Vice President of Market Access, Reimbursement and Payer Strategy

The Vice President (VP) of Market Access will be a key member of the leadership team, responsible for the development and execution of market access strategies to maximize the adoption, coverage and reimbursement of the company’s oncology diagnostics portfolio. This role will involve navigating complex healthcare ecosystems, engaging with payers, providers, and policymakers, and ensuring that patients and healthcare providers can access our products. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in market access, reimbursement, health economics, and payer strategy in the molecular diagnostics sector.

Market Access Strategy

• Develop and implement comprehensive market access strategies to secure optimal reimbursement for our tests across public and private payers in the U.S. and, where applicable, international markets.
• Proactively identify and address market access barriers, ensuring the clinical and economic value of MRD testing is clearly communicated.

Payer Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with key payers, health systems, and other stakeholders to negotiate favorable coverage and reimbursement policies.
• Lead discussions and negotiations with payers, presenting evidence-based value propositions for MRD diagnostics.

Health Economics & Outcomes Research (HEOR)

• Oversee the development of health economic models, budget impact analyses, and value dossiers to support payer negotiations and demonstrate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of MRD testing.
• Ensure the alignment of clinical and economic evidence with market needs.

Policy Advocacy

• Work with policymakers and industry organizations to advocate for policies that support innovation and adoption of molecular diagnostics.
• Monitor and influence regulatory and legislative changes affecting market access and reimbursement.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Partner with R&D, clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams to align market access strategies with product development and launch plans.
• Provide market access insights to inform clinical trial design and evidence generation strategies.

Team Leadership:

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing market access team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture.
• Drive alignment across internal teams to ensure market access priorities are integrated into the company’s broader strategy.

Commercialization Support:

• Support the commercial team in developing pricing strategies and access programs that reflect the value of MRD tests.
• Engage with key opinion leaders (KOLs), patient advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to build support for MRD testing adoption.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required. Advanced degrees (MBA, MPH, PhD, or equivalent) in business, health economics, public health, or a related discipline are strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in market access, reimbursement, or payer strategy, preferably in molecular diagnostics or oncology.
• Proven track record of successful market access strategy development and execution for high-value diagnostics.
• Deep understanding of U.S. healthcare systems, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private payers, and their reimbursement mechanisms.

Technical Expertise:

• Expertise in health economics, outcomes research, and value-based pricing strategies.
• Familiarity with the diagnostic reimbursement landscape, including CPT coding, coverage policies, and payment systems.

Leadership Skills:

• Exceptional strategic thinking, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Communication:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex market access concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience presenting to executive leadership, payers, and other external stakeholders.

• Experience with oncology diagnostics, specifically MRD testing.
• Established relationships with U.S. payers and key stakeholders in oncology diagnostics reimbursement.
• Knowledge of international reimbursement pathways and global market access challenges.

• Generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, and paid parental leave.
• Membership to SAGA’s Equity scheme.   

Primary location: Remote with regular visits to Morrisville NC office as needed

SAGA Diagnostics is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces and encourages applicants of every background.  The company’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity means that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, benefits, wage and salary administration, scheduling, disciplinary action and termination will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to hr@sagadiagnostics.com. SAGA Diagnostics is a participant in the E-Verify program, learn more about the program and review our required disclosures here and here.