Senior Manager, Market Access Contracting Operations

Ascendis Pharma is a dynamic, fast-growing global biopharmaceutical company with locations in Denmark, Europe, and the United States. Today, we're advancing programs in Endocrinology Rare Disease and Oncology.

Here at Ascendis, we pride ourselves on exceptional science, visionary leadership, and skilled and passionate colleagues.

Guided by our core values of Patients, Science, and Passion, we use our TransCon drug development platform to fulfill our mission of developing new and potentially best-in-class therapies to address unmet medical needs.

Our culture fosters a place where skilled, adaptable, and highly resourceful professionals can truly make their mark. We offer a dynamic workplace for employees to grow and develop their skills.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Manager to support our Contracting Operations function within the Market Access organization. This individual will be responsible for the day-to-day management of contract operations activities across pharmaceutical pricing, contracting, and rebate agreements with payers, PBMs, GPOs, and other stakeholders. The role will focus on contract lifecycle management, operations execution, and process improvement to ensure compliant and efficient contract implementation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Lifecycle Management: Support drafting, execution, and administration of payer, specialty pharmacy, and/or GPO agreements (e.g., rebate, discount, and data sharing contracts).
• Operational Execution: Oversee contract set-up, terms validation, implementation in applicable systems, and monitor performance against terms.
• Rebate Processing & Validation: Collaborate with Rebate Operations and Finance teams to validate rebate calculations and ensure accurate and timely payments, with a focus on government (Medicare, Medicaid, Federal) customers.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Legal, Finance, Pricing, Market Access, Trade, and Compliance teams to support contract alignment and implementation.
• System Management: Experience with contract management and rebate systems (e.g., Model N, Revitas, Vistex, iContracts) for contract intake, validation, and performance tracking.
• Audits and Compliance: Maintain documentation and audit trail in support of internal controls, SOX compliance, and government pricing implications.
• Process Optimization: Contribute to identifying and implementing improvements to contract processes, templates, and governance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or MBA preferred.
• 7 years of experience in contract operations or market access within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industry.
• Strong understanding of payer contracting, rebates, and pricing strategies.
• Experience working with and managing BPO service providers.
• Familiarity with government pricing implications (Medicaid, 340B, Medicare Part D) is a plus.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment with shifting priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple contracts and deadlines.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience supporting product launches or market access readiness.
• Working knowledge of commercial agreements with PBMs, IDNs, or Specialty Pharmacies.
• Experience with audit preparation and documentation in highly regulated environments.
• Hands-on experience with contract and rebate management systems (e.g., Model N, iContracts, Vistex, etc.).

The estimated salary range for this position is $160-$175K. Actual salary determination is dependent on a variety of factors some of which include: experience, qualifications, and geographic location. This position may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus or an incentive compensation plan (eligibility varies based on role and position level), discretionary stock-based long-term incentives, paid time off, and a comprehensive benefits package.

A note to recruiters:

We do not allow external search party solicitation. Presentation of candidates without written permission from the Ascendis Pharma Inc Human Resources team (specifically from: Talent Acquisition Partner or Human Resources Director) is not allowed.  If this occurs your ownership of these candidates will not be acknowledged.

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company-offered Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Company-provided short and long-term disability benefits
• Unique offerings of Pet Insurance and Legal Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Professional Development
• Health Saving Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various incentive compensation plans
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance  
• Mental Health resources
• Paid leave benefits for new parents