Senior Director, National Sales

Apellis Pharmaceuticals - Waltham, MA

Full-time - Senior

Waltham, MA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The National Sales Director for US Ophthalmology at Apellis is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving the sales strategy and performance of a first-in-class ophthalmic product, SYFOVRE. This position involves leading a high-performing sales team, ensuring compliance with corporate policies, and collaborating with cross-functional partners to achieve sales targets. The role requires a growth-oriented mindset and a commitment to Apellis' values, with accountability for delivering top-line results in a competitive market.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a high-performing US sales team, including Territory Business Managers and Regional Sales Directors.
• Support team members in their development and execution of training programs to ensure expertise in the geographic atrophy field.
• Monitor performance against key metrics and drive long-term success in a competitive market.
• Analyze data for effective resource deployment across the nation.
• Cultivate collaboration and accountability across cross-functional teams to meet performance targets.
• Ensure processes support launch success, including business planning and performance management.
• Advise on key requirements such as incentive compensation planning and territory design.
• Develop professional relationships with physician and practice management experts.
• Role-model a compliant culture focused on patient and physician-centricity.
• Ensure adherence to Apellis corporate policies in achieving sales goals.
• Drive efficient stewardship of budget and maintain understanding of the retina field.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree required; MBA or related graduate degree preferred.
• 10+ years of biotech/pharma commercial experience, with experience in building and leading successful sales teams through launch.
• Experience in ophthalmic disease (preferably in retina) and cross-functional commercial roles is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in a buy and bill environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Reputation as a dynamic team leader who inspires people behind a vision.
• Mindset of growth and change, embracing new approaches to meet team goals.
• Ability to proactively spot and solve issues in the team or business.
• Resilience and focus on delivering results for the team.
• Strong commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs.

Benefits

• Health insurance with full premium coverage
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance