Who We Are:
Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients in need. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team.
What We Do:
We are advancing an exciting product pipeline to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression and pain. Our Phase 3 azetukalner program represents the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage clinical development for multiple indications. In March 2026, we announced positive topline data from our Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study of azetukalner in focal onset seizures (FOS), and we anticipate submitting a New Drug Application to the Food and Drug Administration in the third quarter of 2026. Our Phase 3 epilepsy program also includes a second FOS study, X-TOLE3, which would support regulatory submissions outside the U.S., and the X-ACKT study in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which would support regulatory submissions for an additional epilepsy indication. We also have multiple Phase 3 azetukalner clinical trials underway in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BPD), based on topline data from our Phase 2 X-NOVA clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of our strong heritage in human genetics, deep understanding of ion channel biology, and expertise in novel chemistries to enable potent, selective ion channel targeting, and continue to advance an early-stage pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates. In 2025, we initiated Phase 1 trials for XEN1701 (targeting Nav1.7) and XEN1120 (targeting Kv7). Nav1.7 and Kv7 are important pain targets, and data from these Phase 1 studies are expected in 2026 to support Phase 2 proof-of-concept studies in acute pain. Backed by a strong balance sheet to support our growth plans, we continue to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations.
We are seeking a Director, Pricing and Contracting to join our Market Access team. This role will be responsible for U.S. pricing and contracting strategy to support optimal market access, reimbursement, and financial performance for Xenon’s portfolio. This role will lead the development of contracting strategies with national/regional payer organizations, PBMs, and government payer segments as well as pricing strategy, gross-to-net modeling, and payer contracting strategies that support both product launch planning and lifecycle management. This individual will work closely with the payer field team to support contract negotiations and ensure pricing and contracting decisions align with overall market access strategies and company financial objectives.
This role will collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, Compliance, Medical Affairs, and Commercial leadership to evaluate pricing scenarios, inform access strategy decisions, and support the successful commercialization of Xenon products.
This role reports to the Senior Director of Market Access Strategy and Operations and is based out of Boston, MA, USA, in our Needham office. The level of the position will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and industry experience. Hybrid positions require a minimum of two onsite days per week.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the development and execution of U.S. pricing strategy, including launch price recommendations and lifecycle pricing management
Design and implement payer contracting strategies, including rebate structures and contracting frameworks with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), national payer organizations, and regional health plans
Support contract negotiations and ensure pricing and rebate strategies align with payer coverage objectives
Lead financial modeling and pricing scenario analyses to evaluate the impact of pricing and contracting strategies on market access, reimbursement, and overall company financial performance
Develop and manage gross-to-net (GTN) models that support financial forecasting, access strategy decisions, and pricing scenario planning
Collaborate closely with Finance to ensure pricing assumptions, GTN forecasts, and contracting scenarios are accurately reflected in financial planning and forecasting models
Monitor payer contracting trends, competitive pricing dynamics, and reimbursement environments to inform pricing strategy and market access planning
Provide strategic oversight of government pricing considerations, including AMP, Best Price, Medicaid rebate implications, and 340B pricing impacts, ensuring pricing and contracting strategies align with regulatory requirements
Support the development of pricing governance processes and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership regarding pricing decisions and contracting strategies
Partner with Legal and Compliance to ensure pricing and contracting practices adhere to regulatory requirements and company compliance standards
Develop and propose short- and long-term objectives for the function in accordance with overall Company strategies and plans
Plan and manage budget proposals and approved budgets in accordance with the Company’s strategic and operating plans and Finance policies
Recruit, lead, direct, develop, coach and evaluate direct reports, if any, in accordance with the Company’s Human Resource policies and practices
Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any
Some international travel may be required
Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or MBA preferred
10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, including at least 5 plus years in Pricing, Contracting, or Market Access roles
Demonstrated experience developing U.S. pricing strategy, including launch pricing recommendations and lifecycle pricing management for specialty-lite and/or specialty therapies
Proven experience developing and managing gross-to-net (GTN) models to support financial forecasting, pricing scenario planning, and contracting strategy
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing payer contracting strategies, including rebate structures and negotiations with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), national payer organizations, government payers and regional health plans
Experience evaluating government pricing implications including AMP, Best Price, Medicaid rebate exposure, and 340B pricing considerations
Experience supporting product launches or late-stage pipeline assets strongly preferred
Strong financial modeling and analytical skills with the ability to translate complex pricing and contracting scenarios into strategic recommendations
Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, Compliance, Medical Affairs, and Commercial teams
Experience supporting pricing governance processes and cross-functional pricing decision frameworks preferred
Strong leadership, communication, and executive presentation skills
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-stage environment
Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-& long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.
Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown. Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.
Top Skills
Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. Needham, Massachusetts, USA Office
117 Kendrick Street , Suite 200, Needham, MA, United States, 02494
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