Assoc Director, Sales Rare Disease in London

Assoc Director, Sales Rare Disease in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Novo Nordisk

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a high-performing sales team to drive impact for patients with rare diseases.
  • Company: Join Novo Nordisk, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to long-term health solutions.
  • Benefits: Access to global networks, career development opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
  • Other info: Be part of a collaborative team committed to transforming lives and achieving exceptional outcomes.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while shaping the future of rare disease care.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry and strong strategic acumen.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ 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 maximises impact throughout the customer journey

Your new department

Within the UK affiliate, you'll be part of the Rare Disease leadership team—a collaborative group committed to transforming the lives of patients with rare conditions. This is a dynamic environment where cross-functional collaboration, strategic thinking, and patient-focused innovation come together to deliver exceptional outcomes. Your leadership will be instrumental in positioning Novo Nordisk as the partner of choice in the UK rare disease community.

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 organisations 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 ICS (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

Working at Novo Nordisk

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with determination, constant curiosity and a commitment to finding better ways forward. For over 100 years, this dedication has driven us to build a company focused on lasting change for long-term health. One where diverse thinking, shared purpose and mutual respect come together to create extraordinary results. In rare diseases, this commitment takes on special meaning—where every patient matters, and where your leadership directly contributes to improving lives that might otherwise be overlooked. When you join us, you're not just starting a job – you're becoming part of a story that spans generations.

What we offer

There is, of course, more on offer here than the uniqueness of our culture and the extraordinary results we produce. Being part of a global healthcare company means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us, while our benefits are designed with your career and life stage in mind. As a senior leader in our International Operations, you'll have access to global networks, cross-functional collaboration opportunities, and the chance to shape the future of rare disease care in the UK.

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

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and preventing diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

Assoc Director, Sales Rare Disease in London employer: Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of patients with rare diseases. With a strong focus on employee growth, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and strategic thinking, providing opportunities for professional development within a global healthcare environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying comprehensive benefits tailored to support your career and personal life.

Novo Nordisk

Contact Details:

Novo Nordisk Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the rare disease community. 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

Show your passion for rare diseases! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your genuine interest in making a difference in patients' lives. This will set you apart from other candidates who may not have that same level of commitment.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s recent projects and their impact on rare diseases. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also a great match for our mission.

Tip Number 4

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 at Novo Nordisk. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something bigger!

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

Leadership Skills
Strategic Commercial Acumen
Account Management Excellence
Budget Management
Stakeholder Management
Networking Skills
Insight Generation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Director role. Highlight your leadership experience, strategic thinking, and any relevant achievements in the rare disease sector.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Share your passion for rare diseases and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through!

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

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Novo Nordisk

Know Your Rare Diseases

Make sure you brush up on the specifics of rare blood disorders and endocrine conditions. Understanding the nuances of these diseases will not only show your passion but also demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in patients' lives.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences, especially in managing remote teams and driving transformation. Use specific examples that highlight how you've inspired high performance and achieved results in complex environments.

Master the Commercial Strategy

Familiarise yourself with the company's commercial strategy and be ready to discuss how you would co-create and execute it. Think about how your strategic vision aligns with their objectives and be prepared to share your insights on multi-channel approaches.

Network Like a Pro

Highlight your networking and stakeholder management skills during the interview. Be ready to talk about how you've built and maintained relationships within the healthcare sector, particularly at the ICS level, and how this can benefit the company.