US Market Access Key Account Director (MAx-KAD), Cell Therapy - Southern California

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 US Market Access Key Account Director (MAx-KAD), Cell Therapy - Southern California , 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 and the candidate will support and live within the boundaries of the Southern California Region.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Account Leadership

· 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

Payer Engagement & 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.

Provider Engagement & Business Development

· 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.

Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives

· 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

Cross-functional Collaboration

· 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

Data, Analytics, and Performance

· 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

Basic Qualifications

· 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 OR

Preferred Qualifications

· 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

The salary range for this position is: $205,615.00 - $266,090.00. 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:

* 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 Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at

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