Head of Sales, US Ophthalmology

Position Summary:

Apellis is seeking an experienced and talented commercial leader for the role of Head of Sales, US Ophthalmology. It is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact, leading the US sales organization of a first-in-class ophthalmic product.

The priorities for the NSD are to lead an outstanding and tenured sales team, as well as to optimize a pathway to continue to achieve launch performance targets for SYFOVRE (pegcetacoplan injection) indicated for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an ophthalmic retinal disease. The role requires strong compliant collaboration with multiple cross-functional partners to manage cross-function sales targets and operational considerations necessary to support field sales. A creative growth-oriented mindset, a bias to action, focus on performance, and deep cultural alignment with the Apellis values are essential for success in the role.

The Head of Sales will be accountable for delivering top-line results for the US Ophthalmology Division. They will oversee all US Ophthalmology sales personnel, report to the VP, US Sales & Marketing - Ophthalmology, and be a key member of cross-functional leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Manage and lead a high-performing US sales team - including Territory Business Managers and Regional Sales Directors - whose approach aligns with Apellis' mission, values, and culture. Support team members in their development.
• Consistently execute training programs with Territory Business Managers that ensure they are viewed as the top scientific experts in the geographic atrophy field and the treatment of GA.
• Think holistically about the business and closely monitor performance against key metrics, taking accountability for driving success over the long-term in a highly competitive market.
• Analyze available data to ensure the effective deployment of resources throughout the nation.
• Cultivate collaboration and drive accountability across cross-functional teams to deliver on all elements to meet performance targets in a compliant way that aligns with brand strategy and corporate values.
• Ensure that processes will enable a foundation for launch success, such as business planning, performance management, and field communication. Advise support team on key requirements, including incentive compensation planning, territory design, sales training, operational sales support, and field force analytics.
• Develop professional relationships and contacts with physician and practice management experts.
• Breed and role-model a compliant culture of both patient-focus and physician-centricity throughout the organization. Exemplify it by developing and maintaining good business relationships with key external stakeholders.
• Ensure that Apellis corporate policies are strictly followed in achieving sales goals.
• Drive efficient and thoughtful stewardship of budget.
• Maintain current understanding of the field of retina, how changes could impact Apellis, and make recommendations on changes which Apellis could make to maximize opportunities in the market.

Education, Registration & Certification:

• BS/BA degree required; MBA or other related graduate degree preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of biotech/pharma commercial experience, with robust experience building and leading successful sales teams through launch.
• Experience in ophthalmic disease (preferably in retina) and cross-functional commercial roles is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in a buy and bill environment.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Reputation of being a well-respected, dynamic team leader who can build teams and inspire people behind a vision.
• Have a mindset of growth and change. Actively embrace the current environment as one that demands new approaches and ways of meeting team goals in a compliant way.
• Proactively spot issues on the team or in the business and strive to solve them rapidly.
• Be resilient and ruthlessly focused on delivering for the team. Proactively think of alternative solutions to achieve the desired results when faced with roadblocks.
• Possess a deep understanding of how to translate commercial strategy into field-level execution with market-moving results.
• Effuse a strong commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs, as well as to maintaining close relationships with front-line employees.
• Keep abreast of customer and retina industry trends.
• Sees patterns or connections between situations; can envision and articulate possibilities and likelihoods.
• Consistently demonstrate integrity on the job, including an understanding of relevant rules and regulations.
• Develop collegial relationships with cross-functional partners but be comfortable holding them accountable.
• Navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, data- and results-driven environment.

Benefits and Perks:

Apellis offers a great benefit package which includes: health insurance with full premium coverage, 401K with company match, paid time off (PTO), long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and more! Visit to learn more.

Company Background:

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines courageous science and compassion to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two approved medicines targeting C3. These include the first and only therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness around the world. With nearly a dozen clinical and pre-clinical programs underway, we believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases.

For more information, please visit or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

EEO Statement:

Apellis is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Apellis strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, smoker/nonsmoker, and occupational pneumoconiosis or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For San Francisco postings: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.