Lead, US Contract Management

Lead, US Contract Management

Responsible for leading and coaching a team of contracting and rebate analysis experts and providing end-to-end contracting expertise across Market Access and the Astellas product portfolio. Acts as primary business partner to Local Brand Teams, Legal Executives, National and Regional Accounts, Supply Chain, Sales leadership, and Policy and Government Affairs providing objective insights regarding contracting terms. Oversees over $1.5B annually in rebate payments verified, calculated, and dispersed by the team.

• Lead and drive the standardization of overall contract management/negotiation process; identify and implement innovations and process improvements to optimize outcomes and improve efficiency where warranted
• Collaborate with legal executives to assure Astellas business interests are protected by contractual language
• Direct the generation of offer letters and proposed contract templates that describe the proposed pricing
• Remain current on federal, state, and international legal developments affecting the pharmaceutical industry
• Review final contract templates where customers require the use of their own contract template
• Lead the contract management team to support field team in negotiating terms by providing counsel on policy, strategy, and regulations
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of relevant contract language and guide the team and field organization in customer negotiations
• Engage in contract negotiations with external customers when necessary; attend key customer conferences and meetings
• Own the contract library, maintaining a secure, centrally stored contract management framework in accordance with Astellas Records and Retention policies
• Develop a managed care contract operations team with a focus on accuracy, attention to detail, follow-up, and customer service skills
• Ensure accurate calculation and validation of over $1.5B in managed care rebate payments aligning with contract terms
• Ensure contracting and rebate operations comply with all regulatory and J‑Sox controls
• Advise Business Development on risks and benefits of potential product acquisition or divestiture deals
• Negotiate with industry partners to resolve contractual and payment disputes
• Focus on continual improvement of speed, quality, and simplicity of contract formulation and management process

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum 10 years of experience in contract analysis and negotiation in the pharmaceutical industry
• Contracting terms and language expertise to legally and clearly articulate intent of agreements; ability to differentiate and prioritize legal and business risks and mitigations
• Demonstrated success in difficult contract negotiations
• Strong leadership with proven ability to influence and create cross‑functional alignment; track record of developing others in change management
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to assimilate and present complex information to higher‑level management and produce board‑ready presentation material
• Strong collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to gather key stakeholder feedback and gain executive alignment in a highly matrixed environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of the U.S. access, reimbursement, and pricing landscape for pharmaceutical products

• Advanced degree (MBA or JD) or related discipline

This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from anywhere in the U.S. is available. Astellas offers a hybrid working solution with flexibility to work from home or the office.

$189,259 - $270,370

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year‑end shut‑down
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Company paid life insurance
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans.