General Information
Job Advert Title
Strategic Access Lead
Location
South Africa
Function/Business Area
Marketing & Communications
Employment Class
Permanent
Description
Strategic Access Lead 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.
Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients? We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.
Location and Working Environment - This position is hybrid and will require you to be onsite 2 days per week in our Johannesburg office.
- 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 & Scope - The Market Access function at Astellas is central to ensuring patients receive timely, equitable access to our innovative therapies. The role focuses on developing and executing access strategies across diverse healthcare systems—engaging key stakeholders, interpreting market dynamics, and navigating regulatory environments. By driving sustainable pricing and reimbursement solutions, you help improve patient outcomes and reinforce Astellas’ commitment to meaningful, patient focused innovation, supported by close collaboration with the Business Unit Head, local affiliates, and the TMEA organization.
- You will work across all brands to support Brand Teams through B@C and WoW, providing clear, solution driven insights. This includes analyzing product performance related to access and reimbursement—such as benefit impact, price impact, and market share by major funder—alongside relevant market intelligence like competitor activity. Your contributions enable teams and stakeholders to make informed strategic decisions that shape strong product business plans and long term market success.
Role and Responsibilities - Building and managing strong, structured relationships with key stakeholders—government, payers, HCPs, and advocacy groups—supported by ongoing stakeholder mapping, regular engagements, and clear representation of Astellas’ priorities.
- Monitoring the external environment to gather insights on policy, payer expectations, market trends, and competitor activity, translating these into strategic recommendations for brand teams.
- Leading key account interactions and commercial negotiations, ensuring effective communication of product value and alignment of pricing strategies with organizational objectives.
- Conducting epidemiology and outcomes research to demonstrate product value.
- Supporting pricing and reimbursement discussions with cost effectiveness and budget impact evidence.
- Analysing market trends to shape competitive, locally aligned pricing and access strategies—including ILP, PAI, value based and risk sharing models—while supporting brand planning, forecasting, and tender readiness with timely insights.
- Developing and executing tender and pricing strategies with high quality submissions, ensuring compliance with procurement requirements and providing expert strategic guidance to brand teams.
- Ensuring all market access activities comply with local regulations and guidelines.
- Collaborating with regulatory teams on product approvals and compliance requirements.
Continue: Role and Responsibilities - Continuously assessing the healthcare landscape to identify access barriers and opportunities.
- Monitoring competitor activities and evaluating policy changes impacting access.
- Training internal teams (sales, marketing, etc.) in market access principles and strategies.
- Integrating market access insights into the patient journey and HCP engagement.
- Supporting Medical Teams in partnering with patient organizations and advocacy groups.
- Raising disease awareness and highlight the importance of access to innovative therapies.
- Engaging in health policy dialogue to advocate for improved access to innovative medicines.
- Influencing decision making processes within the South African healthcare environment.
- Implementing programs to improve access, including for underserved populations.
- Pursuing patient support programs to broaden access and reduce health system burden.
- Tracking and reporting on CMS annual reports, funding landscape changes, disease registries, HTA submissions, and access outcomes.
- Using insights to refine strategies and enhance patient access.
- Leading pipeline planning and access landscaping for new disease areas, co creating clear market maps for upcoming molecules with cross functional teams.
- Collaborating closely with TMEA to align launch strategies and integrate learnings from early launch markets to strengthen local launch excellence.
- Researching global access trends to design and pilot innovative, locally relevant access solutions while supporting internal and external policy shaping efforts.
- Upholding Astellas’ ethics and compliance standards by maintaining transparent, compliant stakeholder interactions and promptly reporting any non compliance.
Required Qualifications - NQF 7-8 in health sciences related field or equivalent with proven market access experience.
- Additional experience in medical, sales and/or marketing will be advantageous.
Preferred Qualifications - Pharmaceutical industry including regulations and product knowledge
- Health systems legislation and regulations in South Africa
- Healthcare and Medical funding environment and Healthcare funding models
- Pharmaco-economics and outcomes research would be advantageous
- Political environment and structures
- Understanding of the NEMLC
- Sound understanding of local regulations incl. Compliance/PV
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 Behaviors - Impact
- Innovation
- Integrity
- One Astellas
- Accountability
- Courage
- Sense of Urgency
- Outcome Focus
Benefits Careers | Astellas
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.
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.
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