Job Description
The Business Unit Head Rare Disease will lead the strategic development and commercial success of the organization's rare disease portfolio. The role requires deep expertise in rare diseasesespecially lysosomal storage disordersand a strong understanding of the evolving policy, access, and treatment landscape in India.
This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for creating the roadmap, building capabilities, and establishing the organization as a credible and patient-centric partner in the rare disease ecosystem. The incumbent will work in a highly entrepreneurial environment and will play a critical role in shaping a future growth pillar for the company.
Essential Functions
Strategic & Business Leadership
- Develop and execute the long-term strategy for the Rare Disease business.
- Build the go-to-market roadmap for upcoming product launches.
- Identify growth opportunities and drive portfolio expansion in other rare diseases.
- Establish the organization as a key stakeholder in the rare disease ecosystem.
P&L Ownership
- Lead and manage the division with full P&L responsibility.
- Drive revenue, profitability, and operational efficiency.
Sales & Marketing Leadership
- Head the sales and marketing function for the Rare Disease portfolio.
- Design patient-centric and access-driven commercial models.
- Develop engagement strategy for Centres of Excellence and key institutions.
Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with:
- Key opinion leaders and rare disease specialists
- Government bodies and policy influencers
- Patient advocacy groups
- Access and reimbursement stakeholders
Team Building
- Lead and develop the initial team (3 members).
- Build future organizational capability in line with portfolio expansion.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure high standards of ethical promotion and compliance.
- Operate effectively within a highly regulated and access-driven environment.
Additional Responsibilities
- Drive awareness and diagnostic ecosystem initiatives for rare diseases.
- Support medical, regulatory, and market access functions for launch preparedness.
- Provide market insights for pipeline prioritization.
- Represent the organization in key national rare disease forums and partnerships.
Qualifications
Education
- MBA / Post-Graduate in Management
- Science Graduate (mandatory)
Experience
- 1012 years of total pharmaceutical experience.
- Minimum 67 years exclusively in Rare Diseases.
- Proven success in managing a Rare Disease portfolio in a reputed MNC.
- Strong understanding of:
- Government Centres of Excellence for Rare Diseases
- Access and funding mechanisms
- Ultra-specialty engagement models
Capability Requirements
- Strong P&L and business-building experience.
- Demonstrated success in pre-launch and launch excellence.
- Established network with key rare disease HCPs and institutions.
- Experience in working in an entrepreneurial / build-from-scratch environment.
Behavioral Attributes
- Entrepreneurial mindset with high ownership.
- Strategic thinker with execution excellence.
- High compliance orientation with solution-driven agility.
- Strong collaboration and influencing skills.
