Commercial Strategy Director, Diabetes, GCC

Job Description

The Commercial Strategy Director will lead the strategic direction, launch preparation and future commercial execution for Vertex’s Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) portfolio across the GCC markets, with a focus on Saudi Arabia. This role is accountable for driving portfolio strategy, identifying relevant local stakeholders and activities, and ensuring alignment with Vertex’s global T1D and cross-functional objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the GCC commercial strategy for T1D, aligned with Vertex’s ambitions and local health transformation agendas (e.g., KSA Vision 2030).
• Apply strong knowledge of the GCC markets, economic and industry trends and use appropriate information to maximize opportunities and minimize risk exposure.
• Responsible and accountable to deliver against agreed commercial and strategic objectives. Ensure that all commercial activities meet or improve on budget, revenue, cost, volume, and efficiency targets (Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)) in line with business objectives.
• As a core Commercial member of the International Cross-Functional Team, collaborates closely with International HQ on strategic market assessments, go-to-market planning, value proposition development, and access readiness specific to T1D cell therapy.
• Generate and consolidate relevant market insights across HCPs and patient stakeholders to inform brand planning and ensure Vertex addresses external customer needs.
• Understand and monitor key regional dynamics related to T1D, including evolving standards of care, competitive landscape, and health policy changes.
• Partner with Medical, Market Access, Regulatory, Government and Public Affairs (GAPP), and International Patient Engagement (IPE) both within GCC and at International HQ to ensure the integrated delivery of T1D strategies.
• Lead cross-functional readiness efforts for potential T1D launches, including demand forecasting, stakeholder mapping, and pre-launch initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal cross-functional stakeholders to drive execution and operational excellence. Ensure that customer needs are met and that customer requirements are fully communicated throughout the business.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the GCC markets, especially Saudi Arabia.
• Represents the GCC region in global and regional T1D strategic forums, ensuring GCC needs and insights are reflected in broader planning.
• Drive business cases for investment, resourcing, and capability building required for successful T1D delivery in the region.
• Contribute to accurate budgeting and forecasting.
• Represent the company externally e.g., at networking events, conferences, and exhibitions to enhance and strengthen the company’s profile and optimize all business development opportunities.
• Ensure compliance of commercial activities with the Vertex code of conduct, SOPs and all applicable laws and regulations.

Required Education Level

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Pharmaceutical/Life Sciences
• Business School degree or MBA an advantage

Required Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience of pre- and post-launch commercial strategy, sales and marketing, market access, or business development roles within the pharmaceutical or biotech sector.
• Direct experience in diabetes with exposure to Type 1 Diabetes.

Required Knowledge/Skills

• Strong leadership skills and significant experience in pharma industry dealing with diabetes, specialty and or rare diseases.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement commercial strategy, makes strategic recommendations, and monitor performance.
• Proven success in launching and managing innovative therapies in GCC healthcare systems.
• Strong track record of engaging with healthcare providers, and government stakeholders in the GCC.
• Saudi Arabia experience is essential; broad and in-depth experience in other GCC markets strongly preferred.
• Results driven, customer focused, flexible mindset with willingness to accept stretch targets.
• Takes personal accountability and is passionate for achieving high levels of excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to act as change catalyst and demonstrated ability to deliver results that meet high quality requirements with tight timelines.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in complex, matrix environments.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and communication skills.
• Excellent project management and presentation skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) at all levels and ability to influence at a senior level, both internally and externally.
• Numerate with strong financial, analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Solid understanding of the compliance framework and rules and regulations across GCC markets.
• Excellent command of oral and written English and Arabic
• Ability to prioritize, demonstrating first class organizational and time management skills
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to work accurately in a busy and demanding environment
• Committed to learning and development
• Good IT skills, e.g. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

Other Requirements

• Frequent travel within GCC Region
• Position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 
1.    Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2.    On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com