Associate Director, Patient Support Programs Lead

Custom Field 1:  2893
Date:  Feb 20, 2026
Location: 

Zug, CH, 6300

 

Role Summary

The Patient Support Programs (PSP) Lead – International Region is responsible for designing, governing, and continuously improving patient support programs across the region. Reporting to the VP, International Medical Affairs (TTR), the role serves as the single regional point of accountability for PSP strategy, vendor oversight, compliance, performance measurement, and patient-facing educational materials. Operating within a highly cross‑functional matrix—including Patient Advocacy & Experience, Compliance, Legal, Regulatory, Finance, Procurement, IT/Digital, Safety & Risk Management International (INTL SRM), and country teams—the PSP Lead ensures that programs are patient‑centric, operationally efficient, compliant with global and local regulations, and deliver measurable value to patients, healthcare partners, and Alnylam. This newly created position plays a critical role in ensuring consistent, high‑quality PSP execution across diverse markets in the International Region.

Key Responsibilities

1. PSP Design, Oversight & Evaluation

  • Lead and sustain comprehensive mapping of all PSPs across countries to support best-in-class patient support across the international region.

2. PSP Vendor Design, Oversight & Evaluation

  • Lead comprehensive mapping of PSP vendors, including services, coverage, and contract scope.
  • Develop and implement a regional PSP vendor governance framework with:
    • Clear roles and responsibilities
    • Standardised oversight and documentation
    • Harmonized reporting standards
  • Develop, implement, and refine vendor KPIs and performance metrics to assess quality, compliance, efficiency, and patient impact.
  • Maintain a regional PSP services catalogue and drive cross-country alignment while respecting local regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and maintain a central repository for PSPs, covering:
    • Activity objectives
    • Data source(s)
    • Data collection and review methodologies
    • AE/ADR collection and PV requirements
  • Provide standardized outputs to SRM for PSMF obligations and support PV inspections and audits.
  • Classify PSPs for GVP relevance in collaboration with SRM International.

3. PSP Budget Oversight & Cost Efficiency

  • Own regional PSP budget planning, forecasting, tracking, and variance management.
  • Identify and implement cost-optimization opportunities while maintaining service quality.
  • Partner with Finance and Procurement to ensure transparent spend tracking, benchmarking, and value-based vendor contracts.
  • Provide leadership with data-driven insights to guide investments and prioritization.

4. Patient-Facing PSP Educational Materials & Omnichannel Education

  • Map all patient-facing PSP materials across the region and conduct gap analyses.
  • Lead development of new materials in partnership with Medical, Patient Advocacy Groups, and other SMEs (Legal, Privacy, Regulatory).
  • Maintain a regional repository ensuring accuracy, consistency, and access for country teams.
  • Oversee patient PSP educational websites and digital platforms and support countries with local content development.

5. Compliance, Internal Policies & Data Privacy

  • Ensure full alignment with internal policies, SOPs, and global standards.
  • Partner with Compliance and Legal to mitigate risks, ensure compliant PSP design, and meet GDPR and local privacy obligations.

6. Collaboration with Patient Advocacy & Experience

  • Ensure PSPs address patient and caregiver needs and align with patient journey insights.
  • Avoid duplication and maximize impact by integrating patient insights into PSP enhancements.

7. Performance Metrics, Insights & Continuous Improvement

  • Develop and track KPIs to evaluate PSP effectiveness and patient impact.
  • Identify gaps and drive continuous optimization of PSP design and execution.
  • Prepare executive-ready updates for leadership on performance, risks, and opportunities.

Required Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in life sciences, healthcare, public health, or related field (MD, PharmD, MSc, or equivalent preferred).
  • 6–10+ years of relevant experience in:
    • Patient Support Programs
    • Medical Affairs, Patient Services, or Patient Experience
    • Vendor and budget management in regulated environments
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Compliance and data-privacy regulations (including GDPR)
    • PSP governance models
    • International healthcare systems
  • Demonstrated ability to:
    • Manage complex vendor ecosystems
    • Lead cross-functional collaboration
    • Balance patient-centric design with operational and financial rigor
  • Experience working across multiple countries and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in Japan or supporting Japan PSPs is a strong advantage.

Key Competencies

  • Strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities
  • High level of accountability and quality focus
  • Strong financial and budget management acumen
  • Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
  • Data-driven mindset with ability to translate insights into actions
  • Deep commitment to patient centricity

Success Measures

  • Robust and compliant PSP vendor oversight model in place
  • Clear visibility and control of PSP spend with demonstrated cost efficiency
  • High-quality, consistent patient educational materials across the region
  • Improved patient experience and service consistency
  • Strong cross-functional alignment and trust across markets