Summary:The Director, Trade Operations is responsible for leading both the strategic and hands-on execution of Pacira's trade and distribution activities across all channels, including 3PL, wholesalers, specialty distributors, specialty pharmacies, and sample programs. This role ensures continuous product availability and seamless distribution of Pacira's product portfolio (EXPAREL and ZILRETTA) by proactively managing inventory levels and coordinating closely with external partners.
The Director oversees chargeback reconciliation, pricing and contract compliance, manages trade data flows and analytics, and drives process improvements to enhance visibility and performance tracking. This role collaborates cross-functionally with Finance, Supply Chain, Market Access, Marketing, and Commercial teams to support product launches, pricing changes, packaging/label updates, and supply chain planning.
ResponsibilitiesEssential Duties & Responsibilities:The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned.
- Trade Strategy & Execution
Develop and execute comprehensive trade and distribution strategies across all channels to ensure efficient product availability and channel performance.
- 3PL & Inventory Management
Lead 3PL (ICS) operations, including service level agreements, proactive inventory monitoring, sample inventory management, and cost optimization. Ensure continuity of supply and prevent stock-outs through forward-looking planning and controls. - Wholesaler & Partner Relationships
Manage wholesaler and specialty distributor relationships, including contract execution, pricing notifications, and roster management. Resolve ordering, pricing, and contract issues that may impact product access. - Chargebacks & Pricing Reconciliation
Oversee chargeback reconciliation and credit/rebill processes to ensure accuracy and alignment with contract terms. Partner with Finance to resolve discrepancies and mitigate financial risk. - Trade Data Integrity & Analytics
Manage trade data flows and reporting, including EDI (852/867) data. Identify and resolve discrepancies, ensure data accuracy, and develop dashboards and KPIs to support decision-making and performance tracking. - Regulatory & Contract Compliance
Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements (e.g., DSCSA, licensing) and adherence to contractual obligations. Maintain audit readiness and proper documentation. - Cross-Functional Leadership
Serve as the trade operations lead in cross-functional initiatives, including product launches, pricing changes, and packaging/label updates. Ensure alignment across Marketing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Commercial teams. - Continuous Improvement
Drive process improvements and automation across trade operations, including inventory monitoring, reporting, and workflow standardization. Develop SOPs for key processes such as returns, chargebacks, pricing updates, and distribution workflows. - Data Transparency & Reporting
Ensure full visibility into distribution performance, inventory levels, and order status. Provide regular insights and reporting to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Supervisory Responsibilities:This role does not have direct people management responsibilities. However, the Director may provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight to cross-functional partners, project teams, or temporary resources as needed to support trade operations initiatives.
Interaction:This role partners closely with internal teams including Marketing, Field Sales, Strategic Accounts, Medical Affairs, Finance, and Supply Chain. It also interfaces with external partners such as 3PL providers, wholesalers, specialty distributors, and data aggregators.
QualificationsEducation and Experience:- Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA preferred
- 8+ years of experience in pharmaceutical trade operations or commercial distribution
- 3+ years of people management experience
- Deep knowledge of pharmaceutical distribution networks and 3PL operations
- Experience with ERP systems, EDI data (844/867), and trade data platforms
- Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Qualifications:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Ability to balance strategic leadership with operational execution
- Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
- High attention to detail and data accuracy
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
- Focus on continuous improvement and leveraging technology to enhance operations
Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, move between spaces, reach with hands and arms and stoop. Travel up to 20%.
Work Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work setting is consistent of a typical pharmaceutical office environment with offices and cubicles.
Benefits- Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Coverage
- Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account with Company match
- Employee Assistance Program
- Mental Health Resources
- Disability Coverage
- Life insurance
- Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
- Legal and Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Fertility and Maternity Assistance
- 401(k) with company match
- Flexible Time Off (FTO) and 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
Pay TransparencyThe base pay range for this role is $188,500 to $240,000 The range is what we reasonably expect to pay for this role. The range considers a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: geographic markets, business or organizational needs, skill sets, experience, training, licensure, and certifications. Depending on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered.