Vice President Marketing and Launch Lead

Job Description

Primary Function:

The VP, US Marketing and Launch Lead will lead the strategy, planning, and execution of Zai Lab’s first U.S. commercial launch and subsequent pipeline launches and build the U.S. marketing function to support a growing portfolio. The role will own brand strategy, positioning, and launch readiness, and bring Commercial, Medical, Market Access, Regulatory, and global teams together under one launch plan. This position reports to our Operating Partner and is based in our South San Francisco, CA office.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Launch Strategy and Readiness: Lead U.S. launch planning for the first launch and subsequent pipeline launches, from pre-approval through early lifecycle, including go-to-market strategy, launch governance, and delivery of launch-critical activities. Own the integrated launch plan, timeline, readiness scorecard, and KPIs.
• Brand Strategy and Positioning: Develop the U.S. brand strategy, brand identity, positioning, value proposition, and core messaging, grounded in market research, customer insights, and competitive analysis.
• Asset Strategy Partnership: Partner with R&D and Global Product Leaders to shape asset strategy and clinical development plans and translate clinical data into a clear value proposition and differentiation story.
• Cross-Functional Launch Leadership: Lead the U.S. launch team across Medical Affairs, Market Access, Regulatory, Sales, Commercial Operations, and Supply Chain. Track risks and drive timely decisions.
• Market Access and Pricing: Partner with Market Access to inform pricing, payer value proposition, and patient support programs, and build access considerations into brand plans.
• Promotional Execution: Direct multichannel HCP and patient marketing, including digital, peer-to-peer, congress, and personal and non-personal promotion. Manage agency partners and guide materials through medical, legal, and regulatory review.
• Forecasting and Budget: Work with Commercial Operations and Finance on forecasts, latest estimates, operating budgets, and performance KPIs. Manage the marketing budget and agency and vendor spend.
• People Leadership and Operations: Build, lead, and develop the U.S. marketing team as the organization grows and put in place the processes and agency network needed for launch and beyond.
• Global Alignment: Align the U.S. plan with global brand strategy, forecasting, and lifecycle plans in partnership with global and China-based teams. Contribute to portfolio strategy and business development evaluations as needed.
• Field and Customer Presence: Maintain a strong presence with the sales team, key customers, and at major medical congresses. Collaborate across several time zones and travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, life sciences, or a related field.
• 15+ years of commercial experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including 10+ years in U.S. marketing.

PREFERRED:

• MBA, PhD, or other advanced degree.
• Proven track record leading U.S. product launches, from pre-launch through in-line growth.
• Experience in specialty therapeutic areas (e.g., oncology, immunology, hematology).
• Experience shaping asset strategy in partnership with R&D.
• Strong multichannel HCP and patient marketing experience.
• Working knowledge of U.S. promotional regulations, market access, and payer strategy.
• Experience owning brand forecasts, budgets, and agency relationships.
• Operating experience in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial biotech environment.
• Commercial or launch experience in ex-US markets (e.g., EU5, Japan, China).
• Experience in cross-regional collaboration including Asia/China.
• Maintains the highest standards of integrity and ethics.

Additional Information

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $300K and $431K/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

At Zai, we are proud of the gender diversity of our company and our promotion of women in biotech. We have achieved gender base pay equity at all levels, 58% of our employees are women and 54% of our management positions are held by women. We are committed to the health of patients and our planet. That’s why our environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance strategy, called “Trust for Life” is integrated within our business.

Disclaimer: This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirement for the position. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or based on disability.

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