📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Payer Marketing
🔹 Company: Ardelyx
🔹 Location: Waltham, MA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Biotech, Pharmaceuticals
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote location considered, periodic office attendance required)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing payer and access marketing strategies
- Securing, maintaining, and optimizing product access across B2B customers
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align marketing strategies with business objectives
- Managing budgets, agencies, and external vendors
- Representing Market Access in Medical, Legal, and Regulatory (LMR) review meetings
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong project management skills, and the ability to work effectively with various internal and external stakeholders.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the development and implementation of B2B access marketing tactics and pull-through resources
✅ Develop account-specific tactical recommendations based on customer type, business needs, and competitive landscape
✅ Work effectively within Market Access & Patient services and other cross-functional commercial partners to ensure alignment of payer marketing strategies with overall business objectives
✅ Oversee strategic alignment and execution with National and Regional Market Access account teams on tactical plans aligned with organizational and brand strategies
✅ Identify and execute marketing needs for field access managers, including reimbursement marketing materials that support access and pull-through objectives
✅ Implement key tactics for various payer channels (e.g., government, commercial)
✅ Partner with Data Analytics to deliver market insights that inform payer strategies, tactics, and promotional plans
✅ Partner with Data, Analytics, and Operations to execute market research needs and gaps (e.g., Advisory Boards)
✅ Act as the Market Access point of contact on cross-functional brand teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring strong market access representation
✅ Manage the payer marketing budget, agency of record, and external vendors as necessary
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and requires strong communication skills to work effectively with various stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or a related field, MBA preferred
Experience: 8-10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biopharma industry, with a focus on payer and reimbursement market dynamics
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to develop and execute pull-through plans specific to payers
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to drive projects independently, establish budgets, and meet deadlines
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a focus on relationship-building through transparency and trust
- Ability to collaborate, influence, and work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to achieve results
- Strong communication skills with the ability to craft and deliver compelling narratives
Preferred Skills:
- Proven success in working collaboratively across the business to design and execute solutions to complex challenges
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a strong understanding of payer and reimbursement market dynamics will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $178,000 - $218,000 annually
Benefits:
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Living Organ and Bone Marrow Leave
- Equity Incentive Plans
- Health Plans (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision)
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Flexible Time Off
- Annual Winter Holiday Shut Down
- Paid Holidays
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling and remote work options
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry data and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Ardelyx operates in the Biotechnology Research industry, focusing on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative first-in-class medicines.
Company Size: Ardelyx is a mid-sized company with 201-500 employees, providing a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
Founded: Ardelyx was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Waltham, MA.
Company Description:
- Ardelyx has two commercial products approved in the United States, IBSRELA® (tenapanor) and XPHOZAH® (tenapanor)
- The company has agreements for the development and commercialization of tenapanor outside of the U.S.
- Ardelyx is committed to translating scientific breakthroughs into promise for patients
Company Specialties:
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Drug Development
- Commercialization
Company Website: http://www.ardelyx.com
ASSUMPTION: Ardelyx's focus on innovation and patient-centric approach creates an exciting work environment for employees.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management tier, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Director, Payer Marketing will report directly to the Senior Director, Market Access & Patient Services and work closely with cross-functional teams.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a combination of remote work and periodic office attendance required based on business needs.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a Director or Vice President role within Market Access or a related function
- Expanding responsibilities and leadership opportunities as the company grows and evolves
- Gaining experience in a dynamic and collaborative biotech environment
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the company's success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Ardelyx's headquarters is located in Waltham, MA, with additional offices in Fremont, CA, and Milwaukee, WI.
Office Location(s): 400 Fifth Avenue, 210, Waltham, MA 02451, US
Geographic Context:
- Waltham is a suburb of Boston, MA, with a vibrant biotech industry and a high quality of life
- The area offers easy access to cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a diverse range of dining and entertainment options
- Ardelyx's headquarters is conveniently located near public transportation and major highways
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling and remote work options
ASSUMPTION: The Waltham office location provides a convenient and enjoyable work environment for employees, with easy access to amenities and a strong biotech industry presence.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth behavioral and skills-based interviews with cross-functional team members
- Final interview with the Senior Director, Market Access & Patient Services
- Background check and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Collaboration and teamwork abilities
- Understanding of payer and reimbursement market dynamics
- Project management and budgeting skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight your relevant experience in payer marketing, market access, and project management
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for this role and Ardelyx's mission
- Prepare examples of your strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills
- Research Ardelyx's products, company culture, and industry trends to demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge
ATS Keywords: Payer Marketing, Market Access, Payer Strategies, Pull-Through, Reimbursement, Cross-Functional Teams, Budget Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Pharmaceutical Industry
ASSUMPTION: Applicants who demonstrate a strong understanding of payer marketing, market access, and relevant industry trends will be most competitive in the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant software tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Patient-centric
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Accountable
- Adaptable
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on results and execution
- Adaptable and open to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach strategic planning and execution in a dynamic and evolving environment?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve a common goal?
- How do you balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines under business constraints?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Ardelyx's company values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Navigating a complex and evolving healthcare landscape
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Adapting to changes in business priorities and market dynamics
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment, with a strong focus on execution and results.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other payer marketing roles, this position focuses on securing and maintaining product access across B2B customers, including payers, dialysis organizations, and other stakeholders
- Ardelyx's focus on innovation and patient-centric approach sets it apart from other biotech and pharmaceutical companies
- This role offers the opportunity to work on a broad range of products and therapeutic areas, providing diverse learning and growth experiences
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and Ardelyx's company culture when evaluating their fit for this opportunity.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic plan to secure and maintain access for a new product launch
- Conducting market research and analysis to inform payer strategies and tactics
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and implement pull-through resources for field access managers
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and collaborative nature of this role, with a focus on execution and results.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Ardelyx support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- Can you describe the company's approach to cross-functional collaboration and decision-making?
- How does Ardelyx measure the success of its payer marketing strategies and tactics?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the company in the next 1-2 years, and how does this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does Ardelyx foster a culture of innovation and adaptability?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the company's culture, growth opportunities, and strategic priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for interviews by researching Ardelyx's products, company culture, and industry trends
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
