---
title: 'Executive Business Director, West at Xenon Pharmaceuticals'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/executive-business-director-west-xenon-pharmaceuticals-united-states-xhmyhtxz5qph'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-05'
---

# Executive Business Director, West at Xenon Pharmaceuticals

- **Company:** Xenon Pharmaceuticals
- **Location:** United States
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** remote
- **Posted:** 2026-11-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-05
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/xenon/dc36e53d-8dde-470d-8e04-6937618f4408

## Job description

Who We Are: Xenon Pharmaceuticals ([NASDAQ:XENE](https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/xene)) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients in need. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team. What We Do: We are advancing an [exciting product pipeline](https://xenon-pharma.com/pipeline) to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression and pain. Our Phase 3 azetukalner program represents the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage clinical development for multiple indications. In March 2026, we announced positive topline data from our Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study of azetukalner in focal onset seizures (FOS), and we submitted a New Drug Application to the Food and Drug Administration in the third quarter of 2026. Our Phase 3 epilepsy program also includes a second FOS study, X-TOLE3, which would support regulatory submissions outside the U.S., and the X-ACKT study in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which would support regulatory submissions for an additional epilepsy indication. We also have multiple Phase 3 azetukalner clinical trials underway in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BPD), based on topline data from our Phase 2 X-NOVA clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of our strong heritage in human genetics, deep understanding of ion channel biology, and expertise in novel chemistries to enable potent, selective ion channel targeting. We continue to advance an early-stage pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates, including Phase 1 studies for XEN1701 and XEN1720 (targeting Nav1.7) and XEN1120 (targeting Kv7), which are being developed for pain. Backed by a strong balance sheet to support our growth plans, we continue to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations. About the Role: We are seeking a dynamic, patient-centric, strategic, collaborative, agile, and results-oriented Executive Business Director (EBD), Epilepsy to lead our West region. This leader will be responsible for leading and developing a team of Regional Sales Managers and ensuring successful execution of Xenon's commercial strategy across a multi-state geography. Reporting to the Vice President, Sales, the ABD serves as the senior field leader within the assigned area and is accountable for launch readiness, business performance, leadership development, field effectiveness, and cross-functional execution. As Xenon prepares for its first commercial launch, the ABD will play a critical role in building the field organization, developing frontline leadership capabilities, establishing performance expectations, and ensuring consistent execution across all regions. The ABD serves as the key link between national commercial strategy and field execution, translating corporate priorities into actionable plans while fostering collaboration across the field and cross-functional partners. Success in this role requires exceptional leadership, launch expertise, strategic business acumen, strong cross-functional influence, and the ability to build and scale high-performing teams in a dynamic and evolving commercial environment. This position reports to the VP, Sales and will be fully remote.

## RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership of Leaders

- Build and maintain a high-performing team of Regional Sales Managers.
- Establish consistent leadership expectations, performance standards, coaching practices, and operating rhythms across the area.
- Coach and develop Regional Sales Managers in leadership effectiveness, business planning, strategic account management, and organizational leadership.
- Ensure Regional Sales Managers effectively recruit, onboard, develop, and retain high-performing field teams.
- Conduct talent reviews, succession planning, development discussions, and performance management activities.
- Foster an ethical, inclusive, and patient-focused culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Launch Readiness & Commercial Execution

- Lead launch readiness activities across all regions within the assigned area.
- Monitor readiness milestones and proactively identify risks, capability gaps, dependencies, and resource needs.
- Partner with Regional Sales Managers to ensure launch plans are executed effectively and consistently.
- Support field deployment planning, territory readiness, customer engagement preparation, and adoption of commercial systems and processes.
- Translate national commercial priorities into aligned regional execution plans.
- Provide field perspectives and recommendations to the Vice President of Sales and Commercial Leadership Team regarding launch readiness and business opportunities.

Business Performance & Field Effectiveness

- Drive achievement of area business objectives and commercial priorities.
- Lead area business reviews and performance discussions to assess regional trends and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Monitor business performance through leading and lagging indicators and implement actions to address performance gaps.
- Ensure consistency in customer engagement, account planning, coaching effectiveness, CRM utilization, and execution standards across regions.
- Ensure collaboration with internal partners and regional sales managers to improve productivity, resource allocation, and organizational effectiveness.
- Identify and share best practices across the area to drive continuous improvement and execution excellence.

