Director, Market Access Italy

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company focusing on cardiac muscle dysfunction. The Head of Market Access for Italy will lead strategy, planning and execution of market access initiatives to support the launch of aficamten in 2027.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Implementation

  Develop and implement national and regional market access strategies tailored to the Italian healthcare systems, ensuring alignment with the European Market Access Plan. Lead the development of value propositions and evidence packages to support favorable Health Technology Assessment (HTA) outcomes and reimbursement decisions with bodies such as AIFA and Italian MoH. Manage pricing assumptions and scenarios for business review, and contribute to the Regional & Global Pricing committee when needed. Oversee the planning and execution of pre‑launch and launch market access activities, driving successful launch readiness activities, including reimbursement and pricing negotiations with key stakeholders. Develop and implement regional and hospital market access strategies tailored to each healthcare system in every region in Italy. Monitor and manage tenders to ensure timely aficamten market access, while adapting strategies based on changing healthcare systems and regulatory landscapes to minimize price reductions or reference price range changes.

• Stakeholder Engagement

  Establish and nurture relationships with key external stakeholders, including payers, policymakers, HTA bodies and other decision‑makers across Italy. Represent the company at national and regional payer advisory boards, industry associations and working groups. Act as a company spokesperson during strategic engagements with payers and policymakers, ensuring alignment of market access narratives across all geographies.

• External Engagement & Government Affairs

  Develop and implement external engagement strategies to address policy and regulatory challenges specific to Italy. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting the pharmaceutical industry, providing recommendations to adapt the company’s strategies. Engage with government bodies, trade associations and patient advocacy groups to advocate for innovation‑friendly policies and equitable access to healthcare. Enhance the company’s reputation by positioning it as a trusted partner within the healthcare ecosystem in Italy.

• Evidence Generation and Communication

  Collaborate with HEOR to design and execute real‑world evidence and economic models addressing national and regional payer requirements. Ensure clinical and economic evidence is effectively communicated through local adaptations of global dossiers and presentations to HTA and payer audiences. Review and provide input into country‑specific reimbursement submissions and supporting materials.

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration

  Work closely with Medical Affairs, HEOR and Commercial teams to align access strategies and messaging at local, EU and global levels. Partner with the General Manager Italy to define and execute country‑specific goals and strategies. Support internal training and knowledge sharing on market access topics for local teams.

• Operational Oversight

  Manage local market access budgets and allocate resources effectively to meet strategic priorities. Monitor and report on the regulatory, reimbursement and competitive landscape to inform strategic decision‑making. Ensure compliance with all local and global regulatory and ethical guidelines in all market access activities. Include pipeline products in country‑level horizon scanning processes.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in health economics, public health, life sciences, or a related field; MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Fluency in English and Italian required.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in market access, pricing or health economics roles within the pharmaceutical industry and regional or national payers, with significant experience in the Italian market.
• Demonstrated expertise in navigating complex healthcare systems, including HTA processes and payer negotiations in Italy.
• Experience in public affairs and government relations in Italy.
• Proven ability to manage external stakeholder networks.

Cytokinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.