Associate Director, Strategic Forecasting Respiratory & Rare Disease

Job description

Job Description Associate Director – Strategic Forecasting Respiratory & Rare Disease Associate Director – Strategic Forecasting Respiratory & Rare Disease is a senior leadership role responsible for delivering forward-looking, data-driven insights that shape key business decisions across the pharmaceutical asset lifecycle. This role serves as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, integrating deep therapeutic area expertise, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled methodologies to inform portfolio strategy, investment decisions, and market planning across inline and pipeline assets. Primary Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To • Strategic Leadership and Vision • Define and drive the future state of forecasting, including methodologies, tools, and integration of advanced analytics and AI • Evolve forecasting from a reporting function to a strategic advisory capability, focused on decision impact • Lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance forecasting capabilities and business outcomes • Forecasting and Strategic Insight Generation Lead development and delivery of strategic forecasts and insights across multiple complex assets or therapy areas Deliver • Scenario planning and simulation (what-if analysis, sensitivities, risk/opportunity assessment) • Portfolio-level insights spanning inline products, pipeline assets, and business development opportunities • Robust assumption frameworks, incorporating internal and external data sources (epidemiology, competitive intelligence, market dynamics) Inform • Launch and commercialization strategy • Lifecycle management • Long-range and portfolio planning • Therapeutic Area and Pharmaceutical Expertise Develop and apply deep therapeutic area expertise (e.g., oncology, vaccines, specialty pharma or other disease areas) to inform forecasting assumptions and insights Incorporate understanding of • Disease epidemiology and patient flow • Treatment paradigms and evolving standards of care • Competitive landscape and pipeline dynamics • Pricing, access, and reimbursement considerations Translate scientific and clinical developments into quantitative forecast implications and strategic recommendations Partner with stakeholders to interpret complex clinical, regulatory, and market signals across asset lifecycles • Advanced Analytics and AI Integration Embed advanced analytics and AI/ML techniques into forecasting workflows to enhance accuracy, robustness, and insight generation Champion the use of • Simulation-based forecasting (probabilistic models, scenario engines) • Driver-based and dynamic forecasting models • Data-driven approaches to reduce bias and improve decision quality • Partner with analytics, data science, and digital teams to scale innovative forecasting approaches • Stakeholder Engagement and Influence Act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders across Marketing, Finance, R&D, Market Access, and Regional teams Lead alignment on • Key assumptions, uncertainties, and forecast drivers • Strategic implications of forecast outputs Provide an independent, objective perspective, constructively challenging inputs and guiding decision-making Navigate complex stakeholder environments to drive data-informed consensus • Capability Building and Transformation Drive standardization and continuous improvement of forecasting methodologies and frameworks Lead efforts to • Simplify processes • Increase automation and scalability • Team Leadership and Talent Development Lead and develop a high-performing team delivering forecasting and analytics solutions Build capability in • Strategic thinking • Advanced analytics and modeling • Stakeholder engagement Provide coaching, feedback, and structured development opportunities Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability Qualification And Skills Experience & Educational Background • Advanced degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Business, or related field (MBA/PhD preferred) • 8+ years of relevant experience, including experience in pharmaceutical forecasting, analytics, or consulting • 4+ years of People management experience • Demonstrated experience in strategic forecasting across the asset lifecycle (inline, pipeline, and/or business development) Pharmaceutical & Domain Expertise Strong understanding of • Disease area dynamics and therapeutic landscapes • Epidemiology and patient-based forecasting approaches • Clinical development, regulatory milestones, and commercialization pathways • Pricing, access, and payer dynamics across key markets Ability to translate clinical, scientific, and market developments into quantitative forecast implications Analytical & Technical Capabilities Deep expertise in • Advanced forecasting methodologies (e.g., driver-based models, scenario planning, sensitivity analysis) • Simulation techniques (e.g., Monte Carlo, probabilistic forecasting) Experience Leveraging • Advanced analytics and statistical techniques • AI/ML applications in forecasting and decision support (preferred) Strong ability to manage uncertainty, triangulate multiple data sources, and build robust assumptions Leadership & Stakeholder Management • Proven ability to lead cross-functional engagements and influence senior stakeholders across diverse functions • Experience working in global, highly matrixed environments, navigating complexity and ambiguity • Demonstrated ability to challenge assumptions constructively and provide an independent, objective perspective Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to • Structure ambiguous business problems • Synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights • Connect analytics to strategic business decisions Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, evolving environm