Strategic Account Leadership & Market Insights

- Provide leadership and support for key epilepsy centers, academic institutions, health systems, integrated delivery networks, and other strategic accounts spanning multiple regions.
- During the pre-launch phase, develop relationships with key accounts across assigned regions to support launch readiness and future customer engagement.
- Support Regional Sales Managers in navigating complex customer, health system, and access-related opportunities and challenges.
- Aggregate and synthesize field insights across the area to identify emerging customer needs, patient journey barriers, treatment trends, competitive developments, and market opportunities.
- Ensure field perspectives are incorporated into commercial planning, customer engagement strategies, and business decision-making.
- Communicate actionable recommendations and market intelligence to the Vice President of Sales and Commercial Leadership Team.

Cross-Functional Leadership

- Serve as the senior field leader for cross-functional initiatives impacting the assigned area.
- Partner closely with Marketing, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Patient Services, Commercial Operations, Commercial Training, Analytics, Human Resources, Legal, and Compliance.
- Ensure alignment around launch plans, customer engagement activities, business priorities, and field execution.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration between field teams and headquarters functions.
- Support coordinated resolution of business issues affecting multiple regions and customers.
- Promote transparency, accountability, and shared ownership across the organization.

Compliance, Culture & Resource Management

- Model Xenon's values of collaboration, ambition, resilience, ethical and science driven
- Ensure all field activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements.
- Promote a culture of ethical leadership, compliance, and responsible decision-making.
- Oversee area budgets, resource allocation, travel, meetings, and commercial investments.
- Ensure Regional Sales Managers maintain strong compliance standards within their teams.
- Foster an environment where employees feel empowered, supported, engaged, and accountable.

## QUALIFICATIONS:

- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 12+ years of biotechnology or pharmaceutical commercial experience.
- 7+ years of progressive commercial or sales leadership experience.
- Significant biotechnology or pharmaceutical launch experience required.
- Experience leading first-line sales leaders required; second-line leadership experience strongly preferred.
- Neurology experience required; epilepsy experience strongly preferred.
- Proven success building, developing, and leading high-performing organizations and leadership teams.
- Strong experience working with academic institutions, epilepsy centers, health systems, integrated delivery networks, and specialty markets.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and lead within complex matrix organizations.
- Strong strategic thinking, business planning, analytical, coaching, and organizational leadership capabilities.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Proficiency with CRM platforms, analytics tools, and Microsoft 365 applications.
- Ability to travel up to 75%.
- Develop and propose short- and long-term objectives for the function in accordance with overall Company strategies and plans
- Plan and manage budget proposals and approved budgets in accordance with the Company’s strategic and operating plans and Finance policies
- Recruit, lead, direct, develop, coach and evaluate direct reports, if any, in accordance with the Company’s Human Resource policies and practices
- Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any
- Some international travel may be required

Other duties as assigned Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-& long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions. Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown. Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.

## About Xenon Pharmaceuticals

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Xenon Pharmaceuticals is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing life-changing therapeutics for people living with neurological and psychiatric disorders.
- **Entity Type**: Public (Ticker: XENE on Nasdaq)
- **Headquarters**: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- **Founded**: 1996
- **Founders**: Not publicly listed as individual founders; the company was founded based on a platform science capable of discovering new genetic targets to treat human disease.

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Pharmaceuticals
- **Target customers**: Patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders (epilepsy, major depressive disorder, bipolar depression, pain); healthcare providers; payers.
- **Mission or purpose statement**: "To deliver innovative medicines that provide a brighter future for people living with neurological and psychiatric disorders." [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about)

## Products & Services
Xenon’s pipeline is focused on ion channel science, specifically potassium (KV7) and sodium (NaV) channel modulators.

