Key Account Director - Gulf Coast

Kite Pharma

18h•Remote

About The Position

The US Market Access Key Account Director (MAx-KAD), Cell Therapy is a critical commercial role responsible for establishing and executing the company’s vision, strategy, and business relationships with assigned payer and provider accounts across the US. This role is accountable for driving improved access to cell therapy (CAR-T) products by engaging with national and regional payers, targeted authorized treatment centers (ATCs), potential new treatment centers, and key provider and payer networks. The Market Access Key Account Director will develop and implement strategic account plans, negotiate coverage and reimbursement, and build sustainable partnerships to expand patient access and support commercial success. The individual in this role is a key member of the US Strategic Account Management Team and collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive innovation in provider engagement. This is a field-based position based in [insert geography]. Candidates should reside in the geography. Territory: Gulf Coast This is a field-based position based in the Gulf Coast. Candidates should reside within the geography.

Requirements

Advanced scientific degree (i.e., MD, PharmD, PhD) and 8+ years of experience OR Master’s Degree and 10+ years of experience OR Bachelor’s Degree and 12+ years of experience
10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience in strategic customer-facing roles and/or payer relations or market access, with a proven track record of success
Market access experience, including payer, policy, and/or relevant commercial roles
5+ years of experience in oncology sales or related roles
Experience working with private and public payers, across all settings of care, including the complexities for reimbursement in each setting
Deep understanding of the reimbursement landscape for CAR-T and the unique aspects of single case agreements, network requirements, and innovative payment models
Experience developing processes that accommodate operational differences between hospital systems and community centers
Strong negotiation skills and demonstrated ability to assist leadership’s knowledge of trends including new payment models, COE networks, and other management strategies
Demonstrated proficiency in oncology clinical science with strong clinical outcomes and health economic data fluency
Strong financial management and business acumen
Experience in sales leadership, field reimbursement, pharmacy leadership, medical leadership, or healthcare institution
Validated understanding of customer segments and regional market dynamics within oncology
Demonstrated high levels of emotional intelligence, situational awareness, and ability to build and influence positive culture across teams
Significant customer-facing experience, preferably at the C-suite and/or D-suite level, P&T Committee members, and other executives
Strong leadership skills, proven ability to execute on additional roles beyond core responsibilities
Excellent project management skills, ability to multi-task and prioritize clear deliverables across multiple customers in tight timelines
Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities

Establish and lead the company’s vision, strategy, objectives, and overall business relationship with assigned payer and provider accounts
Develop and execute comprehensive engagement strategies and account plans for assigned accounts, ensuring alignment with overall US Market Access and US Commercial objectives
Evaluate current ATC performance at assigned accounts, consider potential site expansions, referral patterns, and overall business development strategy in partnership with internal stakeholders
Serve as a strategic advisor to US Market Access and US executive leadership on account trends, payer/provider engagement, and network expansion opportunities
Prepare the payer market for upcoming launches and new product approvals while continuing to improve coverage and patient access
Develop and maintain relationships with assigned national and regional payers, including commercial insurers, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and relevant employer groups
Engage with assigned payers to improve access to CAR-T for appropriate patients and expand provider networks
Negotiate coverage policies, reimbursement terms, and contract agreements, including leading all negotiations and contract term discussions
Monitor payer and government policies, identify access barriers, and advocate for policy updates to support patient access
Monitor CMS and state Medicaid developments impacting CAR-T access
Partner with Payer Marketing Team in the development and execution of payer engagement strategy, payer marketing tools and resources, budget impact and cost of care models, etc.
Partner with CTAMs, MSLs, and other ATC-facing Kite team members to develop and execute comprehensive account business plans for assigned ATCs
Engage with C-suite and D-suite executives, P&T committee members, and other key decision makers to ensure parity access for CAR-T class and company brands
Identify and pull through contracting opportunities, conduct contract performance reviews, and lead executive business discussions with assigned accounts
At the request of and/or in alignment with EDs/MPDs, engage potential expansion sites to determine interest, viability, and potential for onboarding as new ATCs prior to handing off to OBD team
Collaborate with multiple field-based teams to ensure successful certification and ongoing support of ATCs; educate current and potential ATCs about the nuances and key components of CAR-T reimbursement, coverage, billing, coding, cost-charge ratios, etc.
Drive strategic partnerships and corporate initiatives with assigned customers, including: EMR integration and clinical pathway alignment, Sponsorships and partnerships, Population health analyses and real-world evidence (RWE) initiatives, Data agreements and integrated care delivery models, Value-based partnerships and innovative payment models
Support practice-level access for field teams and other commercial colleagues
Partner with Market Access, HEOR, Medical Affairs, Commercial, and Patient Services teams to align on strategy, share insights, and support execution
Provide internal training and education on payer dynamics, reimbursement processes, and access challenges
Gather and synthesize payer and provider insights to inform market access strategy and product lifecycle planning
Track and report on payer coverage, reimbursement trends, and competitive landscape
Oversee performance reviews, business development strategy, and financial modeling for assigned accounts