National Account Director, Payer Accounts

Zenas is a clinical-stage global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of transformative therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases. Our core business strategy combines our experienced leadership team with a disciplined product candidate acquisition approach to identify, acquire and develop product candidates globally that we believe can provide superior clinical benefits to patients living with autoimmune diseases. Zenas is advancing two late-stage, potential franchise molecules, obexelimab and orelabrutinib. Obexelimab, Zenas’ lead product candidate, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to bind both CD19 and FcγRIIb, which are broadly present across B cell lineage, to inhibit the activity of cells that are implicated in many autoimmune diseases without depleting them. We believe that obexelimab’s unique mechanism of action and self-administered, subcutaneous injection regimen may broadly and effectively address the pathogenic role of B cell lineage in chronic autoimmune disease. Orelabrutinib is a potentially best-in-class, highly selective CNS-penetrant, oral, small molecule Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor with the potential to address compartmentalized inflammation and disease progression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Zenas’ earlier stage programs include a preclinical, potentially best-in-class, oral, IL-17AA/AF inhibitor, and a preclinical, potentially best-in-class, oral, brain-penetrant, TYK2 inhibitor.

We are seeking top talent who share our commitment to patients and have a track record of success in acquiring, developing and commercializing products across the globe. Our colleagues have an opportunity to engage in a fast-paced learning environment and experience individual and organizational success as we work towards becoming a global immunology and autoimmune disease leader, while living our values of Transparency, Relationships, Urgency, Excellence and Innovation – TRUE Innovation!

Position Summary

The National Account Director, Payer Accounts is responsible for developing and executing payer engagement strategies that support optimal coverage, access, and reimbursement for Zenas BioPharma’s innovative portfolio. Reporting to the Executive Director, Payer Strategy, this role will lead strategic engagement with national payer organizations, Medicare and commercial health plans, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and Tier 1 regional health plans to support optimal coverage and access.

The National Account Director will build and manage senior-level relationships with payer decision makers, support formulary positioning and contracting discussions, and ensure payer insights inform internal access strategy. This individual will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners including Pricing & Contracting, Medical Affairs, Sales, Market Access Operations, and Patient Services to ensure payer strategy is aligned with commercial execution and supports successful patient access.

The successful candidate will bring established relationships with key national and regional payer organizations and PBMs and demonstrated success negotiating coverage and access for specialty or rare disease therapies.

This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape payer access strategy and establish foundational payer partnerships in preparation for upcoming product launches.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with national payer organizations, Medicare and commercial health plans, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and Tier 1 regional health plans.
• Execute payer engagement strategies designed to support favorable coverage, reimbursement pathways, and formulary positioning for Zenas therapies.
• Partner with the Executive Director, Payer Strategy to support payer engagement activities leading up to anticipated product launches.
• Collaborate with the Sales organization to share payer insights, support field awareness of coverage dynamics, and help address market access barriers impacting providers and patients.
• Lead and support payer contract negotiations in collaboration with Finance and the Pricing & Contracting team, ensuring alignment with overall access and reimbursement strategy
• Monitor payer coverage policies, utilization management criteria, and competitive access dynamics to inform internal strategy.
• Provide actionable payer insights and market intelligence to cross-functional stakeholders including Sales, Medical Affairs, HEOR, Commercial, and Patient Services teams.
• Provide strategic payer insights and account-level intelligence to senior leadership to help inform access strategies, coverage planning, and launch readiness.
• Support development and delivery of payer value presentations and account engagement plans.
• Maintain detailed account plans and track payer coverage developments to ensure coordinated payer strategy across accounts.
• Represent Zenas BioPharma with professionalism, credibility, and integrity while building long-term payer partnerships.
  
  

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will bring deep experience engaging national and regional payer organizations and pharmacy benefit managers, with a demonstrated ability to influence coverage strategy and negotiate access for specialty or rare disease therapies. Experience engaging Medicare Advantage or Part D plans is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPH, PharmD or similar) preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, including at least 5 years in Market Access, payer account management, or managed markets roles.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing contracts with national payer organizations, PBMs, and Tier 1 regional health plans.
• Demonstrated experience managing and growing relationships with national and regional payers, with an established network of payer decision-makers required.
• Proven success supporting payer strategy, formulary positioning, and reimbursement planning for specialty, rare disease, or immunology therapies preferred.
• Strong understanding of the U.S. payer landscape including commercial health plans, PBMs, specialty pharmacy distribution models, and reimbursement dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication, presentation, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and collaborative biotech environment.
• Willingness to travel as required to support payer engagement.
  
  

The position is eligible for a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Zenas is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary pay range for this role is $196,000 to 245,000. Actual compensation packages will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to depth of experience, education, skillset, overall performance and/or location.

Zenas believes in providing a competitive compensation and benefits package to all employees. Our base salary is just one component of Zenas’ competitive total rewards strategy that also includes annual performance bonus, equity, full range of benefits and other incentive compensation plans.

Zenas BioPharma is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an environment where diversity is valued. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit, qualifications and the needs of the business.