Product Manager (Pharma/Biotech)

Clinical Data, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLDA), a leading provider of proprietary, pharmacogenetic tests and targeted therapeutics to improve patient care, seeks a Director of Marketing/Product Manager, CNS with an interest in participating in an entrepreneurial company in this new and industry-changing area. Major responsibilities will include strategic planning and tactical implementation for launch and commercialization of our Phase III investigational compound vilazodone, currently in development for the treatment of depression. Vilazodone is being developed as a pharmacogenetically targeted therapeutic and is a dual-acting serotonergic compound that is both an SSRI and a 5HT1A partial agonist, with the potential for differentiation based on its MOA and a companion pharmacogenetic test for drug response. It may also be developed for other indications. Launch is anticipated in 2010.  This individual will provide commercial guidance for the brand’s draft labeling, packaging, trade name and Phase IV development plan to the drug development team. Reports to Chief Medical Officer.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

· Manage strategic and tactical elements of vilazodone development and associated pharmacogenetic test. Work collaboratively with the cross functional product development team to ensure smooth transition of the brand from development prospect to commercial availability. Assist with strategy and collaboration opportunities with pharmaceutical partners.

· Support product growth and market research by interacting with key customer groups to including thought leaders, pharmacy customers, managed care customers and others. Work with professional and patient associations focused on the treatment of depression.  Work closely with the APA and others to develop a new class of drug used for depression and other psychiatric illnesses.

· Interact with drug manufacturing personnel to oversee any issues that may affect commercial availability and production capacity. 

· Develop and implement pre and post-launch marketing research plan, including timelines and budget.  Coordinate effort to conduct brand name selection including logo and branding.  Oversee brand positioning and pricing research. Aid in translating pricing research into financial forecast and managed care strategy.

· Develop trade and sample unit and dollar forecasts based upon the company’s approved financial forecasts.  Forecast quantities and timing requirements for products. Gather data to prepare, update and oversee brand forecasts.

· Support and produce marketing material for managed care and retail pharmacy/national accounts needs.

· Implement and organize promotional programs to promote products. Manage web presence for the product.

· Maintain contact with sales training department and present sales training classes, collaborate to develop needed presentations and materials and serve as a resource to the field for product-specific questions. 

· Perform other duties or special projects as requested related to the area of responsibility.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for building the team as needed to assure timely execution and delivery of responsibilities as outlined above.  This may include direct supervisory responsibilities.

 

SKILL SETS AND CHARACTERISTICSInterest in participating in fluid, entrepreneurial business environment. Experience in both large and small companies a plus.Must have be self-motivated and a team player.Must be driven by success Expertise in product management for CNS products, experience with antidepressants a plus.An understanding of pharmacogenetics and its applications a plus.

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Education:  Bachelor Degree of Science or Arts with an emphasis in Business or Marketing.  Masters of Business Administration preferred.

Experience:  5 - 10 years of Pharmaceutical experience or related health care field.  3-5 years product management experience required, CNS marketing experience preferred, sales experience preferred.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills required. Must be able to forecast timelines, resources and budgets, resolve bottlenecks and advise teams and management of impacts and changes in project timelines. Experience in the devices/diagnostics industry a plus.