Senior Director, US Payer Strategy & Engagement

Kite Pharma

130d • $237,575 - $307,450

About The Position

The Senior Director, US Payer Strategy & Engagement reports to the Head of US Market Access (USMA) and is a senior leader on the USMA Leadership Team responsible for shaping Kite’s near-and long-term payer strategy, driving innovation in access models, and leading enterprise-level policy and ecosystem engagement. This role is accountable for designing and evolving Kite’s strategic approach to payer engagement, reimbursement innovation, and policy shaping across the CAR-T portfolio. As a key member of the USMA Leadership Team, this individual will influence national strategy, guide cross-functional alignment, and build organizational capabilities to support sustainable access for patients. This individual leads both the field payer account directors and the headquarters-based payer strategy and marketing team. This position can be based out of our Santa Monica, CA Headquarters or can be a remote position with frequent travel expectations.

Requirements

• Advanced scientific degree (i.e., MD, PharmD, PhD) and 10+ years of experience OR Master’s Degree and 12+ years of experience OR Bachelor’s Degree and 14+ years of experience.
• 10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotech experience in market access, policy, and/or commercial customer-facing roles.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence decision making, strategy, and execution across partners and functions.
• Demonstrated high levels of emotional intelligence, situational awareness, ability to build and influence positive culture across teams.
• Deep strategic experience leading change-based initiatives, home office functional teams, and/or marketing & strategy projects.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the USMALT to develop and refine Kite’s overarching US Market Access strategy; ensure that US payer strategy and execution aligns with and supports the achievement of Kite’s US Market Access and overall US strategies.
• Define and evolve Kite’s US enterprise payer strategy, aligned with long-term business goals and the future of CAR-T reimbursement.
• Set payer contracting strategy in accordance with Kite, Global, and US Pricing Committees and in partnership with the US TPC team.
• Lead value-based access innovation, including outcomes-based contracting, site-neutral payment models, and payer pilot programs.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to USMA and executive leadership on payer trends, policy shifts, and reimbursement innovation.
• Build and shape strategic relationships with executive leadership across the payer and related spaces, including with key leaders within the industry and related partners.
• Leads headquarters-based Payer Strategy and Marketing team, responsible for development, training, and execution of all payer-facing materials.
• Monitor and assess U.S. healthcare policy, CMS regulations, and legislative developments impacting cell and gene therapies and incorporate into payer strategy and execution.
• Engage in Kite’s payer & policy response strategy, including scenario planning and engagement with trade associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups.
• Represent Kite in external payer and reimbursement-focused forums (e.g., BIO, ARM, PCMA) to shape the external payer and policy landscape.
• Design and oversee Kite’s payer data and analytics strategy in partnership with Global Analytics & Commercial Operations (GACO)/Commercial Insights Analytics & Operations (CIAO), including budget impact modeling, GTN forecasting (in partnership with US TPC), and strategic insights.
• Partner with US Trade, Pricing, and Contracts (US TPC) and GACO teams to ensure data-driven decision-making and payer engagement.
• Partner closely with HEOR and other relevant stakeholders to oversee the payer-facing evidence generation strategy for Kite’s US business.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of Payer Account Executives and ensure clear account plans, thoughtful and frequent key customer engagement, and appropriate resource development and allocation.
• Build and sponsor internal frameworks for payer engagement, contracting strategy, and negotiation excellence.
• Lead training and development initiatives to elevate payer capabilities across the commercial organization.
• Champion a high-performance culture within US PSE and US Market Access, fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic thinking.
• Oversee and maintain accountability for all US Payer Strategy & Engagement budget allocations, spend, invoice submission, and budget neutrality.
• Be a key member of the USMA LT and represent the team with dignity, class, and outstanding partnership in all settings both inside and outside of Kite.
• Build and maintain relationships with all national and key regional payers and represent Kite and broader Gilead interests with these customers.
• In partnership with all customer-facing colleagues, engage with IDNs, GPOs, oncology networks, patient advocacy organizations, and other external members of the ecosystem to expand Kite’s influence beyond traditional payers.
• Prepare the payer market for community expansion, promoting compelling narrative on need for CAR-T in community & alternative accreditation standards.
• Work closely with peers across the US, Global Value & Access, Government Affairs, and Global CAR-T Vision to ensure strategic consistency across Kite; support all key coalitions and industry partners in payer-facing efforts.
• Represent USMALT to provide payer perspective and strategic input into business development, alliance partnerships, and pipeline planning.
• Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives that shape Kite’s access strategy and commercial readiness.

Benefits

• Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role).
• Paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees