Lead, US Contract Management
Astellas Pharma, Northbrook, IL, United States
Lead, US Contract Management
Responsible for leading and coaching a team of contracting and rebate analysis experts and providing end-to-end contracting expertise across Market Access and the Astellas product portfolio. Acts as primary business partner to Local Brand Teams, Legal Executives, National and Regional Accounts, Supply Chain, Sales leadership, and Policy and Government Affairs providing objective insights regarding contracting terms. Oversees over $1.5B annually in rebate payments verified, calculated, and dispersed by the team.
Responsibilities
Lead and drive the standardization of overall contract management
egotiation process; identify and implement innovations and process improvements to optimize outcomes and improve efficiency where warranted
Collaborate with legal executives to assure Astellas business interests are protected by contractual language
Direct the generation of offer letters and proposed contract templates that describe the proposed pricing
Remain current on federal, state, and international legal developments affecting the pharmaceutical industry
Review final contract templates where customers require the use of their own contract template
Lead the contract management team to support field team in negotiating terms by providing counsel on policy, strategy, and regulations
Demonstrate expert knowledge of relevant contract language and guide the team and field organization in customer negotiations
Engage in contract negotiations with external customers when necessary; attend key customer conferences and meetings
Own the contract library, maintaining a secure, centrally stored contract management framework in accordance with Astellas Records and Retention policies
Develop a managed care contract operations team with a focus on accuracy, attention to detail, follow-up, and customer service skills
Ensure accurate calculation and validation of over $1.5B in managed care rebate payments aligning with contract terms
Ensure contracting and rebate operations comply with all regulatory and J‑Sox controls
Advise Business Development on risks and benefits of potential product acquisition or divestiture deals
Negotiate with industry partners to resolve contractual and payment disputes
Focus on continual improvement of speed, quality, and simplicity of contract formulation and management process
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum 10 years of experience in contract analysis and negotiation in the pharmaceutical industry
Contracting terms and language expertise to legally and clearly articulate intent of agreements; ability to differentiate and prioritize legal and business risks and mitigations
Demonstrated success in difficult contract negotiations
Strong leadership with proven ability to influence and create cross‑functional alignment; track record of developing others in change management
Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written
Ability to assimilate and present complex information to higher‑level management and produce board‑ready presentation material
Strong collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to gather key stakeholder feedback and gain executive alignment in a highly matrixed environment
Demonstrated knowledge of the U.S. access, reimbursement, and pricing landscape for pharmaceutical products
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (MBA or JD) or related discipline
Location and Working Environment This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from anywhere in the U.S. is available. Astellas offers a hybrid working solution with flexibility to work from home or the office.
Salary Range $189,259 - $270,370
Benefits
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year‑end shut‑down
401(k) match and annual company contribution
Company paid life insurance
Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
Referral bonus program
Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans.
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Responsibilities
Lead and drive the standardization of overall contract management
egotiation process; identify and implement innovations and process improvements to optimize outcomes and improve efficiency where warranted
Collaborate with legal executives to assure Astellas business interests are protected by contractual language
Direct the generation of offer letters and proposed contract templates that describe the proposed pricing
Remain current on federal, state, and international legal developments affecting the pharmaceutical industry
Review final contract templates where customers require the use of their own contract template
Lead the contract management team to support field team in negotiating terms by providing counsel on policy, strategy, and regulations
Demonstrate expert knowledge of relevant contract language and guide the team and field organization in customer negotiations
Engage in contract negotiations with external customers when necessary; attend key customer conferences and meetings
Own the contract library, maintaining a secure, centrally stored contract management framework in accordance with Astellas Records and Retention policies
Develop a managed care contract operations team with a focus on accuracy, attention to detail, follow-up, and customer service skills
Ensure accurate calculation and validation of over $1.5B in managed care rebate payments aligning with contract terms
Ensure contracting and rebate operations comply with all regulatory and J‑Sox controls
Advise Business Development on risks and benefits of potential product acquisition or divestiture deals
Negotiate with industry partners to resolve contractual and payment disputes
Focus on continual improvement of speed, quality, and simplicity of contract formulation and management process
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum 10 years of experience in contract analysis and negotiation in the pharmaceutical industry
Contracting terms and language expertise to legally and clearly articulate intent of agreements; ability to differentiate and prioritize legal and business risks and mitigations
Demonstrated success in difficult contract negotiations
Strong leadership with proven ability to influence and create cross‑functional alignment; track record of developing others in change management
Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written
Ability to assimilate and present complex information to higher‑level management and produce board‑ready presentation material
Strong collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to gather key stakeholder feedback and gain executive alignment in a highly matrixed environment
Demonstrated knowledge of the U.S. access, reimbursement, and pricing landscape for pharmaceutical products
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (MBA or JD) or related discipline
Location and Working Environment This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from anywhere in the U.S. is available. Astellas offers a hybrid working solution with flexibility to work from home or the office.
Salary Range $189,259 - $270,370
Benefits
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year‑end shut‑down
401(k) match and annual company contribution
Company paid life insurance
Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
Referral bonus program
Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans.
#J-18808-Ljbffr