Vice President, Commercial Strategy and New Product Planning

To qualify for the Vice President, Commercial Strategy and New Product Planning role at Septerna, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, while a PhD, MD, MBA, or other advanced degrees are preferred. Additionally, at least 15 years of relevant experience in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals, with a minimum of 12 years in Marketing, Commercial Strategy, or New Product Planning, is essential.

The Vice President, Commercial Strategy and New Product Planning at Septerna is responsible for developing global commercial product strategies for the R&D pipeline, leading commercial initiatives such as market research, and establishing strong relationships with key opinion leaders. This role also involves life-cycle management strategies, competitive landscape assessments, and advising on patient engagement activities.

For the Vice President, Commercial Strategy and New Product Planning position at Septerna in South San Francisco, the anticipated salary range is $300,000 to $340,000. However, individual pay can vary based on experience, education, and job-related skills, in addition to a comprehensive benefits package.

In the role of Vice President, Commercial Strategy and New Product Planning at Septerna, you will collaborate closely with various product development teams and R&D functions. This requires a strong ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams, translating scientific insights into strategic commercial goals across a matrix organization.

As a Vice President at Septerna, you can expect a highly collaborative, dynamic, and innovative work environment. We value diversity in thought and background, and promote an open atmosphere where employees can learn from each other and thrive as part of our mission to develop impactful therapeutics.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you played a pivotal role in product development. Highlight your understanding of both early and late-stage processes, and elucidate how your strategic input influenced outcomes. Use examples that showcase your collaboration with R&D and marketing teams.

Discuss your methodologies for conducting primary and secondary market research. Explain how you identify key trends, assess competitive landscapes, and incorporate these insights into strategic decision-making. Mention any tools or frameworks you prefer using to analyze market data effectively.

In your response, describe specific lifecycle management strategies you've applied in previous roles. Discuss factors like market positioning, competitive analysis, and anticipating market evolution. Provide examples that demonstrate your ability to adjust strategies based on real-time feedback and data.

Share a specific instance where you had to navigate a complex matrix organization. Discuss how you engaged with diverse stakeholders, resolved conflicts, and united the team around common objectives to ensure alignment with the commercial strategy.

Emphasize your commitment to incorporating patient perspectives into product development. Share how you've partnered with advocacy organizations in the past, detailing specific initiatives where patient insights led to better product alignment with community needs.

When discussing product forecasts, outline your process for assembling baseline assumptions, accounting for emerging market scenarios, and identifying risks. Use data-driven strategies to showcase how you've effectively estimated product potential in past roles.

Provide a comprehensive overview of the factors you consider essential in creating a successful commercial strategy, such as market analysis, competitive landscape understanding, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring alignment with overall business goals.

Discuss your methods for staying informed, such as attending industry conferences, subscribing to relevant journals, joining professional networks, or participating in online communities. Mention how ongoing education and industry engagement help you bring fresh insights to your role.

Describe your leadership style, focusing on your ability to inspire and empower team members from various backgrounds. Highlight collaboration techniques, communication strategies, and how you encourage open dialogue to enhance team performance.

Tailor your response to reflect your enthusiasm for Septerna's mission and innovative approach to drug discovery. Discuss how your values align with their goals, particularly regarding collaboration, diversity, and commitment to patient-centered solutions.