We’re here for one reason and one reason only – to cure cancer. Every moment is dedicated to developing treatments and every action moves us one step closer to our goal. We’ve made incredible scientific breakthroughs and our pioneering personalized CAR T-cell therapies have changed the paradigm. But we're not finished yet.

Join Kite, as we make even bigger advances in cancer therapies, and help shape where our business and medical science goes next.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.

Job Description

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. 

Key Responsibilities  

Strategic Leadership 

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 

 

Policy & Environmental Strategy 

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 

 

Payer Data & Analytics Strategy 

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 

 

Organizational Capability and Culture 

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 

 

Ecosystem Engagement 

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 

 

Strategic Projects & Business Development 

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 

 

Basic Qualifications 

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  

 

Preferred Qualifications 

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 

 

The salary range for this position is: $237,575.00 - $307,450.00. Kite considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

Kite is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies with a goal of providing rapid, long-term durable response and eliminating the burden of chronic care. The company is focused on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) engineered cell therapies designed to empower the immune system's ability to recognize and kill tumors. Kite is based in Santa Monica, CA. For more information on Kite, please visit www.kitepharma.com. Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kitepharma.
 

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Kite Pharma is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.

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Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.

Kite Pharma provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.

For Current Kite Pharma Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.