Director, Forecast & Research

Who We Are

Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients in need. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team.

What We Do

We are advancing an exciting product pipeline to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression and pain. Our Phase 3 azetukalner program represents the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage clinical development for multiple indications. In March 2026, we announced positive topline data from our Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study of azetukalner in focal onset seizures (FOS), and we anticipate submitting a New Drug Application to the Food and Drug Administration in the third quarter of 2026. Our Phase 3 epilepsy program also includes a second FOS study, X-TOLE3, which would support regulatory submissions outside the U.S., and the X-ACKT study in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which would support regulatory submissions for an additional epilepsy indication. We also have multiple Phase 3 azetukalner clinical trials underway in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BPD), based on topline data from our Phase 2 X-NOVA clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of our strong heritage in human genetics, deep understanding of ion channel biology, and expertise in novel chemistries to enable potent, selective ion channel targeting, and continue to advance an early-stage pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates. In 2025, we initiated Phase 1 trials for XEN1701 (targeting Nav1.7) and XEN1120 (targeting Kv7). Nav1.7 and Kv7 are important pain targets, and data from these Phase 1 studies are expected in 2026 to support Phase 2 proof-of-concept studies in acute pain. Backed by a strong balance sheet to support our growth plans, we continue to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations.

About The Role

We are seeking a Director, Forecast & Research to join our growing Commercial organization. This role will be a critical strategic partner responsible for leading forecasting, market research, and insights generation to support Xenon’s epilepsy portfolio. The successful candidate will work closely with cross functional leaders to deliver high‑quality analytics and actionable insights that guide strategic and operational decision‑making.

This position reports to the Vice, President, Commercial Operations and will be based out of Boston, MA, USA in our Needham office. Remote locations will be considered for exceptional candidates. Hybrid positions require a minimum of two onsite days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, maintenance, and evolution of patient‑based and revenue‑based forecasts for Xenon’s assets.
• Partner closely with functional leaders to align on key assumptions, scenario planning, sensitivity analyses, and long‑range forecasting inputs.
• Serve as Xenon’s subject matter expert on the epilepsy market, providing continuous insights into epidemiology, competitive dynamics, treatment trends, and unmet need.
• Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to ensure forecasting accuracy for operational planning.
• Develop and present forecast updates to senior leadership, ensuring cross‑functional alignment and transparency.
• Design and execute primary market research, including vendor selection, methodology design, and synthesis of insights across HCPs, payers, patients, and caregivers.
• Leverage secondary data sources to identify meaningful trends, benchmark analogs, and assess market opportunities.
• Translate complex analytics and research results into clear, compelling insights that inform commercial strategy, launch readiness, and lifecycle planning.
• Provide analytical and insights support for business development assessments as needed.
• Manage external vendors/agencies to ensure high‑quality deliverables, budget adherence, and methodological rigor.
• Develop and propose short‑ and long‑term objectives for the function in accordance with overall Company strategies and plans.
• Plan and manage budget proposals and approved budgets in alignment with Company policies.
• Act in accordance with Company policies, including the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and ensure compliance among direct reports.
• Some international travel may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Minimum undergraduate degree. 10 years of relevant management experience or combination of degrees and experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in forecasting methodologies and scenario planning.
• Experience in neurology strongly preferred; epilepsy experience highly desirable.
• Track record of translating complex data into strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and cross‑functional influencing skills.
• Vendor management experience required.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced, growth‑stage environment
  
  

Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-& long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.

Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown. Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.

Compensation Range: $228,348 - $252,300