At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead market access strategies and negotiate high-stakes agreements to improve patient access.
- Company: Join Roche, a global leader in healthcare innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to advancing science and healthcare.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare and make a real impact on patient lives.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in market access and health economics.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.
This is a pivotal leadership role within our UK Pharma Commercial team. You join at a moment of radical healthcare transformation — where market access, government affairs, and health economics converge to determine whether life-changing therapies reach the patients who need them. You lead a multidisciplinary function that shapes the UK's position as a priority destination for global pharmaceutical investment.
The Opportunity:
- Shape the future of UK pricing and reimbursement by leading the organisation's strategy across NICE, SMC, and AWMSG — ensuring our portfolio remains commercially viable and accessible to patients.
- Lead high-stakes negotiations for Commercial Access Agreements that protect and grow a billion-pound revenue stream through sustainable, innovative funding models.
- Influence government policy at the highest levels maintaining strategic relationships across the Department of Health and Social Care, HM Treasury, and the broader political landscape.
- Build a world-class Access engine that serves as the gold standard for our global headquarters — proving that the UK is a priority launch market.
- Drive health equity and system transformation by leading initiatives that improve patient outcomes, enhance population health, and reduce per-capita costs in partnership with the NHS.
- Pioneer innovative access models including outcome-based agreements, value-based pricing, and real-world evidence frameworks that can be exported globally.
Who you are:
- You bring extensive senior leadership in market access, health economics, or government affairs within the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector.
- You have deep expertise in UK HTA processes and the commercial mechanics of industry-government pricing frameworks.
- You are a proven political advocate, comfortable engaging at ministerial and senior civil servant level to shape policy outcomes.
- You are an enterprise thinker who balances access decisions against commercial, medical, and supply chain considerations across a complex portfolio.
- You lead with purpose — translating strategic patience into tactical urgency to deliver patient access today while building frameworks for tomorrow.
Preferred:
- Experience navigating the post-Brexit regulatory and trade landscape as it impacts pharmaceutical operations.
- Background in Real-World Evidence generation and its application to HTA submissions and lifecycle management.
- International or global headquarters experience demonstrating cross-market strategic influence.
If you're ready to shape the future of patient access in the UK, we'd like to hear from you. Apply today.
At Roche Products we believe diversity drives innovation and we are committed to building a diverse and flexible working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability or age. We recognise the importance of flexible working and will review all applicants’ requests with care. At Roche difference is valued and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer where you are encouraged to bring your whole self to work.
Market Access and External Affairs Director (UK Pharma Commercial) employer: Roche
At Roche, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture that values personal expression and open dialogue, making it an exceptional place to work. As a leader in the UK Pharma Commercial team, you will have the opportunity to shape healthcare access while being part of a diverse and inclusive environment that supports your professional growth. With a commitment to innovation and health equity, Roche empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes and the future of healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Market Access and External Affairs Director (UK Pharma Commercial)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Roche's values and recent projects. We want to show how our skills align with their mission. Practise common interview questions and think about how we can demonstrate our leadership experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. Let’s express our enthusiasm for the role and reiterate how we can contribute to Roche's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of Roche’s mission to improve patient access.
We think you need these skills to ace Market Access and External Affairs Director (UK Pharma Commercial)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:At StudySmarter, we want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Market Access and External Affairs Director position. Highlight your relevant experience in market access, health economics, and government affairs to show us why you're the perfect match.
Show Your Passion:We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare. In your application, express your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to our mission of improving patient access.
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Roche
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK HTA processes and the commercial mechanics of pricing frameworks. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the industry, but that you can also navigate its complexities.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in market access or health economics. Highlight your experience in high-stakes negotiations and how you've influenced policy at senior levels. This will demonstrate your capability to lead within Roche's multidisciplinary function.
✨Understand Roche's Culture
Familiarise yourself with Roche's commitment to diversity and innovation. Be ready to discuss how your unique qualities align with their culture of personal expression and open dialogue. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
✨Think Big Picture
As an enterprise thinker, be prepared to discuss how you balance access decisions with commercial, medical, and supply chain considerations. Show that you can think strategically about patient access while also being tactical in your approach to immediate challenges.