Head of UK Market Access

Head of Market Access

Role Overview

The Head of Market Access will provide strategic and operational leadership across the central payer marketing and field-based market access teams within an assigned therapeutic area. The role will establish a clear vision, set expectations, foster a high-performance culture, and ensure strong collaboration across the wider organisation.

The successful candidate will lead the development and execution of impactful market access strategies supporting broader business unit objectives, with a focus on optimising patient access and the successful launch and commercialisation of innovative medicines.

Working closely with senior cross-functional stakeholders, the TA Head of Market Access will align strategy, resources, and execution across Market Access, Commercial, Medical, Regulatory, Health Economics, Pricing, and other relevant functions. The role will also contribute actively to the wider Market Access and Business Unit leadership teams.

The position will report to the UK Market Access Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a core member of the Business Unit leadership team, contributing to overall brand and business strategy and translating strategic priorities into clear market access objectives.
• Identify and prioritise market access opportunities while proactively addressing potential barriers to reimbursement, patient access, and uptake.
• Lead the central payer marketing team in developing and implementing robust market access strategies for both established and pipeline products.
• Develop market access plans that support successful product launches, optimise patient access, and maximise the value of medicines throughout their lifecycle.
• Foster strong collaboration across Commercial, Medical, Regulatory, Health Economics, Pricing, and other relevant functions, as well as with regional and international colleagues.
• Partner with other Therapeutic Area Market Access leaders to share best practice, identify opportunities for cross-functional synergies, and drive continuous improvement across the wider function.
• Work closely with cross-functional leadership to ensure effective collaboration between field-based Market Access, Sales, and Medical teams, driving consistent execution and high-impact outcomes.
• Establish clear objectives, strategic priorities, and high-quality implementation plans across the team and relevant cross-functional workstreams.
• Monitor key performance indicators and progress against strategic objectives, identifying risks and making appropriate adjustments where required.
• Assess and agree annual and ongoing resource requirements in collaboration with Business Unit and Market Access leadership.
• Lead the team in developing strong and effective relationships with payer stakeholders and other relevant external customers through appropriate engagement channels and programmes.
• Ensure effective management of budgets and external suppliers, agencies, and strategic partners.
• Maintain a strong understanding of competitor activity, healthcare policy, reimbursement developments, and other external factors that may impact the therapeutic area, taking appropriate action where necessary.
• Provide strategic market access input into early-stage pipeline assets and future portfolio opportunities within the assigned therapeutic area.
• Establish effective ways of working and promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture, with clear plans to address key capability and organisational priorities.
• Strengthen strategic alignment between central payer marketing and field-based Market Access teams, ensuring consistent and impactful execution of agreed strategies and tactics.
• Support ongoing training, capability development, and knowledge sharing across the team to meet current and future business needs.
• Identify and develop talent within the Market Access function, supporting career development and establishing a strong succession pipeline for critical roles.
• Actively contribute to the Market Access Leadership Team and wider Business Unit leadership team, taking ownership of broader strategic initiatives as required.
• Serve as a key point of contact for regional and international Market Access leadership within the assigned therapeutic area, supporting both established brands and upcoming launches.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business, Marketing, or another relevant discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification in Health Economics, Business, Market Access, or a related field is desirable.
• Significant leadership experience within the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or broader healthcare sector.
• Proven track record of developing and successfully implementing strategic market access plans.
• Strong experience operating effectively within complex, matrixed organisations.
• Demonstrable success in building, leading, and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior leadership.
• Excellent analytical capabilities combined with strong commercial and financial acumen.
• In-depth understanding of the UK healthcare environment, NHS structures, reimbursement pathways, and key payer stakeholders.
• Direct experience with Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and a strong understanding of health economics and cost-effectiveness principles.
• Good understanding of the UK pharmaceutical regulatory and industry compliance environment.

Leadership Behaviours

• Builds diverse, inclusive, and high-performing teams that deliver strong business outcomes.
• Creates an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
• Builds strong relationships and influences stakeholders to achieve effective cross-functional alignment.
• Recognises and celebrates individual and team contributions and achievements.
• Addresses performance and behavioural issues promptly, fairly, and constructively.
• Demonstrates high standards of integrity, ethics, compliance, and professional conduct.
• Sets clear, ambitious objectives that encourage team members to continuously improve and deliver exceptional performance.
• Communicates openly, transparently, and effectively with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• Builds confidence and maintains momentum during periods of organisational or business change.
• Develops future leaders through coaching, mentoring, stretch assignments, and targeted learning opportunities.

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