Vice President, Sales
Description
Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company preparing to launch AtzumiTM (dihydroergotamine (DHE) nasal powder), a novel therapeutic product approved in the US for the acute treatment of migraine. AtzumiTM incorporates proprietary advanced powder and device technology (SMART – Simple MucoAdhesive Release Technology™) and is designed to be easy-to-use, easy-to-carry and for quick self-administration.
Position Summary:
Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Vice President, Sales to build and lead the U.S. sales organization in preparation for and following the commercial launch of AtzumiTM (dihydroergotamine [DHE] nasal powder), approved in the U.S. for the acute treatment of migraine. This hands-on commercial leadership role will be responsible for developing and executing the sales strategy, recruiting and developing a high-performing field team, and driving sales performance. The Vice President, Sales will partner closely with Commercial leadership and cross-functional teams to support launch readiness, customer engagement, and achievement of business objectives. The successful candidate develops strategic plans for the sales function based on corporate strategy, applying expert knowledge of the function and its interaction with other commercial and corporate areas, and partners with other department leaders to solve complex problems affecting the broader organization.
Key Responsibilities:
Build, recruit, lead, and develop the U.S. sales organization, including field leadership and sales training capabilities.
Provide leadership and management to a small to medium-sized sales team, including director-level and other direct reports.
Develop and execute national sales strategies, territory alignment, account segmentation, and deployment plans to support the launch and commercialization of AtzumiTM.
Translate corporate strategy into medium-term sales functional strategy, managing change and developing risk mitigation plans to support business growth.
Establish sales goals, performance metrics, and business review processes to monitor results and drive execution.
Lead, coach, and develop sales leaders and representatives, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and ethical business practices.
Partner with Commercial leadership to develop go-to-market strategies, sales forecasts, budgets, and resource allocation plans.
Collaborate with Marketing, Market Access, Commercial Operations, Medical Affairs, and other cross-functional partners to align sales execution with brand strategy and business objectives.
Partner with Commercial Operations to develop and implement sales incentive compensation plans, territory design, field reporting, and performance management processes.
Ensure sales team readiness through effective onboarding, product training, and ongoing development.
Monitor sales performance, market trends, customer insights, and competitive activity to identify opportunities and inform commercial strategy.
Establish and maintain relationships with key healthcare professionals, accounts, and other relevant stakeholders.
Provide timely field insights and customer feedback to inform commercial planning, marketing strategies, and business decisions.
Manage the sales budget and ensure effective use of resources to support business objectives.
Ensure sales activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and ethical standards.
Partner with senior leadership on commercial planning, launch execution, and strategic initiatives to support the company’s growth.
Partner with other department leaders across the organization to solve complex, cross-functional problems affecting sales performance and commercial growth.
Proactively identify, assume, and execute additional responsibilities, initiatives, and special projects as business needs evolve.
Minimum Requirements Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Life Sciences, or a related discipline required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
Demonstrated strategic thinking skills with the ability to develop and implement organizational growth plans for the sales function.
15+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology commercial industry experience, including significant sales leadership experience.
Demonstrated experience building, leading, and developing high-performing sales teams.
Proven experience launching and commercializing pharmaceutical products in the U.S.
Experience developing and executing sales strategies, territory alignment, incentive compensation plans, and field deployment models.
Strong understanding of the U.S. pharmaceutical commercial environment, including specialty products and healthcare provider engagement.
Demonstrated ability to analyze sales performance, market data, and customer insights to develop actionable business plans.
Experience managing budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation.
Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Strong commitment to compliance, ethical business practices, and sound judgment.
Neurology or migraine experience is preferred. Experience launching specialty pharmaceutical products preferred.
Ability to travel nationally, anticipated at up to 50%.
Expert knowledge of the sales function as well as working knowledge of other corporate areas and their interaction with commercial strategy.
Benefits and Pay:
The expected salary range for this position is $300,000.00-$375,000.00 USD. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is committed to providing its employees with benefit options that are comprehensive, competitive, and that individual employees can tailor to their and their families’ specific needs. Eligible employees are offered Health Insurance, Dental & Vision Insurance, Healthcare & Dependent Care FSA, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k) Savings Plan, Long-term Incentive Plan, Life Insurance, Accident & Disability Insurance, Telemedicine, Generous Paid Time Off, and Company Holidays.
EEO & Employment Eligibility:
Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company. We provide equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Satsuma Pharmaceuticals also complies with all applicable national, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification required of applicable law.