Associate Director, Commercial Learning and Development

Associate Director Of Commercial Learning & Development (CL&D)

Kite is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join the U.S. Commercial Learning and Development team as an Associate Director of Commercial Learning & Development (CL&D). In this key commercial-focused role, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing high-impact sales and product training programs specifically for the commercial organization, including Market Access teams. A strong background in sales, commercial training, and oncology (particularly in hematology) is essential to ensure effective execution and alignment with business objectives.

As a member of the CL&D team, you will work closely with cross-functional partners in Commercial, Marketing, and Payer teams to identify, build, and deliver training programs that address the needs of our teams, drive performance, and support business growth.

This position is site based in Santa Monica, CA (no ability for remote or relocation) with 50% travel for training initiatives, meetings, and project management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Training Strategy : Together with the CL&D team, design and deliver commercial training programs that focus on improving selling techniques and fostering strong, customer-focused relationships.
• These programs will educate field personnel on product knowledge, therapeutic areas, and account management to improve effectiveness in customer interactions.

• Therapeutic Expertise : Maintain deep expertise in the therapeutic areas aligned with Kite's CAR-T therapies, including disease states, products, treatment landscapes, and account management strategy to inform training content to support the commercial organization.

• Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams : Work closely with key partners in Market Access, Sales, Marketing, Medical, and Channel and Patient Services teams to ensure training materials are aligned with product strategies and organizational needs. This includes coordinating with Regulatory, Legal, and Medical for the review and approval of new training material.

• Training Content Development : Develop and maintain core training modules that cover disease state, product knowledge, and selling skills to ensure the training programs address the evolving needs of commercial teams, including sales, account managers, and market access.

• Commercial Onboarding & Continuous Development : Support the creation and delivery of onboarding programs for new hires and ongoing training for existing team members to ensure all team members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their roles.

• Project Management : Manage relationships with external training vendors, oversee training project timelines, and ensure high-quality execution of training programs. Support the preparation and delivery of key National and POA meetings.

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctorate and 2+ years of experience
• Master's degree and 8+ years of experience
• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of experience
• Associate degree and 12+ years of experience
• High School Diploma / GED degree and 14+ years of experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in oncology, with a strong preference for experience in hematology, cell therapy, or stem cell transplant
• Proven background in sales, commercial sales training, or learning and development, ideally within the pharmaceutical or biotech industries.
• Experience in developing and executing training programs that support sales performance, account management skills, and product knowledge
• High level of initiative and desire to work in a dynamic, exciting work environment
• Strong expertise in curriculum development and learning platform technologies (LMS, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Professional)
• Exceptional presentation, facilitation, and written communication skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a solutions-oriented manner
• Ability to manage complex projects and coordinate cross-functional teams in the design, development, and execution of training initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets

People Leader Accountabilities

• Create Inclusion - knowing the business value of diverse teams, modeling inclusion, and embedding the value of diversity in the way they manage their teams.
• Develop Talent - understand the skills, experience, aspirations, and potential of their employees and coach them on current performance and future potential. They ensure employees are receiving the feedback and insight needed to grow, develop, and realize their purpose.
• Empower Teams - connect the team to the organization by aligning goals, purpose, and organizational objectives and holding them to account. They provide the support needed to remove barriers and connect their team to the broader ecosystem.

The salary range for this position is: $177,905.00 - $230,230.00. 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*.

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