Assoc Director, Sales Rare Disease

Assoc Director, Sales Rare Disease

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Novo Nordisk

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic sales team to drive impactful strategies for rare diseases.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking pharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming patient lives.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and strategic impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while leading a high-performing team.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry with a passion for rare diseases.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Drive meaningful impact for patients living with rare diseases, while leading a high‑performing team to deliver exceptional results across the UK.

Your new role

As Associate Director Sales Rare Diseases, you'll lead the UK Rare Disease Sales team and play a pivotal role in shaping and executing our commercial strategy for Rare Blood Disorders and Rare Endocrine conditions. This is a role where strategic vision meets hands‑on leadership, and where your decisions directly impact patients who depend on life‑changing treatments.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

  • Leading and developing the Rare Disease sales team (Key Account Managers), creating realistic goals and inspiring high performance across all territories.
  • Co‑creating and executing the national sales strategy in partnership with the Director of Rare Disease, aligned to UK affiliate business objectives.
  • Serving as an active member of the Rare Disease leadership team, driving the business agenda and making strategic decisions.
  • Managing the Nordicare Service Lead and matrix‑managing the Nordicare nurse team to deliver a gold standard, differentiated patient service.
  • Championing account management excellence across all key accounts, ensuring robust account plans with SMART objectives and strong tactical execution.
  • Overseeing budget management and resource allocation to ensure optimal return on investment.
  • Building and maintaining stakeholder networks across the UK and global functions, representing the UK at European and Global meetings.
  • Driving transformation toward an insight‑driven, multi‑channel approach that maximizes impact throughout the customer journey.

Your Skills & Qualifications

We're looking for an accomplished leader who combines strategic commercial acumen with a genuine passion for making a difference in rare diseases. You'll bring:

  • Proven track record in a senior leadership role, delivering high results through strong leadership of complex matrix organizations in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Extensive experience in strategic and tactical account planning and execution, with demonstrated success in multiple product launches.
  • Direct people management experience leading remote, high‑performing teams through transformation and multi‑channel acceleration.
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience developing business strategy and working knowledge of the NHS, preferably within the Rare Disease environment.
  • Experience operating, communicating, and influencing at Integrated Care System level in the external environment.
  • ABPI qualification (essential) and degree in a science or business‑related subject (desirable).
  • Exceptional networking, influencing, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to harness internal and external networks.
  • High‑level insight generation capabilities using multiple data sources, coupled with multi‑channel excellence.
  • Financial management skills including budgetary control and ROI decision‑making.
  • Valid UK driving license and willingness to travel within the UK.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English with creative storytelling and communication skills for audiences of all sizes.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

Assoc Director, Sales Rare Disease employer: Novo Nordisk

As an Associate Director in Sales for Rare Diseases, you will join a forward-thinking company dedicated to making a meaningful impact on patients' lives across the UK. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, providing you with the opportunity to lead a high-performing team while shaping strategies that directly influence patient care. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on inclusivity, we offer a unique environment where your contributions are valued and rewarded.

Novo Nordisk

Contact Details:

Novo Nordisk Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assoc Director, Sales Rare Disease

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the rare disease space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its impact on rare diseases. Understand their products and how they fit into the market. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their mission.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams to success in the past. Highlight your experience in managing remote teams and driving performance, as this is crucial for the Associate Director role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in the lives of patients with rare diseases.

We think you need these skills to ace Assoc Director, Sales Rare Disease

Leadership Skills
Strategic Commercial Acumen
Account Management Excellence
Budget Management
Stakeholder Management
Networking Skills
Influencing Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Director Sales Rare Diseases role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in the pharmaceutical industry to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about rare diseases and how your strategic vision can drive our sales team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver results. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact – we love numbers!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at Novo Nordisk

Know Your Rare Diseases

Make sure you brush up on the specifics of rare diseases, especially Rare Blood Disorders and Rare Endocrine conditions. Understanding the nuances of these conditions will not only show your passion but also demonstrate your commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your leadership approach in detail. Think about examples where you've led high-performing teams through transformation. Be ready to share how you inspire and motivate your team to achieve exceptional results.

Master the Commercial Strategy

Familiarise yourself with the company's commercial strategy and be prepared to discuss how you would co-create and execute it. Highlight your experience in strategic and tactical account planning, and be ready to provide examples of successful product launches you've been involved in.

Network Like a Pro

Since stakeholder management is key, think about your existing networks and how you can leverage them. Prepare to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships in the past, especially at the Integrated Care System level, and how that can benefit the company.