VP, Manufacturer & Specialty Network Partnerships

About the role

In this senior leadership role, you will play a key part in enhancing and managing Leap's vital external partnerships. Your focus will be on establishing and expanding our connections with pharmaceutical manufacturers, specialty pharmacies, and infusion providers. The outcomes of your efforts will significantly shape our commercial strategy and the economic framework for delivering transformative therapies.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize the commercial model aimed at minimizing drug acquisition expenses by assessing Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) enrollment, direct purchasing strategies, and distribution agreements.
• Evaluate the implications of shifts in manufacturer, pharmacy, and network partnerships on acquisition costs, manufacturer value, and overall employer savings.
• Craft persuasive value propositions for manufacturers and develop savings narratives for employers that align with our acquisition cost strategy.
• Collect and analyze market intelligence regarding Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM), GPOs, and distributor activities to guide our model development.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, focusing on market access, brand management, and trade contacts.
• Oversee the daily execution of initiatives related to manufacturer partnerships and prepare comprehensive presentation materials for stakeholders.
• Maintain and enhance relationships with specialty pharmacies and distribution partners, including wholesalers and GPO contacts.
• Spearhead the expansion of our specialty infusion provider network by identifying potential partners, sourcing opportunities, and managing their onboarding process.
• Serve as the primary liaison for network providers, addressing performance issues, referrals, and any challenges that arise.
• Directly supervise a team comprising Manufacturer Analytics & Marketing professionals and Manufacturer Account Managers, fostering their development and performance.
• Collaborate with Clinical, Data & Analytics, and Pharmacy Operations teams to effectively showcase Leap's capabilities to external stakeholders.
• Provide the Senior Vice President with regular updates on pipeline status, network health metrics, and early indicators of potential risks.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience in areas such as pharmaceutical market access, specialty pharmacy, distribution/trade, PBM, GPO, health plan operations, or specialty provider management, with hands-on experience managing relationships with manufacturers, distributors, or payers.
• In-depth knowledge of Average Sales Price (ASP), Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC), Gross-to-Net (GTN), 340B pricing, buy-and-bill models, chargebacks, and the financial dynamics of specialty infusion care settings.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically about commercial frameworks, effectively balancing acquisition costs, manufacturer value, and savings for employers.
• Proven experience in managing external partnerships or provider relationships, including contract negotiations, network growth, and performance management.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for creating and delivering impactful presentations to manufacturers.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership role, or a strong potential for leading a small team effectively.

Nice to have

• Experience in a specialty pharmacy, wholesaler/distributor (e.g., Cencora, McKesson, Cardinal), infusion provider network, PBM, or integrated healthcare organization.
• Familiarity with processes related to prior authorization, Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS), limited-distribution medications, and specialty drug distribution channels.
• A proven track record of successfully leading efforts in provider or partner network recruitment, growth, and contracting initiatives.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in commercial modeling techniques
• Strong relationship management capabilities
• Expertise in network development strategies
• Contract negotiation skills
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations effectively

Practical notes

• Leap is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering diversity in the workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and contribute to our mission of delivering innovative healthcare solutions.

About the company

Leap is one of the fastest-growing benefits solutions and a category-defining pioneer in employer specialty pharmacy. We are reshaping how life-changing therapies are delivered and financed, ensuring patients get the treatment they need while employers finally get a fair deal.