Senior Director, US Payer Strategy & Engagement

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