Director, Trade Operations

Overview

At Pacira, innovation meets purpose.

Pacira BioSciences, Inc. is a pioneer in non-opioid pain management and regenerative health solutions. Today, we’re building on that legacy with next-generation innovations for chronic, postsurgical, and musculoskeletal pain. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to helping patients recover faster. We are redefining what’s possible in pain management—and we can’t do it without talented people like you.

Why Join Us?

At Pacira, every career is more than a job. Our mission drives us, and every day, we challenge ourselves to achieve the extraordinary. Integrity is at the core of who we are. We value diverse perspectives and the collective strength of a unified team. Join the team in making better possible for patients everywhere.

Summary

The Director, Trade Operations is responsible for leading both the strategic and hands-on execution of Pacira’s trade and distribution activities across all channels, including 3PL, wholesalers, specialty distributors, specialty pharmacies, and sample programs. This role ensures continuous product availability and seamless distribution of Pacira’s product portfolio (EXPAREL and ZILRETTA) by proactively managing inventory levels and coordinating closely with external partners.

The Director oversees chargeback reconciliation, pricing and contract compliance, manages trade data flows and analytics, and drives process improvements to enhance visibility and performance tracking. This role collaborates cross-functionally with Finance, Supply Chain, Market Access, Marketing, and Commercial teams to support product launches, pricing changes, packaging/label updates, and supply chain planning.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned.

Trade Strategy & Execution

Develop and execute comprehensive trade and distribution strategies across all channels to ensure efficient product availability and channel performance.

3PL & Inventory Management

Lead 3PL (ICS) operations, including service level agreements, proactive inventory monitoring, sample inventory management, and cost optimization. Ensure continuity of supply and prevent stock-outs through forward-looking planning and controls.

Wholesaler & Partner Relationships

Manage wholesaler and specialty distributor relationships, including contract execution, pricing notifications, and roster management. Resolve ordering, pricing, and contract issues that may impact product access.

Chargebacks & Pricing Reconciliation

Oversee chargeback reconciliation and credit/rebill processes to ensure accuracy and alignment with contract terms. Partner with Finance to resolve discrepancies and mitigate financial risk.

Trade Data Integrity & Analytics

Manage trade data flows and reporting, including EDI (852/867) data. Identify and resolve discrepancies, ensure data accuracy, and develop dashboards and KPIs to support decision-making and performance tracking.

Regulatory & Contract Compliance

Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements (e.g., DSCSA, licensing) and adherence to contractual obligations. Maintain audit readiness and proper documentation.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Serve as the trade operations lead in cross-functional initiatives, including product launches, pricing changes, and packaging/label updates. Ensure alignment across Marketing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Commercial teams.

Continuous Improvement

Drive process improvements and automation across trade operations, including inventory monitoring, reporting, and workflow standardization. Develop SOPs for key processes such as returns, chargebacks, pricing updates, and distribution workflows.

Data Transparency & Reporting

Ensure full visibility into distribution performance, inventory levels, and order status. Provide regular insights and reporting to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role does not have direct people management responsibilities. However, the Director may provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight to cross-functional partners, project teams, or temporary resources as needed to support trade operations initiatives.

Interaction

This role partners closely with internal teams including Marketing, Field Sales, Strategic Accounts, Medical Affairs, Finance, and Supply Chain. It also interfaces with external partners such as 3PL providers, wholesalers, specialty distributors, and data aggregators.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA preferred
• 8+ years of experience in pharmaceutical trade operations or commercial distribution
• 3+ years of people management experience
• Deep knowledge of pharmaceutical distribution networks and 3PL operations
• Experience with ERP systems, EDI data (844/867), and trade data platforms
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to balance strategic leadership with operational execution
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• High attention to detail and data accuracy
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
• Focus on continuous improvement and leveraging technology to enhance operations

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, move between spaces, reach with hands and arms and stoop. Travel up to 20%.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work setting is consistent of a typical pharmaceutical office environment with offices and cubicles.

Benefits

Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Coverage

Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account with Company match

Employee Assistance Program

Mental Health Resources

Disability Coverage

• Life insurance
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Legal and Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

• Fertility and Maternity Assistance
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) and 11 paid holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Pay Transparency

The base pay range for this role is $171,200 to $235,000 The range is what we reasonably expect to pay for this role. The range considers a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: geographic markets, business or organizational needs, skill sets, experience, training, licensure, and certifications. Depending on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered.

EEO Statement

EEO Statement: Pacira is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), veteran status, disability or genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. At Pacira we are committed to intentionally cultivating a culture of inclusion where all feel welcomed and valued for their background, perspectives, and experiences. We hold one another accountable to promote trust and transparency in support of our communities and collective purpose.