Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with key operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), Canada (Sumitomo Pharma Canada, Inc.) and Europe (Sumitomo Pharma Switzerland GmbH) focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, psychiatry & neurology, and cell & gene therapies. With several marketed products in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website ( or follow us on LinkedIn ( .
We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual for the position of Director, Patient Services . Primary responsibilities include leading and developing a high performing team, along with building & executing patient support strategies across the Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) portfolio.
This role oversees patient services that help remove barriers to access for patients prescribed SMPA medicines, including hub and reimbursement services, copay programs, reimbursement managers and the SMPA's patient assistance program. This role executes the strategic framework for patient support services, aligned with brand imperatives. The Director has oversight of patient services operations and manages within the budget. The Director leads the patient services execution and fosters strategic partnerships with service providers to deliver high-quality patient support. The Director plays a critical role in optimizing patient access, affordability, and adherence through data-driven insights, digital innovation, and cross-functional collaboration. This position will serve as a subject matter expert on hub and patient services.
The ideal candidate brings deep operational experience in Patient Support Services, team and or vendor leadership, a strategic and solutions-oriented mindset.
Essential Duties:
Program Strategy & Leadership:
Execute patient services strategic priorities and ensure seamless patient access , working closely with market access and brand teams to align support programs with commercial strategies.
Operational Excellence:
Execute comprehensive patient support services for SMPA's product portfolio, including hub services (benefits investigation, prior authorization, and appeals support), field reimbursement managers, Patient Assistance Program (PAP) and copay assistance programs
Drive data-driven decision-making , leveraging patient insights and real-world evidence to refine program effectiveness,
Vendor Oversight
Oversee third-party service providers , ensuring high-quality execution and patient-centric program delivery. Monitor program effectiveness patient engagement and satisfaction
Track key performance metrics (KPIs) to evaluate program efficiency and impact.
Drive operational improvements and efficiencies.
Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
Partner with access marketing and brand leadership to ensure patient services align with brand strategy and market access goals.
Collaborate closely with legal, compliance, privacy and regulatory teams to ensure program design and execution adheres to all.
Leverage technology and data-driven insights to improve program outcomes.
Budget management:
Manage patient support services budget and support forecasting needs. Manage program operational and pass-through reimbursement costs. Provide regular reporting to Sr. Director, Patient Services.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
Partner with Access Marketing, Brand, Data & Analytics, Legal, Compliance, Medical Affairs, IT, and other cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and integration of patient services within the overall strategy.
Compliance & Quality:
Ensure all programs adhere to relevant regulatory and legal standards, including HIPAA.
Qualifications & Skills:
Bachelor's degree in business, healthcare administration, or a related field (Master's preferred).
10+ years of experience in patient services, market access, or related pharmaceutical roles , with expertise in program management and vendor oversight .
Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing within large-scale budgets and patient support initiatives .
Deep understanding of reimbursement models, affordability programs, and regulatory requirements affecting patient access.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
The base salary range for this role is $184,400 to $230,500. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state. Our robust time-off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter. Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Confidential Data : All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential.
Compliance : Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Mental/Physical Requirements : Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.
Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.
Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with key operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), Canada (Sumitomo Pharma Canada, Inc.) and Europe (Sumitomo Pharma Switzerland GmbH) focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, psychiatry & neurology, and cell & gene therapies. With several marketed products in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage assets, and in-house advanced technology capabilities, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website ( or follow us on LinkedIn ( .
At Sumitomo Pharma America, our work is guided by the Sumitomo Pharma mission, vision and values, which tie closely to our company's cultural pillars.
Our Mission
To broadly contribute to society through value creation based on innovative research and development activities for the betterment of healthcare and fuller lives of people worldwide
Our Vision
For Longer and Healthier Lives, we unlock the future with cutting edge technology and ideas