Senior Director, Head of US Trade, Pricing and Contracting

Join Kite Pharma

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, Head of US Trade, Pricing and Contracting reports to the Head of US Market Access (US MA) and is responsible for strategic and operational oversight of US trade enablement / operations and portfolio pricing and contract ops. This individual is accountable for all operations and process-related components of pricing and contracting, including oversight and management of ASP, AMP, gross-to-net, contracting implications and operations, contracting strategy, Medicaid best price, and all related components, in partnership with relevant Kite and Gilead colleagues. The individual in this role will also have accountability for and oversight of Kite's trade strategy and operations and will partner closely with US Trade Relations and the US Head of Provider Access Strategy & Marketing to pull through trade strategy and choices with McKesson, Cencora, and Cardinal. Finally, this individual will partner closely with the US Head of Provider Access Strategy and Marketing (provider) and the US Head of Payer Strategy and Engagement (payer) to determine optimal contracting approach for the portfolio. The team led by this individual will manage all contracting processes and SOPs, US Pricing Committee submissions and engagements, and other operational components of contracting. This person is a critical member of the US MA Leadership Team and will work closely with the entire US team in close collaboration to achieve US business goals. This position will be based out of our Santa Monica, CA headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

Partner with payer and provider leads to develop and execute contracting strategies across both segments

Determine optimal contracting approaches for the portfolio in collaboration with USMA leadership

Prepare pricing plans and recommendations for Kite products in alignment with market dynamics and competitive pressures

Make pricing recommendations for US launch products and lead pricing research with cross-functional stakeholders

Pricing & Contracting Operations

Oversee all aspects of US pricing, including ASP, AMP, GTN, and other relevant components

Evaluate contracting options to balance customer demand and long-term revenue potential

Track provider responses to various contracting options to identify the impact of current & future potential contracting strategies; develop and monitor KPIs related to contract performance and develop metric-based recommendations for adjustments and considerations

Oversee the management of existing payer and provider contracts, incl. ensuring that all contracts are managed in a compliant manner

Lead all contracting processes, SOPs, and US Pricing Committee submissions and engagements

Trade Strategy & Channel Management

Develop and manage trade strategy, including wholesale, distribution, and channel strategy, and channel mix (in partnership with GACO); partner with Trade Relations to manage relationships and business dynamics with McKesson, Cencora, and Cardinal

Oversee management of returns and replacements in collaboration with cross-functional teams

Government Pricing & Compliance

Ensure compliant management of government price reporting and state transparency requirements

Partner closely with Gilead and other relevant cross-functional stakeholders to ensure appropriate and compliant management of government price reporting, state transparency requirements, and other relevant government regulations

Technology & Systems Implementation

Manage rollout of new contract management software (e.g., SAP & ModelN) to the pricing & contracting team as relevant and in alignment with Gilead

Market Intelligence

Stay current on external pricing movements, both in-class and out-of-class, that may impact Kite

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, pricing, policy, and / or relevant commercial 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

Deep understanding of the reimbursement landscape for CAR-T and the unique aspects of single case agreements, network requirements, etc.

Extensive understanding of private and public payers, across all settings of care, to include the complexities of reimbursement in each setting and demonstrated ability to successfully address customer needs with payers

Extensive understanding of hematology / oncology clinical landscape, Medicare A & B, and the business of cell therapy; understanding of hospital economics, primary / secondary insurance, governmental reimbursement, and payer / provider economics

Strong negotiation skills and a demonstrated ability to assist leadership's knowledge of trends including new payment models, COE networks and other management strategies

Strong proficiency in critical thinking, project management, communication / presentation, and arbitration / influencing skills

Demonstrated proficiency in oncology clinical science with strong clinical outcomes and health economic data fluency

Strong financial management and business acumen

Experience managing products covered under medical benefit in inpatient / outpatient settings

Validated understanding of customer segments and regional market dynamics within oncology

Demonstrated understanding of innovative payment models and market access strategies that can address payer needs and overcome market barriers

Strong leadership skills, proven ability to execute additional roles beyond core responsibilities

Experience formulating US pricing policy and strategic contracting framework and governance

Experience conducting strategic assessment of external pricing and reimbursement environment and synthesizing relevant information to develop LRP approaches in a rapidly shifting environment

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.

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