Director, Field Access Management

Ardelyx is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on redefining treatment approaches for patients with significant unmet medical needs. By combining scientific innovation with a collaborative, purpose-driven culture, we strive to create meaningful impact for patients. Team Ardelyx is united by a shared mission and guided by our core values: Passionate, Fearless, Dedicated, and Inclusive. We foster an inclusive environment where employees are respected, supported, and empowered to make an impact — both within our company and in the lives of patients we serve. Position Summary: The Director, Field Access Management is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to a national team of zone access managers (ZAMs). This role ensures patient access to company products by developing and executing access and reimbursement strategies, educating healthcare providers (HCPs) on coverage and coding, and resolving access barriers within a complex healthcare landscape. The Director will serve as a key subject matter expert on the payer landscape, collaborating cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to align field activities with overall brand and business objectives. Responsibilities: Hire, train, and develop a high performing ZAM team to resolve patient cases and to engage with customers about access and reimbursement education Ensure understanding of performance metrics and consistent execution of metrics across all team members Motivate the ZAM team to build strong customer relationships, provide education for the Ardelyx patient assistance services, and compliantly deliver reimbursement support to accounts Coach team members to ensure maximum performance, increase access and reimbursement acumen, and collaborate with sales counterparts Ensure all team activities strictly comply with all regulatory, legal, and compliance standards, including HIPAA and OIG guidelines Develop and execute an overarching access and reimbursement strategy for the ZAM team, aligning plans with brand priorities and corporate objectives to drive measurable outcomes and maximize patient access Partner closely with Market Access, Sales, Marketing, Medical Affairs, Legal, and Patient Support Hub teams to ensure seamless execution and alignment of strategies Oversee the team's efforts to proactively educate providers and office staff on patient support programs, coding, billing, and prior authorization requirements to help resolve reimbursement challenges and integrate product use into office workflows Oversee the team's efforts to proactively educate providers and office staff on patient support programs, coding, billing, and prior authorization requirements to help resolve reimbursement challenges and integrate product use into office workflows Maintain deep expertise in the dynamic regional and local access and payer landscape (Commercial, Medicare, Medicaid), anticipating changes in healthcare policy and reimbursement regulations that may impact product access Train ZAMs about technical policies, systems, and processes that impact access to Ardelyx products Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred, with 10+ years of progressive experience in field reimbursement, patient services, market access, or related functions within the pharmaceutical/biotech industry or equivalent experience 3+ years of experience as an Access and Reimbursement Manager or 3 years of field based first line leader experience Demonstrated ability to lead without direct authority and drive momentum in a highly matrixed environment Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to C-level account executives and internal leadership In depth experience navigating payer policies and knowledge of payer processes and systems for specialty products Deep understanding of both medical and pharmacy benefits, coverage policies, buy-and-bill, and specialty pharmacy reimbursement pathways Demonstrated leadership in a matrixed environment Ability to travel up to 40% for HQ visits, conferences, etc. Valid driver’s license required The anticipated annualized base pay range for this full-time position is $223,000 - $273,000. Ardelyx utilizes industry data to ensure that our compensation is competitive and aligned with our industry peers. Actual base pay will be determined based on a variety of factors, including years of relevant experience, training, qualifications, and internal equity. The compensation package may also include an annual bonus target and equity awards, subject to eligibility and other requirements. Ardelyx also offers a robust benefits package to employees, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer match, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, up to 12 weeks of living organ and bone marrow leave, equity incentive plans, health plans (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision), life insurance and disability, flexible time off, annual Winter Holiday shut down, and at least 11 paid holidays. Ardelyx is an equal opportunity employer.