Associate Director, Sales England

ALK is pursuing an ambitious vision to become the leading global allergy company. As outlined earlier, the market offers significant growth - particularly as ALK works to shift perceptions and position Allergy Immunotherapy (AIT) as the preferred treatment. Combined with the recent NICE approvals and the commercialization of EURneffy, this creates strong momentum for the role.

Until now, the regional sales organisation has operated as one unified team, which has grown substantially over the past year. To strengthen leadership focus and better support strategic execution, the team will now be divided into two groups: “UK” and “Devolved Nations and Ireland”. As a result, we are seeking an Associate Sales Director (UK) to take on this critical leadership position.

As Associate Sales Director, you will report to the General Manager and you will be an instrumental part in the subsidiary’s management team. When you step into the role, you will lead a team of 7–8 experienced, field‑based Territory Managers covering the entire UK. While highly capable, many team members are new to ALK, having joined because of the strong growth trajectory and transformation underway.

You will be a key member of the leadership team and collaborate closely with your counterpart in Sales (Devolved Nations & Ireland), as well as colleagues in Marketing, Medical, and Market Access. The organisational structure, key interfaces, and primary stakeholders will be explored in more detail during the upcoming interview process.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES & SPECIFIC WORK TASKS

You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of allergy care in the UK, leading a national sales team and driving ALK’s commercial strategy in the UK. Together with your team, you will influence key NHS stakeholders, secure critical formulary positions, and spearhead the market penetration of ALK’s AIT tablet portfolio and EURneffy, by influencing prescriber behavior across key secondary‑care settings. You must lead with ambition and strategic insight.

This is a multifaceted role that requires a person who can think and act strategically while also remaining highly engaged in the field. You will lead from the front, taking a hands-on, client‑facing approach and spending significant time with Territory Managers across the UK. Success will depend on your ability to navigate complex customer environments, coach your team effectively, and drive performance.

Areas of Responsibilities (key examples);

• Drive Market Penetration and Formulary Success: Lead the commercial strategy to secure optimal formulary placement for ALK’s AIT tablet portfolio and EURneffy across priority NHS trusts, ICSs, and secondary‑care institutions. Ensure your team is equipped to navigate complex access pathways and influence key decision-makers effectively.
• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Sales Team: Provide clear leadership, coaching, and direction to the Key Account Managers to deliver on ambitious sales targets. Foster a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous development aligned with ALK’s transformational growth agenda.
• Execute Strategic Sales Plans: Translate ALK’s national strategy into clear territorial execution plans. Ensure effective targeting, resource allocation, and cross-functional alignment to maximise uptake of AIT tablets and EURneffy.
• Navigate NHS Structures and Stakeholders: Build and maintain strong relationships with critical NHS stakeholders - including ICS leadership, medicines management teams, pharmacy, procurement, commissioning bodies, payers, and clinical opinion leaders - to shape access, prescribing behavior, and adoption of ALK’s therapies (in close collaboration with Medical and Market Access).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues in Marketing, Medical Affairs, Market Access, and your peer Sales Director (Devolved Nations & Ireland) to ensure integrated planning, cohesive messaging, and consistent execution across the UK organisation.
• Monitor Performance and Market Dynamics: Track sales performance, competitor activity, and market access developments within the NHS. Use Insights to adjust strategy and provide senior leadership with data‑driven recommendations.
• Champion Compliance and Ethical Standards: Ensure all promotional and non‑promotional activities adhere to ABPI regulations, internal policies, and ALK’s values, maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct.

As Associate Sales Director, you will hold a highly influential role, and we expect you to demonstrate strategic leadership. Being change-driven and focused on establishing direction is essential.

GREATEST ATTRACTIONS / CHALLENGES OF THE JOB

The role presents an exciting and challenging opportunity to take on a key position within a company embarking on an incredible journey. It requires a highly motivated and driven individual, eager to make a meaningful impact on both the business and the treatment options now available in the market.

Working in an environment focusing on transformation in the market space is key for the person, equally tempting and challenging. It has not been done before for allergy-treatments in the UK, but all elements for success is at your disposal, but you need to execute it together with your team and colleagues.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work successfully with a wide range of people and organisations are essential. As a person your work is structured and consistent, you have a natural eye for details and thrive in an ever-changing environment with stakeholders with high demands.

You will become part of a global company with a clear focus, business model, and still an entrepreneurial culture. Furthermore, you will be a part of a team of highly skilled people who are passionate about redefining the way we and the rest of the world perceive allergies.

You must be a highly adaptable, results‑driven leader with strong commercial acumen and be operational savvy. Your ability to inspire, align, and energize teams through a transformative sales journey will be crucial to success.

PRACTICAL CONDITIONS REGARDING THE JOB

Workplace: From home office and in the field. Ideally, the candidate can work at ALK office in Reading whenever needed (1-2 days biweekly). Start date: As soon as possible.