- **Azetukalner (KV7 Potassium Channel Opener)**: The lead late-stage investigational candidate. It is in multiple Phase 3 clinical trials for:
    - Focal onset seizures (Phase 3 X-TOLE2 completed, X-TOLE3 ongoing)
    - Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (Phase 3 X-ACKT)
    - Major depressive disorder (Phase 3 X-NOVA2 and X-NOVA3)
    - Bipolar depression (Phase 3 X-CEED)
- **XEN1120 (KV7 Potassium Channel Opener)**: An early-stage (Phase 1) candidate for the treatment of pain.
- **XEN1701 (NaV1.7 Sodium Channel Inhibitor)**: An early-stage (Phase 1) candidate for the treatment of pain.
- **NBI-921355 (Partnered with Neurocrine Biosciences)**: A NaV1.2/1.6 inhibitor in development for epilepsy, pain, and psychiatry. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/pipeline)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available in the provided search results. As a public company, this fluctuates daily.
- **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue of $7.5M (as per LinkedIn). As a clinical-stage biotech, the primary focus is on pipeline progress and cash runway rather than revenue.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Neurocrine Biosciences (partner for NBI-921355). The company has also had strategic partnerships with multiple premier biopharmaceutical companies focused on pain, metabolic, and cardiovascular disease. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about)
- **Growth Signals**: The company is in a significant growth phase, having initiated multiple Phase 3 clinical trials for its lead candidate, azetukalner, across epilepsy, major depressive disorder, and bipolar depression. This represents a major expansion of its clinical pipeline and a transition towards a late-stage, fully integrated biopharmaceutical company. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Deep Expertise in Ion Channel Biology**: Xenon is one of the scientific leaders in ion channel drug discovery, with a specific focus on potassium (KV7) and sodium (NaV) channel modulators. This is a highly specialized and technically difficult area of drug development. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about)
- **Proprietary Pipeline**: The company has a wholly-owned, late-stage pipeline led by azetukalner, a novel KV7 potassium channel opener being studied across multiple high-need indications (epilepsy, MDD, bipolar depression). This provides significant potential upside and control over its future.
- **Strong Scientific Foundation**: Founded on a platform capable of discovering new genetic targets, the company has a deep history of translating genetic insights into novel therapeutic candidates. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about)
- **Strategic Partnerships**: A history of partnerships with premier biopharmaceutical companies (e.g., Neurocrine Biosciences) validates its platform and provides non-dilutive funding. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about)

## Strategic Focus
- **Advancing Late-Stage Pipeline**: The primary focus is on executing the Phase 3 clinical programs for azetukalner across epilepsy, major depressive disorder, and bipolar depression, with the goal of regulatory approval and commercialization.
- **Expanding Early-Stage Pipeline**: Continuing to advance early-stage candidates (XEN1120, XEN1701) for pain and other high-need indications.
- **Building a Fully Integrated Company**: Transitioning from a discovery and development company to one with commercial capabilities, as evidenced by the hiring of a Chief Commercial Officer. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about)
- **Deepening Ion Channel Leadership**: Maintaining its position as a scientific leader in ion channel drug discovery, with a deep focus on potassium (KV7) and sodium (NaV) channel modulators. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about)

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-Driven Work**: Employees are united by a clear and compelling mission to deliver innovative medicines for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders who have been underserved for too long. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about)
- **Culture of Collaboration and Impact**: The company describes itself as collaborative, ambitious, resilient, ethical, and science-driven. The culture is shaped by the "XenonCARES" program, which focuses on professional growth, wellness, and community. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us)
- **Competitive Compensation & Benefits**: Offers a total compensation package including base salary, performance-based bonuses, and equity. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (US and Canada), a retirement savings program with a generous employer match, and a tuition reimbursement program. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us)
- **Work Flexibility**: The company values flexibility and provides a stipend for work-from-home setups. They also offer generous paid vacation time and an annual holiday shutdown. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us)
- **Growth & Development**: Recognizes and supports team member growth through leadership and development opportunities, a tuition reimbursement program, and recognition programs for both big and small wins. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us)
- **Work Model**: Hybrid/Remote-friendly with a stipend for home office setups. Offices are located in Burnaby, British Columbia (HQ) and the United States. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us)
- **Diversity & Inclusion**: The company states it cultivates and celebrates diversity, viewing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and opinions as a great asset, and is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us)

## Sources
1. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/)
2. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about)
3. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us)
4. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/pipeline)
5. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenonpharma)

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