📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Director, Payer Marketing
🔹 Company: Ardelyx
🔹 Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Biotechnology Research
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote location considered, periodic office attendance required)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing innovative B2B access marketing strategies
- Engaging and influencing payers, dialysis organizations, and other stakeholders
- Driving product access, adoption, and reimbursement opportunities
- Leading and developing a high-performing team
- Collaborating cross-functionally to align payer marketing strategies with business objectives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, deep understanding of the payer landscape, and strong leadership skills to drive growth through effective customer engagement strategies.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the development and execution of B2B access marketing strategies
✅ Oversee and/or develop compelling strategic payer positioning and materials
✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with key payer decision-makers
✅ Lead competitive intelligence and market research efforts
✅ Oversee the budgeting process for payer marketing initiatives
✅ Track and measure the effectiveness of payer marketing efforts
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of strategic planning, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or a related field, MBA preferred
Experience: 12 - 15 years of experience, particularly in the pharmaceutical/biopharma industry, with 5+ years in a leadership role focused on payer marketing, market access, or related areas
Required Skills:
- Deep understanding of payer dynamics, healthcare reimbursement systems, and the healthcare landscape
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing payer marketing strategies
- Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing high-performing teams
- Ability to analyze complex data and trends to inform strategy and decision-making
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence key stakeholders
- High level of comfort with regulatory guidelines and compliance requirements
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry
- Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and compliance requirements specific to biopharma
ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on payer marketing and the biopharma industry, candidates with relevant experience and a strong understanding of the healthcare landscape are most likely to succeed.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $258,000 - $316,000 annually
Benefits:
- 401(k) plan with generous employer match
- 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 is competitive and aligned with industry peers, as indicated by Ardelyx's compensation approach.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Ardelyx operates in the Biotechnology Research industry, focusing on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative medicines to meet significant unmet medical needs.
Company Size: Ardelyx has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Ardelyx was founded in 2007, with a mission to translate scientific breakthroughs into promise for patients.
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 has a robust pipeline of product candidates, focusing on first-in-class medicines for various indications
Company Specialties:
- Biopharmaceutical drug discovery and development
- Commercialization of innovative medicines
- Collaboration with industry partners for global product development and commercialization
Company Website: http://www.ardelyx.com
ASSUMPTION: Ardelyx's focus on innovation and collaboration creates an environment that values strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Market Access & Patient Services.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Director of Access Marketing will oversee a team of access marketing professionals and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, including brand leadership, commercial operations, and HEOR, Medical, Regulatory, Patient Services, Finance, Trade, and Account Management.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with remote work considered but periodic office attendance required based on the needs of the business.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the Market Access & Patient Services department or explore other leadership opportunities within Ardelyx
- Chance to develop and mentor a high-performing team
- Opportunity to gain experience in a dynamic, growing biopharma company
ASSUMPTION: Given Ardelyx's focus on innovation and growth, this role offers strong potential for career development and advancement.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Ardelyx's headquarters is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, with additional offices in Fremont, California, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Office Location(s): 400 Fifth Avenue, 210, Waltham, MA 02451, US; 34175 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, CA 94555, US; 260 E Highland Ave, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, US
Geographic Context:
- Waltham, Massachusetts, is a suburban city near Boston, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- The Boston area is a major hub for biotechnology and healthcare innovation
- Ardelyx's offices in California and Wisconsin provide opportunities for collaboration and expansion within the U.S.
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling and remote work options
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible scheduling allow for a balance between collaboration and remote work, catering to different work styles.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interviews with cross-functional stakeholders
- Final interview with the Senior Vice President of Market Access & Patient Services
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Understanding of the payer landscape and healthcare market dynamics
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Ardelyx's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in payer marketing, market access, and leadership roles
- Demonstrate your understanding of the healthcare landscape and payer dynamics in your application materials
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Research Ardelyx's mission, values, and company culture to show your enthusiasm and fit for the role
ATS Keywords: Payer Marketing, Market Access, Healthcare Reimbursement, Leadership, Data Analysis, Communication, Negotiation, Regulatory Compliance, Team Development, Strategic Planning, Customer Engagement, Competitive Intelligence, Budget Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Product Positioning, Market Research
ASSUMPTION: Ardelyx's hiring process focuses on assessing candidates' strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on relevant experience in payer marketing and market access.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Veeva)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the biopharma industry and focus on collaboration, data analysis, and project management.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Patient-centricity
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Accountability
- Integrity
Work Style:
- Strategic and forward-thinking
- Data-driven and analytical
- Collaborative and cross-functional
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you successfully developed and executed payer marketing strategies in previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of how you have influenced key payer decision-makers to drive product access and reimbursement?
- How do you approach analyzing complex data and trends to inform strategy and decision-making?
- How do you foster a high-performance culture and ensure team success in a leadership role?
ASSUMPTION: Ardelyx values candidates who align with their patient-centric, innovative, and collaborative culture, and who can demonstrate strong leadership and strategic thinking skills.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The dynamic and fast-paced nature of the biopharma industry may require adaptability and quick decision-making
- Navigating the complex payer landscape and reimbursement systems can be challenging and time-consuming
- Balancing remote work and periodic office attendance may require strong time management and communication skills
- Managing a team and driving results in a hybrid work environment may present unique leadership challenges
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong leadership, effective communication, and a strategic approach to managing priorities and team dynamics.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other payer marketing roles, this position offers a unique focus on driving growth through effective customer engagement strategies in the biopharma industry
- Ardelyx's mid-sized company environment provides opportunities for growth and collaboration that may not be available in larger organizations
- This role's focus on strategic planning, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making sets it apart from other marketing roles within the biopharma industry
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic, leadership, and stakeholder management responsibilities, making it an attractive opportunity for experienced payer marketing professionals.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic payer positioning plan to drive formulary placement and reimbursement for a new biopharma product
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key payer decision-makers to influence population health decision-making and support product access
- Overseeing the development of reimbursement materials for a field access manager team calling on healthcare provider accounts
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the strategic, stakeholder-focused, and data-driven nature of the Senior Director of Access Marketing role at Ardelyx.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Ardelyx support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
- Can you describe the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities exist for growth within the company?
- How does Ardelyx foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, and how does this role contribute to that culture?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does Ardelyx approach work-life balance, and what resources are available to support employees in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role, company culture, and long-term growth opportunities, while also providing valuable insights into Ardelyx's approach to employee development and support.
📌 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 in payer marketing, market access, and leadership roles
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Research Ardelyx's mission, values, and company culture to show your enthusiasm and fit for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
