Director, Operations

Overview

Ascendis Pharma is a dynamic, fast-growing global biopharmaceutical company with locations in Denmark, Europe, and the United States. Today, we're advancing programs in Endocrinology Rare Disease and Oncology. Here at Ascendis, we pride ourselves on exceptional science, visionary leadership, and skilled and passionate colleagues. Guided by our core values of Patients, Science, and Passion, we use our Trans Con drug development platform to fulfill our mission of developing new and potentially best-in-class therapies to address unmet medical needs.

Our culture fosters a place where skilled, adaptable, and highly resourceful professionals can truly make their mark. We offer a dynamic workplace for employees to grow and develop their skills.

Ascendis Pharma is looking to hire an experienced Director, Market Access Contract Operations to join our team. Responsibilities will include implementing market access pricing & contracting strategies and tactics across all relevant customer segments for products in our Endocrinology Rare Disease portfolio, with a primary focus on supporting the anticipated launch of an investigational treatment for hypoparathyroidism currently under review by the FDA.

This role requires the ability to be both strategic and tactical, demonstrating strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.

As the Director, Market Access Contract Operations, you will oversee all aspects of contracting operations, including managing and implementing contracts, pricing agreements, and rebate programs with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, payers, wholesalers, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). This role requires expertise in contract management and reimbursement dynamics, coupled with strong leadership and analytical skills. The Director, Market Access Contract Operations plays a critical role in driving operational excellence, compliance, and financial performance through effective management of contracting operations.

This is a hybrid role that will be based in Princeton, NJ three (3) days/week and will report directly to the Senior Director, Pricing and Contracting Strategy.

• Performance Tracking and Reporting
  :
  Develop and maintain metrics, KPIs, and dashboards to monitor contract performance, pricing trends, and rebate liabilities. Generate regular reports and presentations for senior management, providing insights into contracting operations and financial performance.
• Price Reporting and Registrations
  :
  Manage state price transparency requirements, price notifications, compendia communications, and HPMS, and SAM.gov reporting and registration requirements, etc.
• Purchase Order and Vendor Invoice Tracking and Reporting
  :
  Oversee the validation and payment of applicable vendor invoices. Collaborate with Finance to track spending and manage accruals for applicable vendor purchase orders. Assess and provide input to department’s overall yearly budget.

Qualifications
:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Management, or related field. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA) preferred.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical contracting, pricing, or market access, with a focus on contract management and operations.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical pricing dynamics, reimbursement models, and contracting strategies across various payer segments (e.g., commercial, Medicare, Medicaid).
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in contract management systems (e.g., Salesforce CPQ, Model N, iCyte), ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, D365), and Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to lead and develop a high-performing team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards relevant to pharmaceutical contracting, pricing, and rebate programs.

Responsibilities

• Contract Management
  :
  Develop, implement, and maintain robust processes and systems for managing contracts throughout their lifecycle, from negotiation and execution to renewal and termination. Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations. Expectations in this role include management and tracking of all contract drafts, redlines, approvals, and ability to negotiate with customers with a keen understanding of Ascendis’ policies around key contract terms.
• Implementation and Execution
  :
  Lead contract implementation internally with Finance, Legal, IT, and necessary departments and vendors to ensure favorable terms and conditions for product access, reimbursement, and pricing. Ensure alignment with corporate goals, profitability targets, and compliance standards. Works closely with internal teams to ensure pricing…