Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need. As a global leader in the biology of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cell proteins and named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures, the clinical-stage company is focused on advancing innovative treatments where protein growth factors are fundamental. Over the past decade, the company has created a pipeline with the potential to advance the standard of care for neuromuscular disease, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and other conditions where growth factor-targeted drugs can play a transformational role.
Scholar Rock is the only company to show clinical proof of concept for a muscle-targeted treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This commitment to unlocking fundamentally different therapeutic approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. By harnessing cutting-edge science in disease spaces that are historically under-addressed through traditional therapies, Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients. Learn more about the company’s approach at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock and on LinkedIn.
Summary of Position:
Reporting to the Senior Vice President Head of Europe, the Vice President, General Manager Germany will lead the expansion efforts across Germany. This leadership role is critical to maximizing the opportunity for Scholar Rock innovation to impact patients across Germany. In collaboration with the regional leadership team, the successful catalytic leader will develop and execute commercial and operational strategy to accelerate the engagement with Germany key stakeholders and customers (government authorities, regulatory authorities, payer authorities, KOLs) as well as all necessary constituencies to support expansion into the European region. The incumbent will be responsible for developing pre-launch and commercialization strategic plans for Germany. This individual will have full accountability for the Germany P&L, all Germany operations and will ensure official, fiduciary, and legal and compliance requirements are met locally and for the European region respectively. The person will set the cross-functional strategy and execution of apitegromab launch in Germany setting the stage to build a multi-billion-dollar business globally.
The launch strategy and execution for apitegromab in the German market is critical and unique. If approved, apitegromab will be the first and only muscle-targeted treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This country leadership role will design, build, and direct high-performing teams responsible for bringing this innovative therapy to patients in Germany and potentially later in Switzerland and Austria, starting with its lead indication in SMA.
This role requires exceptional leadership, deep launch expertise, a profound understanding of market trends, customer insights, and the competitive landscape to effectively position Scholar Rock and the brand for exponential growth.
The responsibilities of the VP GM Germany encompass a wide array of strategic and operational tasks aimed at building and enhancing the organization’s brand equity. These include:
Strategic Leadership & Launch Excellence:
- Develop and manage the German P&L including the budget for Germany operations, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive German commercial launch strategy that ensures precision, excellence, and market impact
- Build and lead a best-in-class organization across marketing, sales, thought leader engagement, market access, distribution, patient case management, and medical
- Drive cross-functional collaboration with Medical affairs, Manufacturing and Supply, Business Operations, Market Access, Corporate Affairs
- Lead customer-facing teams to build strong relationships with healthcare providers, KOLs, payers, and other key stakeholders
- Navigate the complex German access environment with innovative approaches and patient services and support to ensure optimal patient access
- Support the effective negotiation of consultant/agency contracts for timely and cost-effective services in various business areas to support pre-launch and launch activities.
- Implement digital-forward strategies that enhance customer engagement and drive brand performance
Business Performance & Financial Management:
- Deliver on sales, profit, and market share targets within agreed budgets
- Manage P&L accountability, long-range planning, and financial forecasting
- Ensure operational efficiency across all aspects of the German business
- Allocate resources strategically to maximize impact and ROI
- Set key launch and financial performance metrics including revenue, profitability, contribution margin
People Leadership & Development:
- Build and inspire a diverse, high-performing, cross-functional team that drives innovation, excellence, and play to win.
- Foster strong partnerships across functions to ensure aligned objectives and seamless implementation
- Foster a culture with the global team consistent with the global SRRK values and vision/mission.
Candidate Requirements:
- Advanced degree in life sciences, business administration, or a related field.
- A minimum of 12 years of overall progressive experience in Pharmaceutical/Biotech and rare disease experience is required
- Proven Germany experience in a leadership role within the biopharmaceutical industry.
- In-depth knowledge of the Germany pharmaceutical market and regulatory environment.
- Proven experience building and developing a high performing cross-functional team is a must.
- Organizational and P&L Leadership experience in Germany required.
- Fluency in both verbal and written English and German; any other major European language is an advantage.
- Experience leading Biopharma teams with Marketing, Sales, Market Access, and Medical responsibilities are preferred
- Proven track record of successful hands-on German product launches and lifecycle management in specialty therapeutics is required
- Exceptional strategic thinking, business acumen, communication and enterprise leadership
- Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management capabilities
- Ability to develop and implement comprehensive company and brand strategies.
- Demonstrated success in commercial and launch planning, aggressively growing and managing products through their life cycle
- Experience navigating complex regulatory and compliance environments
- People development skills with proven ability to develop next generation leaders
- Innovative mindset with ability to drive transformation while delivering results
- P&L Management experience is required with strong budget management and financial acumen to drive brand profitability.
- Strong leadership and influencing skills with the ability to create a clear sense of direction.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic small company environment and able to roll up the sleeves to get things done.
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
