UK Commercialization Manager

At Vericel Corporation, we are pioneers in advanced cell therapies for sports medicine and severe burn care, transforming patient lives through cutting-edge regenerative medicine. Our commitment to innovation, patient-centered focus, and scientific excellence drives us to develop groundbreaking treatments including MACI (knee cartilage repair), Epicel and Nexobrid (burn care).

Position Summary

Vericel is seeking a highly motivated and entrepreneurial Commercialization Manager to support the launch and commercialization of MACI® (Matrix Applied Characterised Autologous Cultured Chondrocytes in the United Kingdom.

Reporting directly to the UK General Manager, this individual will play a critical role in developing and executing the UK market-entry & ramp-up strategies, establishing key stakeholder relationships, and building the foundation for sustainable commercial growth.

The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with Medical Affairs, Market Access, Marketing, Supply & Customer Excellence Manager, to develop launch plans, engage leading orthopedic surgeons and healthcare decision-makers, and help position MACI as the standard of care for appropriate cartilage repair patients in the UK.

This is a unique opportunity to join an innovative start-up affiliate that is part of a successful leading US-based cell therapy organization expanding to the UK & Europe.

Travel: This position is based at our London office with a hybrid work arrangement and requires up to 30% travel within the U.K. and occasional international travel.

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial Strategy & Launch Planning

• Partner with the UK General Manager to develop and execute the UK commercialization strategy for MACI.

• Support development of launch readiness plans, including Surgeon targeting and commercial activities such as contracting the surgical center, planning how they will store biopsy kits, determining & the listing & purchase of MACI instruments.

• Creating the program to train Surgeon & wider OR staff training on biopsies, MACI and successful patient rehabilitation. Ensure all key members of the Vericel customer-facing team and NHS surgical account team are fully trained on the end-to-end process & certified and recorded in Vericel systems prior to any MACI biopsies or implants taking place.

• Planning Vericel attendance at surgical congresses and surgical proctoring programs both in the UK and internationally with US colleagues.

• Ensure the appropriate training (initial & ongoing) of the Vericel surgical partners working with the US/Global training colleagues to ensure teams product, disease, competitor, and NHS knowledge, as well as selling & Key account management skills, are of the highest standard.

• Will be a back-up to the UK surgical partners & will be able to step in where needed to cover a MACI biopsy or implant procedure.

• Analyze market dynamics, competitive landscape, referral pathways, and treatment adoption trends to identify growth opportunities.

• Support the process of the Vericel surgical partners creating X-functional account plans for the NHS Joint Preservation Centers that result in accelerated adoption of MACI & ultimately growing to become the market-leading cartilage repair product based on its best-in-class profile and long-term data.

• Execute (phase 2) plans that uncover and execute plans to activate the private market in the UK (out-of-pocket & / or insurance paid).

Key Opinion Leader (KOL) Engagement

• Identify, map, and develop relationships with leading orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, cartilage repair specialists, and other influential stakeholders in the target NHS Joint Preservation Centers. Understand and work to ensure the NHS referral pathways needed to ensure appropriate patients end up at a Joint Preservation Center are optimized.

• Establish and maintain a UK KOL advisory network to support education, advocacy, and adoption of MACI. Work with the Joint Preservation Network (collection of Joint Preservation Centers) to support the enhanced use of MACI.

• Collaborate with Medical Affairs to facilitate scientific exchange and clinical education initiatives.

• Support development of faculty programs, advisory boards, speaker programs, and peer-to-peer educational activities.

Healthcare System & Market Development

• Build relationships with NHS decision-makers, service line leaders, commissioners, and hospital administrators involved in cartilage repair treatment pathways.

• Support market access initiatives by helping articulate clinical and economic value propositions.

• Identify barriers to adoption and develop solutions to facilitate patient access and treatment implementation.

• Work with treatment centers to support operational readiness and patient pathway development.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with Medical Affairs, Marketing, Market Access, Regulatory, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure successful launch execution.

• Support creation of customer-facing materials, educational programs, and launch campaigns in compliance with applicable regulations.

• Provide regular updates on launch progress, stakeholder engagement, and commercial opportunities.

Business Planning & Analytics

• Track key launch metrics, customer engagement activities, and account progress.

• Develop forecasts, opportunity assessments, and business cases to support strategic planning.

• Track utilization of MACI biopsy kits & instruments to ensure KOLs have the tools they need to perform successful high quality MACI procedures.

• Maintain CRM & EBR systems and provide accurate reporting on commercial activities and market insights.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business, Healthcare Management, or related field.

• 5–10 years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, regenerative medicine, or specialty healthcare commercialization.

• Experience launching innovative healthcare products in the UK market.

• Demonstrated success building relationships with healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders.

• Strong understanding of the NHS, healthcare decision-making processes, and hospital-based selling environments.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

• Willingness to travel extensively throughout the UK.

• Professional-level proficiency in English is required.

Preferred

• Experience in orthopedics, sports medicine, regenerative medicine, biologics, or advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).

• Experience working with cell therapies, surgical products, or procedure-based therapies.

• Knowledge of cartilage repair, orthopedic surgery, and musculoskeletal treatment pathways.

• MBA or advanced scientific degree preferred.

Why Vericel? 

• Mission-Driven Work: Help bring potentially life-enhancing cell therapies to patients with serious medical conditions.

• Innovative Products: Work with a first-in-class therapy backed by clinical success and provider trust. 

• Career Growth: Be a part of a growing organization with opportunities to expand your impact.

• Collaborative Culture: Join a supportive, cross-functional team that values passion, integrity, and excellence. 

EEO Statement

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or protected veteran status and will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Vericel Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Vericel Corporation is VEVRAA federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans for job openings at all locations within the state.