Commercial Launch Lead / Launch Strategy & Operations Lead

Role Summary This role is responsible for standing up and driving the commercial launch strategy for a gene therapy offering in an emerging therapeutic area.This is not a plug-and-play pharma launch. The individual will help: Build the commercial foundation from scratch Align multiple stakeholders in a still-evolving space Drive execution in a highly ambiguous, fast-changing environment Key Responsibilities Stand Up Commercial Launch Framework Define and build the end-to-end commercial launch plan Establish key workstreams (e.g., market access, patient journey, provider engagement, operations) Develop timelines, milestones, and success metrics Identify gaps and stand up missing capabilities where needed Cross-Functional Leadership Serve as the central program lead across functions, including: Commercial / Marketing Market Access & Reimbursement Medical Affairs Operations / Patient services Drive alignment across teams that may not yet have defined roles in this emerging space Program Management & Execution Own day-to-day execution of the launch plan Track deliverables, timelines, and dependencies Proactively manage risks, bottlenecks, and shifting priorities Create structure where there is ambiguity Emerging Market & GTM Strategy Support Help shape go-to-market approach in a new/less-defined therapeutic category Support development of: Patient identification and access pathways Provider adoption strategies Commercial readiness planning Adapt traditional launch models to fit gene therapy-specific challenges Stakeholder & Vendor Coordination Coordinate across internal stakeholders and external partners/vendors Ensure accountability and alignment across all parties Facilitate working sessions, status updates, and executive reporting Agile Adaptation in a Changing Environment Operate effectively in a space where: Strategy is evolving Timelines may shift New challenges emerge (clinical, operational, or access-related) Adjust plans quickly while maintaining forward momentumRequired Experience (Must-Haves) Life sciences experience (pharma, biotech, or gene/cell therapy) Experience supporting commercial launches or launch readiness Strong program/project management experience Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional, matrixed environments Comfortable operating in ambiguous or emerging spacesHighly Preferred Experience in gene therapy, cell therapy, or rare disease Exposure to non-traditional launch models (e.g., one-time treatments, complex patient journeys) Experience in pre-launch or early commercialization phases Consulting or agency experience supporting life sciences clientsSoft Skills (Critical for Success) Strong organizer can bring structure to unclear situations Excellent communicator across diverse stakeholders Comfortable influencing without direct authority Proactive and solutions-oriented Adaptable and able to pivot quickly (explicitly called out in the conversation)