Lead Market Access, UK

Astellas Pharma; Addlestone; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Global collaboration

Job summary

Astellas is seeking a UK Market Access Lead to develop national pricing, reimbursement, and HTA strategies across England, Scotland and Wales. You will work with Commercial, Medical, Health Economics and Regulatory teams to secure timely patient access to our medicines.

Hybrid working with part-time office presence; lead payer negotiations, build value dossiers, and ensure alignment with business objectives and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Significant pharmaceutical market access experience.
• Proven HTA strategy development and submissions.
• Experience negotiating with national payers.
• Ability to work in complex, global organizations.

Responsibilities

• Develop UK market access, pricing, reimbursement, and HTA strategies.
• Lead HTA submissions and payer value propositions.
• Build relationships with payers and decision-makers.
• Monitor policy changes and adapt access plans.
• Lead pricing negotiations to secure optimal access.

Skills

Market Access

HTA submissions

Payer negotiations

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Health Economics, or related discipline

Job description

About Astellas

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. Learn more at Astellas.com .

Working Environment and Location

This position is to be based in the UK.

Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines Statement - At Astellas we recognise the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimise the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

Purpose and Scope

The Market Access Lead is responsible for developing and executing national market access and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) strategies across the UK (England, Scotland, and Wales) to ensure timely and sustainable patient access to Astellas' innovative medicines. Working cross-functionally with Commercial, Medical, Health Economics, Regulatory, and Global teams, the role drives pricing, reimbursement, and payer engagement strategies while ensuring alignment with business objectives and compliance standards.

Role and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute UK market access, pricing, reimbursement, and HTA strategies to support successful product launches and ongoing patient access.
• Lead the development of HTA submissions, reimbursement dossiers, and payer value propositions in partnership with Health Economics, Medical, and Commercial teams.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key external stakeholders, including payers, healthcare decision-makers, government bodies, and patient organisations.
• Identify and respond to changes in the healthcare, policy, and payer landscape, using insights to shape access strategies and evidence generation plans.
• Lead pricing and reimbursement negotiations to secure optimal access and commercial outcomes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure market access priorities are embedded within brand strategies and aligned with business objectives.
• Develop market access tools, materials, and communication resources that effectively demonstrate product value.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in line with regulatory, compliance, and ethical standards while promoting a patient-focused approach.

Essential Qualifications

• Significant pharmaceutical industry experience in Market Access.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing pricing, reimbursement, and market access strategies.
• Strong experience leading HTA strategy development and submissions.
• Proven track record of negotiating with national payers to secure product access and reimbursement.
• Experience operating within complex, matrixed, and global organizations.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Strong patient and customer focus with evidence of delivering commercial results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Health Economics, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Experience within relevant therapeutic areas.
• Good understanding of drug development, health economics, and payer environments.
• Knowledge of UK market access and HTA processes, including NICE, SMC, and NHS reimbursement frameworks.

What awaits you at Astellas?

• Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
• Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
• Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
• A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.

Our Organisational Values and Behaviours

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

Benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Learn more at Astellas.com