📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Director, EU
🔹 Company: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
🔹 Location: Zug, Switzerland
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (On-site & Remote)
🔹 Category: Pharmaceuticals
🔹 Date Posted: April 16, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site & Remote)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies for Acadia's therapies in Europe
- Planning and executing launch readiness plans for current and future products
- Collaborating across functions to ensure alignment with business goals and strategy
- Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and industry partners
- Mentoring and leading cross-functional brand teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively in a global, cross-functional environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement launch and brand regional marketing plans to achieve company objectives
✅ Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and industry partners
✅ Lead and mentor a cross-functional Brand team to ensure alignment with overall business goals and strategy
✅ Ensure effective development and coordination of internal and external resources in the selection and execution of appropriate, compliant, and revenue-generating advertising and sales promotional campaigns, venues, and programs
✅ Develop communications to keep internal senior leaders and executive teams updated on progress, key decisions, issues, and overall launch readiness, including updates at QBRs, BoD prep, and other consolidation of results/reporting
✅ Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats in target markets
✅ Interpret and translate scientific clinical data into commercial implications, which may impact labeling and advertising
✅ Monitor competitive activities for launch indications and identify opportunities for the brand
✅ Stay informed about industry trends, competitors, and regulatory issues that may impact marketing strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder management.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business Administration, or related field; a Master’s degree is preferred
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible pharmaceutical or related marketing experience developing and leading teams and managing product launches, branding, market research, and risk assessment
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in strategic marketing, preferably in a global or multinational organization, preferably from biotech, pharmaceutical organizations operating in the field of rare diseases
- Robust program and project management skills
- Deep analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and develop actionable insights
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
- Full proficiency in marketing assessment tools and software, such as CRM systems, analytics platforms, and project management tools
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities with a track record of successfully managing dotted line cross-functional teams, as well as people leadership
- Resilience and ability to deliver in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions
- Knowledge of international business practices in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry and intercultural intelligence
- Bias for proactive action to remove barriers which may negatively impact results
- Experience in representing an organization to both internal and external groups and act as company ambassador
- Solid understanding and positive history of aligning to industry compliance standards
- Holistic thinking to drive team efforts across functions and stakeholders
- Language skills: Fluency in English and German; Swiss German, French, Italian, Spanish, or any other languages spoken in the Eurozone are considered an advantage
- Ability to travel, both within Europe and internationally
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with launch processes for rare diseases
ASSUMPTION: Given the global nature of this role, candidates with experience working in multinational organizations and across different cultures are strongly preferred.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €120,000 - €160,000 (Estimated, based on industry standards for a Marketing Director role in Switzerland with 10+ years of experience)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees (Mid-sized)
Founded: 1993 (Over 30 years ago)
Company Description:
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals is a trailblazer in neuroscience, dedicated to elevating life through innovative solutions
- Focused on developing and commercializing therapies for neuro-psychiatric and neuro-rare diseases
- Committed to working at the forefront of healthcare to bring vital solutions to patients and their loved ones
Company Specialties:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Rare Diseases
Company Website: Acadia.com
ASSUMPTION: Acadia Pharmaceuticals is a well-established company with a strong focus on neuroscience and rare diseases, offering applicants the opportunity to work on innovative and impactful projects.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Management
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President, Global Marketing
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-site & Remote) - 2-3 days on-site per week, with the rest of the time working remotely
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a global marketing leadership role as the company expands its presence in Europe
- Opportunities to work on multiple brands and therapy areas, gaining diverse experience
- Chance to develop leadership skills by mentoring and managing cross-functional teams
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their leadership and marketing expertise in a global context.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with state-of-the-art facilities
Office Location(s): Zug, Switzerland
Geographic Context:
- Zug is a vibrant city in central Switzerland, known for its high quality of life and beautiful natural surroundings
- Zug is easily accessible by train from major Swiss cities and international airports
- The city offers a mix of urban and outdoor lifestyle, with numerous cultural attractions and recreational activities nearby
Work Schedule: Standard office hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CET), with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The Zug office provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with easy access to public transportation and numerous amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone/Video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and cross-functional team members
- Final interview with the Senior Vice President, Global Marketing
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Acadia's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience, particularly in rare diseases and global roles
- Prepare examples of your strategic marketing approach, launch readiness plans, and market research analysis
- Be ready to discuss your experience working in a global, cross-functional environment and managing dotted line teams
ATS Keywords: Strategic Marketing, Global Marketing, Rare Diseases, Launch Readiness, Cross-Functional Teams, Stakeholder Management, Leadership, Market Research, Compliance Standards
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit within Acadia's global marketing team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Veeva CRM)
- Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard marketing tools and platforms is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Patient-centric: We put patients first in all that we do
- Innovative: We challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible
- Collaborative: We work together to achieve more than any one of us could alone
- Accountable: We take ownership of our responsibilities and deliver on our commitments
- Respectful: We treat everyone with kindness, courtesy, and consideration
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on delivering results
- Collaborative and cross-functional, with a strong emphasis on teamwork
- Global and multicultural, with a diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have experience working in a global, cross-functional environment, and managing dotted line teams?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapting to changing market conditions?
- Do you have a proven track record of successfully managing product launches, branding, market research, and risk assessment in the pharmaceutical or related marketing field?
- Are you fluent in English and German, with additional languages spoken in the Eurozone considered an advantage?
- Are you able to travel, both within Europe and internationally, as needed?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates for this role will demonstrate strong alignment with Acadia's values and a comfortable working style in a global, cross-functional environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires a high degree of strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder management, which can be challenging at times
- The global nature of the role may involve working with diverse teams across different time zones and cultures
- The fast-paced and dynamic work environment may require adaptability and resilience
- The role may involve travel, both within Europe and internationally, which can be demanding
ASSUMPTION: While this role presents several challenges, it also offers significant opportunities for growth and impact in a dynamic and innovative industry.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other marketing director roles, this position focuses specifically on the European market and requires fluency in English and German, with additional languages considered an advantage
- This role is unique in its focus on rare diseases, which presents specific marketing challenges and opportunities
- Career progression in this role may involve expanding into global marketing leadership positions as the company grows its presence in Europe
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other marketing director positions, its focus on the European market and rare diseases sets it apart.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a launch readiness plan for a new rare disease therapy in Europe
- Conducting market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats in target markets for an existing product
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and implement a regional marketing plan for a product with potential market expansion opportunities
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, cross-functional, and collaborative nature of the marketing director role at Acadia Pharmaceuticals.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for its presence in Europe and how this role contributes to that strategy?
- How does the global marketing team collaborate with other functions, such as market access and medical affairs, to ensure alignment with business goals and strategy?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does Acadia support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in marketing roles?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how is that supported in this hybrid role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role's priorities, expectations, and the company's commitment to employee growth and development.
📌 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 marketing experience, particularly in rare diseases and global roles
- Prepare examples of your strategic marketing approach, launch readiness plans, and market research analysis
- Be ready to discuss your experience working in a global, cross-functional environment and managing dotted line teams
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
