Job Description:The Associate Director, Sales Training & Development is responsible for contributing to the strategy, design, development, and leading the execution of commercial training programs that support the Rare Disease field organization that align with Sales, Marketing, and broader business objectives. This role partners cross-functionally to deliver innovative learning solutions through instructor-led, virtual, e-learning, and field-based training that enhance product knowledge, disease-state expertise, and sales effectiveness in a complex specialty environment. While primarily focused on Rare Disease, the position also provides training support for Diabetes business initiatives as needed. Success in this role requires familiarity with adult learning principles, sales excellence, coaching, and the ability to influence, collaborate, and develop high-impact learning experiences that drive commercial performance.
Essential Job Functions- Contribute to the strategy, design, development, and lead the execution of commercial training initiatives that support the Rare Disease field organization and drive business performance.
- Develop and deliver comprehensive learning curricula for new product launches, disease-state education, product knowledge, market access, patient journey, and consultative selling skills.
- Partner closely with Sales Leadership, Marketing, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Patient Services, and Compliance to identify capability gaps and implement training solutions aligned with business objectives.
- Design and facilitate engaging learning experiences through multiple modalities that include instructor-led training, virtual learning, e-learning, workshops, and field-based coaching.
- Lead onboarding and ongoing development programs for new hires, field sales representatives, Regional Business Directors, and other commercial team members.
- Collaborate with field leadership to assess training effectiveness, identify development opportunities, and continuously enhance sales capabilities through coaching and performance feedback.
- Develop training content and facilitate learning sessions for National Sales Meetings, Regional Execution Meetings, Manager Meetings, and other commercial training events.
- Administer and oversee commercial learning systems, training processes, and curriculum management to ensure effective deployment, tracking, and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Measure and evaluate training effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative metrics, incorporating field insights and business performance data to continuously improve learning programs.
- Manage external training vendors and strategic partnerships to support innovative learning solutions and high-quality program execution.
- Champion best practices in adult learning, instructional design, and sales capability development to foster a culture of continuous learning and commercial excellence.
- Provide training leadership and support for Rare and Diabetes commercial initiatives, as needed, to ensure alignment with broader organizational priorities.
Skills and Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Business, Life Sciences, Education, or a related field required; advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) preferred.
- A minimum of 7 years of progressive commercial experience within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, including sales, sales training, learning & development, or commercial excellence.
- Experience supporting Rare Disease, Specialty, or other complex therapeutic areas strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success in designing and leading commercial training strategies that support product launches, disease-state education, sales excellence, and field capability development strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to influence and partner effectively with Sales Leadership, Marketing, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Compliance, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
- Experience applying adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and multiple learning modalities, including instructor-led, virtual, digital, and field-based learning strongly preferred
- Experience facilitating high-impact presentations and training programs for diverse commercial audiences, including field sales teams and sales leadership.
- Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning platforms, and learning technologies; experience measuring training effectiveness through business and performance metrics preferred.
- Strong project management, organizational, and change management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking, executive presence, and the ability to lead through influence while fostering a culture of continuous learning and commercial excellence.
- Passion for improving patient outcomes and advancing therapies for individuals living with rare diseases.
- Excellent communication, presentation, coaching, collaboration, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate business strategy into impactful learning solutions.
Working Conditions- Position may require periodic evening and weekend work, as necessary to fulfill obligations. Periodic overnight travel.
- Minimum travel expected 20-30%
- Preference will be given to Chicagoland-based candidates. For those living in the Chicagoland area, this is a hybrid position based in Xeris' Chicago office. A minimum of three days per week on site is required. On site requirement may change at management's discretion.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
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Direct Employers Posting: Nationwide Remote
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $155,200 - $194,000.
We are committed to offering competitive compensation. Starting pay is determined based on a variety of factors, including the role, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education, internal equity, market data, and the location of the role, where applicable.
The level of the position will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. Final determination of the actual base salary offered depends on several factors, including but not limited to the candidate's skills, experience, education, location, and business needs. Employees are eligible for equity or long-term incentive awards, where applicable. Field Sales role employees are eligible for a quarterly commission structure. Non-Sales role employees are eligible for an annual bonus. The Company also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes additional elements such as paid time off benefits, various health, vision, and dental insurance options, 401(k) retirement benefits and more for eligible employees. Details about these and other offerings will be provided at the time a conditional offer of employment is made. Candidates are always welcome to inquire about our compensation and benefits package during the interview process. Individuals hired as temporary employees, interns, and preceptors are not eligible for commissions, bonuses, and/or long-term incentive or equity awards. Eligibility for other benefits will be based on plan documents.