Market Access Head in Addlestone

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into value for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need.

We are seeking a Market Access Head who will thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, take intelligent risks, and act with unwavering integrity. The role requires a deep commitment to making a tangible impact on patients’ lives.

This is a local UK affiliate position that requires onsite presence two days per week at our Bourne office in London, UK. The role is offered on a hybrid basis in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

Purpose & Scope

The Market Access Head will be responsible for developing and implementing the local Market Access Strategy (including pricing, reimbursement, regional policy and patient access) for the Astellas product portfolio, ensuring timely and sustainable access to the company’s pharmaceutical products. This role involves navigating the complex regulatory and healthcare environment to optimize pricing, reimbursement, and market entry strategies while aligning with broader business goals. The Market Access Head reports to the General Manager and is a member of the affiliate management team.

Role and Responsibilities

• Market Access Strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive market access strategies for our products, ensuring alignment with commercial, medical, and regulatory teams. Confirm patient access to current and future brands and provide inputs to global strategy development.
• Pricing and Reimbursement: Lead the development of pricing and reimbursement strategies for new and existing products, ensuring optimal access while maintaining competitive advantage. Provide strategic leadership to the development of local reimbursement dossiers for all payors (public and private).
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, healthcare providers, payers, patient advocacy groups and regulatory bodies.
• Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR): Collaborate with HEOR teams to generate evidence and value propositions that support reimbursement negotiations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all market access activities comply with local and international regulations, pricing laws and ethical standards.
• Cross‑functional Collaboration: Work closely with commercial, medical affairs, regulatory, and finance teams to align strategies with company objectives.
• Data Analysis: Analyse market trends, payer policies and competitive landscapes to identify opportunities and risks.
• Value Proposition Development: Create clear, compelling value propositions for products that align with payer needs and patient outcomes.
• Negotiation and Contracting: Lead negotiations with payers and government bodies to secure favourable pricing and reimbursement conditions.
• Market Access Materials: Produce dossiers, presentations and communication tools that support product positioning with payers and decision makers.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Continuously monitor access performance, payer decisions and reimbursement outcomes, providing regular updates to senior leadership.
• Strategic Account Management: Lead strategic account management through comprehensive understanding of customers’ needs and performance indicators.
• People Management: Manage and develop high‑performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

Extensive experience in market access, health economics, pricing or reimbursement in high‑cost product industries. In‑depth knowledge of healthcare systems, payer environments, and regulatory requirements. Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical reimbursement and pricing issues, policies and trends. High level of independence and resilience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, life sciences or equivalent.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPH or PharmD).
• Experience in global or regional market access roles.
• Strong network within the healthcare industry, including payers, regulatory agencies and key opinion leaders.
• Demonstrated success in securing pricing and reimbursement for innovative therapies.
• Expertise in developing value‑based healthcare models.

What Awaits You at Astellas?

• Global collaboration – become part of a connected global business of life‑science leaders dedicated to improving patients’ lives worldwide.
• Real‑world patient impact – contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world.
• Relentless Innovation – join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs.
• A Culture of Growth – pursue your passions in a supportive environment that values your contributions.

Our Organisational Values and Behaviours

• Impact
• Innovation
• Integrity
• One Astellas
• Accountability
• Courage
• Sense of Urgency
• Outcome Focus

Benefits

Career opportunities at Astellas. We are an equal‑opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Beware of recruitment scams impersonating Astellas recruiters or representatives. Authentic communication will only originate from an official Astellas LinkedIn profile or a verified company email address. If you encounter a fake profile or anything suspicious, report it promptly to LinkedIn's support team through LinkedIn Help.