement dashboards, CRM tools, reporting, and other infrastructure to enhance field effectiveness and visibility.
• Drive execution excellence through coaching, training, performance management, and strong field leadership.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Market Access, Medical Affairs, and other cross-functional partners to ensure a coordinated go-to-market approach.
• Develop strong relationships with priority customers, thought leaders, and key stakeholders across the treatment landscape.
• Partner with Market Access and related functions to support pull-through strategies across specialty pharmacies, health systems, and integrated delivery networks.
• Align with Regulatory, Legal, and Compliance to ensure all sales activities are conducted in a compliant and patient-focused manner.
• Use data, analytics, and field insights to inform targeting, resource allocation, and ongoing sales optimization.
• Monitor market dynamics, customer insights, and competitive activity to refine strategy and improve execution.
• Develop and propose short- and long-term objectives for the function in accordance with overall Company strategies and plans.
• Plan and manage budget proposals and approved budgets in alignment with the Company’s strategic and operating plans and Finance policies.
• Recruit, lead, direct, develop, coach, and evaluate direct reports in accordance with the Company’s 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.
• Some international travel may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 15+ years of pharmaceutical/biotech sales experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven track record of successful product launches, ideally in specialty or rare disease markets.
• Experience in neurology, epilepsy, or CNS therapeutic areas strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to hire, assess, and develop high-performing sales leaders and field teams in a growth-stage environment.
• Experience leading second-line sales leaders and scaling national field organizations.
• Experience leading sales planning and field execution for a first launch or early commercial-stage biopharma company strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare ecosystem, including payer dynamics and specialty distribution.
• Strong experience with KOL engagement and specialty customer strategy in complex therapeutic markets.
• Demonstrated ability to build sales infrastructure, performance frameworks, and operating discipline in emerging or evolving commercial organizations.
• Strong executive presence, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to influence strategy and execution across departments.
• Demonstrated success operating effectively in fast-paced, growth-stage environments where agility, judgment, and hands-on leadership are essential.
• Approximately 35% travel required.

Benefits

• Base salary, target bonus, and stock options.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs.
• Employee Assistance Program and travel insurance.
• Retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown.
• Employee development programs, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.

Pay

Compensation Range: $319,858 - $361,300