Senior Director/Executive Director, Market Access

Achieve Life Sciences•Bothell, WA

6d•$260,000 - $305,000•Remote

About The Position

Reporting to the SVP, Sales, Commercial Operations & Market Access, the Senior Director / Executive Director, Market Access leads the market access contracting strategy for cytisinicline, Achieve Life Sciences’ lead product candidate for the treatment of nicotine dependence. The role owns the payer contracting approach across Medicaid and Commercial channels, translating market research and payer insights into a disciplined, launch-ready contracting strategy. As a key member of the Commercial team, this individual builds the timelines, negotiating approach, and contracting team needed to support the Company through pre-approval preparation, launch, and post-approval execution — ensuring cytisinicline is accessible to patients through well-structured payer agreements and a high-performing contracting organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science, business, or a related discipline
At least 10 years of market access, contracting, or related commercial experience in the biopharmaceutical industry
In-depth knowledge of the U.S. payer landscape across Medicaid and Commercial channels, including government pricing requirements.
Proven experience developing and negotiating payer contracts, including Medicaid and Commercial channel strategies, in support of a product launch.
Experience building pre- and post-approval timelines and readiness plans for payer engagement and contracting.
Strong strategic, analytical, and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritize opportunities in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
Experience leading and collaborating within cross-functional teams, with the ability to build consensus and drive results across diverse perspectives.
Strong communicator with experience presenting contracting strategy and progress to Commercial Leadership, adept at translating complex strategies into impactful narratives.
Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent, fostering a collaborative and high-impact team culture.

Nice To Haves

an advanced degree such as an MBA is preferred
a minimum of 3 years of oncology, rare disease, or other specialty therapeutic area experience, and expertise in payer contracting, pricing, and reimbursement.
Experience in an agile, fast-paced, small-company environment is preferred, with the flexibility to adapt quickly to evolving market needs.

Responsibilities

Developing and leading the market access contracting strategy for cytisinicline, ensuring alignment with the Company’s overall commercial launch strategy and access objectives across Medicaid and Commercial payer channels.
Developing and executing contracting strategy for Medicaid channels, ensuring compliance with government pricing regulations and alignment with access goals.
Developing and executing contracting strategy for Commercial payers, including negotiation approach, pricing and rebate structures, and value-based contracting opportunities where appropriate.
Leading market research initiatives to inform contracting strategy, analyzing payer landscape dynamics, competitive contracting approaches, and access barriers to shape a data-driven approach to payer negotiations.
Building and managing robust, detailed timelines for payer discussions and contracting activities spanning pre-approval preparation through post-approval execution, ensuring readiness for launch.
Supporting engagement with key payers, incorporating payer feedback and contracting insights into the broader market access and launch strategy.
Defining and tracking key performance indicators for contracting outcomes, ensuring accountability to launch timelines and access targets.
Collaborating with Legal and Compliance to ensure all contracting activities adhere to regulatory standards, government pricing requirements, and corporate policies.
Recruiting, leading, and developing the contracting teams needed to support launch readiness across both Medicaid and Commercial channels, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
Partnering with HEOR, Medical Affairs, Legal, and Commercial Operations to ensure contracting strategy reflects a compelling value proposition and supports the broader market access strategy.