Position Summary

The Commercial Director DACH will be responsible for defining and executing Cytokinetics' commercial strategy across the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). This senior role is critical to leading the preparation and implementation of successful national market access, product launches, sustained sales growth, and brand development. The Commercial Director will report directly to the VP, General Manager, DACH, and collaborate closely with cross-functional international teams in European as well as global headquarters.

This role is a key leadership position within Cytokinetics and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the company's growth and success in the DACH region. We are looking for a forward-thinking, results-oriented, hands-on, operative individual who is passionate about delivering innovative therapies to patients and driving excellence in commercial strategy.

Role Responsibilities:

MARKETING:

• Develop and implement short, mid and long-term, a competitive, differentiating marketing and communication strategy for the local HCM markets.
• Develop and implement specific programs and promotional materials for target group in line with global brand plan.
• Lead, develop & coach marketing team to achieve KPIs.
• Ensuring all promotional materials are reviewed and approved in accordance with company standard operating procedures as well as national compliance requirements.
• Manage vendors, agencies and contractors efficiently.
• Oversee competitive landscape and market research results and shape plans accordingly.
  
  

SALES:

• Deliver on sales targets.
• Deliver strong product advocacy by key centers.
• Monitor and report sales and performance versus KPI targets.
• Develop sales strategy, drive identification and structured analysis of target groups, execute and oversee strategy implementation.
• Build and set up CRM and KPI system, ensuring compliant visit documentation.
• Set up and monitor goals, objectives and bonus plans for all commercial functions.
• Hire, lead & coach sales team to enable commercial promotion of CK products and to achieve KPI and sales targets.
• Visit key centers to commercially promote CK products, penetrate our value story and differentiate from other treatment options, including surgical options.
• Invite customers for commercial symposia and other CK-sponsored activities and engage with them on collaboration projects.
• Plan + execute written launch communication (e.g. direct-to-customer e-mails, medical media articles, newsletters for specialists) as well as ongoing promotional direct-to-customer communication e.g. via individualized e-mails.
  
  

CENTRAL COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT:

• Respond to rebate requests from pharmacies and wholesalers.
• Respond to and manage supply chain related questions from pharmacies/HCPs/ service providers.
• Competitive intelligence, market observation, sales reporting.
• Manage CRM system, collect data privacy consent form signatures from customers.
• Optimize target group selection.
• Lead German implementation of commercial events and promotional materials.
  
  

MARKET ACCESS:

• Commercial support of GM in pricing and reimbursement negotiations.
• Educate and advise the commercial team about reimbursement regulations for specialty cardiology drugs. Include such information in promotional and educational materials.
• Convince hesitating customers to prescribe CK products (in-label), despite their fear of regress/re-taxation (e.g. in Germany), or other forms of challenges by payers.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business, or related field; MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry, with a proven track record in successful product launches, efficient commercial strategy development and execution, inspiring sales leadership, and profitable market access strategies within the DACH region.
• In-depth knowledge of the healthcare systems in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• Strong network with key stakeholders within the DACH pharmaceutical sector.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Fast-paced learning and implementation of new facts into strategies and plans.
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and drive high-performing teams, with experience in matrixed and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills in both German and English.