Role Description
Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, the SVP, Commercial (EMEA) will be tasked to lead our global expansion strategy, oversee international commercial operations, and drive business growth in key markets outside the United States in preparation for the global commercial launch of molgramostim.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in scaling pharmaceutical businesses internationally, a deep understanding of global healthcare markets, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams across diverse geographies.
The role will be based Copenhagen, Denmark and the ideal candidate will either live there currently or be willing to relocate.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute Savara’s international business strategy, aligning with corporate objectives and long-term growth plans.
- Evaluate new markets, partnership opportunities, and revenue streams in international regions.
- Monitor global trends in healthcare, regulatory environments, and market dynamics to inform strategic decision-making.
- Serve as a key member of the commercial leadership team, providing insights into international opportunities and challenges.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence across international teams.
- Partner with R&D, manufacturing, and other internal departments to ensure alignment in product development and supply chain strategies.
Commercial Operations
- Oversee international sales, marketing, and distribution strategies to achieve revenue and market share targets.
- Build and lead high-performing regional teams to ensure the effective implementation of commercial strategies.
- Ensure alignment of local operations with corporate goals, adapting strategies to suit cultural and market-specific needs.
- Lead entry into new geographic markets, including market research, regulatory approvals, and the establishment of local operations or partnerships.
- Establish strong relationships with healthcare providers, regulators, distributors, and other key stakeholders in international markets.
Regulatory and Compliance
- Ensure all international operations comply with Savara’s and local regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
- Work closely with regulatory teams to manage approvals for new products and maintain compliance across existing portfolios.
Financial Oversight
- Develop and manage budgets, ensuring financial goals are achieved.
- Analyze performance metrics across regions, identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Life Sciences, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, PharmD) preferred.
- Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with at least 8 years in an international role.
- Proven success in leading commercial and operational efforts across multiple international markets, including emerging markets.
- Strong understanding of global regulatory environments, healthcare systems, and payer landscapes.
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and lead diverse teams.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
- Financial acumen and experience managing large, complex budgets.
- Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking) required.
- Willingness to travel internationally up to 50% of the time or as required.
Work Schedule and Location
This role will be based in Copenhagen. Travel to the US corporate office outside of Philadelphia, PA and as needed- travel internationally up to 50% will be required. Flexibility and the willingness to take calls in timezones outside of CET is essential.
About Savara
Savara is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on rare respiratory diseases. The company's lead program, molgramostim nebulizer solution, is in Phase 3 development for autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP). Savara's management team has extensive experience in rare respiratory diseases and pulmonary medicine, advancing product candidates to approval and commercialization.
