Senior Manager, Market Access Contracting Operations - Job ID: 1685

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. Ascendis Pharma is looking to hire a Senior Manager, Contract Operations to join our team. Responsibilities will include implementing and executing contracting operations and tactics across all relevant customer segments for products in our Endocrinology Rare Disease portfolio. This role requires the ability to be both strategic and tactical, demonstrating strong leadership, project management, and communication skills. As the Senior Manager, Contracting Operations, you will be responsible for working with internal/external customers on all aspects of Market Access contracting operations. Responsibilities include implementation of various systems and processes including vendor management, rebate validation, approval of vendor and customer payments, submission of price reporting, and implementation of contracts, pricing agreements, and rebate programs with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, payers, wholesalers, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).  This role is responsible for the management of all contractual payments across multiple customer segments including payers, PBMs, and GPOs as well as maintaining all related documentation for those payments. This includes receipt, analysis, impact, resolution and posting/reporting. They will manage and meet deliverables of business operations to monitor, evaluate and administer claims to be paid and ensure payments are accurate, timely, formulary-compliant and entered in contract systems consistent with agreement terms, following corporate controls/approved guidelines and SOX regulations. This role is expected to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal/external contacts and peers to ensure effective communication and a high-level of customer service to support successful implementation and execution of contract terms and payments. This individual must possess an in-depth knowledge of claims processes, systems and an understanding of Market Access contracting processes and strategies to ensure contract compliance. This is a hybrid role that will be based in Princeton, NJ three (3) days/week and will report directly to the Director, Contracting Operations. Requirements Key Responsibilities: Rebate Management ·       Administer and oversee government, managed care, and commercial rebate programs. ·       Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to ensure accurate, timely data for contract performance, claims processing, and payments. ·       Reconcile monthly rebate payments and maintain contract terms, including rebate rates, eligibility, and formulary assignments. ·       Manage payment schedules and ensure timely approval and distribution of payments. ·       Monitor trends in rebates, disputes, and liabilities; provide regular reporting to management. ·       Validate rebate calculations, perform variance analysis, and maintain accuracy of payment data. ·       Maintain and review cross-functional files tracking contractual terms. ·       Ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual rebate requirements. ·       Collect and analyze managed care data for rebate payments, pricing, and financial planning. ·       Investigate disputes, resolve variances, and assess duplicate discounts. ·       Lead adjudication of claims and validation processes; manage payments, purchase requisitions, and ACH funding for rebate and copay programs. Contract Management ·       Oversee the full contract lifecycle—drafting, negotiation, execution, and renewal. ·       Ensure contracts align with company policies and regulatory standards. ·       Coordinate with Legal, Finance, IT, and other teams to operationalize contracts. ·       Negotiate key terms with customers while adhering to company policies. ·       Implement process improvements and controls to reduce risks and improve contract efficiency. ·       Support evolving contract strategies through collaboration and systems readiness. Price Reporting & Registrations ·       Manage state and federal price transparency requirements and reporting. ·       Submit price notifications and communicate changes to government systems and external stakeholders. ·       Handle CMS/SAM.gov/OPAIS registrations and produce regulatory reports. ·       Support cash flow projections and assist with accounting as needed. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Management, or related field. Minimum of 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical contracting, pricing, or market access, with a focus on contract management and operations. Branded product experience preferred. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Proficiency in contract management systems (e.g., Salesforce CPQ, Model N, iCyte), ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, D365), and Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting. Possesses broad base and in-depth understanding of reimbursement issues, payer segments, use of specialty pharmacies, the J-Code application process, managed market customers including private and public payers, national and regional health plans, state Medicaid, Medicare Part B and D, VA/DOD, PBM's, Employers, IDNs, Medical Groups and ACOs. Deep understanding of FSS and CMS statutory price calculations (NFAMP, IFF, AMP, BP, URA), State Price Reporting, 340B, Tricare and the programs and calculations to support evaluations and analytics of pricing and product scenario planning Demonstrated knowledge of payer decision-making for formulary processes, coverage, coding, billing, and patient access to drugs, biologicals, medical devices Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks at one time Ability to skillfully negotiate in tough situations with both internal and external groups. Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards relevant to pharmaceutical contracting, pricing, and rebate programs. Understanding of organizational behavior, corporate culture and be able to flourish in a complex and rapidly evolving workplace. Ability to be flexible and energetic in a dynamic work environment and in a highly-matrixed organization with non-co-located teams. Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively, problem solve, negotiate and collaborate with stakeholders to implement long-term solutions and positively influence business. Demonstrated ability to collaborate and negotiate business solutions in a complex and fast-paced matrix environment. Advanced proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint required.  Salary: $155k-$170k a year/DOE Benefits 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 Ascendis Pharma is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 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.