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 theUSMALT 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 . **For jobs in the United States:** 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' (https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/eeo-law-poster) poster. NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT (http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf) YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp\_%20English\_formattedESQA508c.pdf) 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. **Change The World With Us** Everyone at Kite is grounded by one common goal – curing cancer. Every day, we aim to establish a direct line between that purpose and our day-to-day work. We are creating Kite together, with the recognition that the best teams are built by the best people. We maintain an attitude of curiosity, and creativity with each challenge as we develop a new market for cancer therapies. We appreciate and respect one another, and most importantly, we don’t take success for granted. While we’ve come a long way to make what others viewed as impossible, possible, we know one thing is certain. Today is just the beginning.