Head of Rare Diseases

Role: Head Rare Diseases

Location: Mumbai

Native is mandated by a reputed pharmaceutical organisation to identify a senior leader to spearhead its Rare Disease Business Unit. The role is focused on building and scaling the portfolio with an initial emphasis on lysosomal storage disorders and other high unmet need conditions within the rare disease landscape.

The position requires a leader who understands the scientific depth of rare diseases and has proven commercial excellence in launching and managing complex, high science therapies.

Role Overview

The selected candidate will be responsible for shaping the complete Rare Disease commercial ecosystem for the client organisation. This includes P&L ownership, portfolio roadmap development, market creation and strategic engagement with Centres of Excellence, government stakeholders and key opinion leaders.

The role involves setting up the business unit structure, leading early commercialisation activities and preparing the organisation for upcoming product introductions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Sales and Marketing for the Rare Disease portfolio
• Manage full P&L and deliver strategic growth objectives
• Build and guide an initial team of three, with scale-up planned as the portfolio expands
• Establish the launch groundwork for the Rare Disease portfolio, including market shaping and access planning
• Build strong external partnerships with clinicians, patient groups, research networks and government Centres of Excellence
• Ensure alignment with compliance and ethical standards while enabling business agility

Ideal Background

• 10 to 12 years of total pharma experience
• Minimum 6 to 7 years focused purely on the Rare Disease segment
• Strong exposure to lysosomal storage disorders and other orphan therapies
• Deep understanding of the national rare disease ecosystem, particularly government-driven Centres of Excellence
• Established relationships with top rare disease clinicians and influencers
• Experience managing a Rare Disease portfolio in a respected multinational company

Success Traits

• Ability to operate in a build-from-scratch environment with high ownership
• Strong compliance orientation with a practical approach to problem-solving
• Ability to work across cross-functional scientific and commercial teams
• Strategic mindset with strong execution discipline

Education Requirements

• MBA or equivalent post-graduate qualification
• Undergraduate degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy or related scientific streams