Head of Market Access, UKMC
Location: London, UK
At AstraZeneca, we push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. We're a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business, and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. In the UK — our historic home and one of our most strategically important markets — we're proud to play a leading role in shaping the future of healthcare, working shoulder-to-shoulder with the NHS, government, and the wider life sciences ecosystem.
We're now looking for an exceptional Market Access Director to join our UK Senior Leadership Team and lead the function that secures patient access to our medicines across the four nations. This role reports directly into the Country President for the UK and plays an influential role in the success of AstraZeneca in the UK market
The opportunity
This is one of the most influential Market Access roles in the UK pharmaceutical industry. You will be accountable for shaping and delivering our national Market Access, Pricing, Innovative Value Solutions, and NHS relationship strategies — ensuring that AstraZeneca's portfolio, spanning cardiovascular, respiratory, vaccines and oncology, reaches the patients who need it most.
You'll lead a talented team, sit at the heart of the UK Senior Leadership Team, and represent AstraZeneca in high-level interactions with the Department of Health, NHS England, and the devolved nations. You will also work closely with our European and Global colleagues, bringing UK insight into global strategy and leveraging best practice from across our network.
What you'll do
- Lead national Market Access strategy — developing and executing plans aligned to AstraZeneca's global strategy, and securing positive reimbursement and access decisions for our medicines.
- Shape the external environment — building trusted relationships with payers, policymakers, NHS leaders and government officials to influence the access landscape in AstraZeneca's favour and, ultimately, in patients' interests.
- Contribute as a Senior Leader — as a member of the UK SLT, you'll help set the strategic direction of the business alongside your peers, contributing well beyond your functional remit.
- Support regional and brand teams — driving functional excellence through the Market Access Excellence team and inputting into brand planning to help deliver commercial and patient outcomes.
- Build a world-class team — attracting, developing and retaining talented individuals; coaching and mentoring; and creating an environment that rewards innovation, challenge and accountability.
- Own the budget and ensure disciplined financial stewardship of the department.
- Champion compliance, ethics and integrity — role-modelling AstraZeneca's Values and Behaviours, and ensuring full adherence to internal governance and the ABPI Code.
What we're looking for:
Essential
- An academic background in science, medicine or health economics.
- Deep experience across Market Access, Health Technology Assessment, Health Economics and Pricing.
- An excellent understanding of the NHS and NICE environment and the relationships that shape the UK healthcare market.
- Proven leadership of sizeable teams, with a track record of developing high-performing people and functions.
- Strong command of health economic methods, HTA processes and evidence-based medicine, and confidence applying them in a commercial setting.
- A strong scientific mindset and the credibility to engage senior external stakeholders.
Desirable
- A postgraduate qualification in health economics or life sciences.
- Experience in one or more of AstraZeneca's strategic therapy areas: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Vaccines or Oncology.
Why AstraZeneca?
Here, you'll do work that has a genuine impact on patients' lives. You'll join a team that is ambitious, collaborative and unafraid to challenge the status quo — where big thinking is expected and where your voice will help shape the direction of the UK business.
Ready to make a difference?
If you're ready to lead one of the most consequential Market Access functions in UK pharma — and help ensure that more patients benefit from our medicines, sooner — we'd love to hear from you.
Date Posted
13-Nov-2026Closing Date
10-Dec-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.