Director, Trade Strategy & Operations

We are seeking a Director Trade Strategy & Operations to lead and own Kites US cell therapy trade strategy and distribution model across existing and pipeline products. Building on Kites leadership in the cell therapy space this role will advance a customer-centric trade approach while ensuring a scalable and differentiated distribution experience.This role is a critical leader within Kite responsible for defining and evolving Kites trade infrastructure enabling patient access supporting commercial performance and ensuring a compliant high-performing distribution ecosystem.

Reporting to the Head of Trade Pricing and Contracting this individual is accountable for driving execution of Kites trade strategy across distribution operations and partner governance while advancing trade capabilities and performance. The Director will oversee distribution partner strategy and 3PL governance ensure operational readiness for new products and indications andestablishframeworks for trade policy agreements and compliance in partnership with cross-functional stakeholders. This role requires close collaboration with Market Access Supply Chain Finance Legal Compliance and Patient Services to influence decision-making drive execution manage risk and support a high-performing trade organization.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Strategy & Leadership

• Define and drive Kites US trade strategy including distribution model design channel optimization and access enablement

• Lead enterprise-level strategic initiatives to enhance channel design strategic direction and long-term scalability in a rapidly evolving cell therapy landscape

• Providestrategic guidance to senior leadership on trade-related risks opportunities and market dynamics

• Establish and evolve KPIs and performance frameworks to assess and guide trade performance and strategic effectiveness

Trade Operations & State Licensing

• Oversee end-to-end trade operations including order management distribution execution and issue resolution across channel partners

• Serve as accountable leader for trade operations readiness for new product launches and distribution model changes

• Drive executional excellence across trade operations through continuous improvement of processes and workflows

• Ensure operational compliance with state licensing distributor requirements and applicable regulatory obligations

Distribution & 3PL Relationship Management

• Lead Kites 3PL and distributor relationships including strategic oversight operational performance governance and long-term partnership strategy

• Drivedistribution network strategy includingassessing network effectiveness

Trade Policy Agreements & Compliance

• Lead development and governance of trade policies and agreement frameworks including distribution and ATC trade agreement structuresaligned todistribution strategy operational requirements and compliance standards

• Partner with Legal Compliance and Government Pricing to mitigate risk and ensure policy clarity

• Lead updates and ongoing management of trade agreements with Authorized Treatment Center (ATC) networksensuring compliant ordering readiness for all ATCs

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead and develop a high-performing Trade Strategy & Operations team

• Set teamobjectivesaligned to business priorities and foster a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous improvement

• Build organizational capabilities and scalable operating processes to support evolving trade and market access strategies

Basic Qualifications (Refined)

• Bachelors Degree and 12 years of experience OR

• Masters Degree and 10 years of experience OR

• Advanced scientific degree (MD PharmD PhD) and 8 years of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical/biotech trade distribution or market access withdemonstratedleadership responsibility

• Deepexpertisein specialty distribution models particularly in oncology hematology or cell therapy

• Strong understanding of government pricing programs and regulatory requirements including 340B Medicaid and ASP

• Deep understanding of the reimbursement landscape and healthcare economics including buy-and-bill dynamics provider economics and channel flows

• Proven ability to define and implement enterprise-level trade and channel strategy and lead cross-functional initiatives

• Experience managing 3PL and distribution partner relationships including governance performance management and network optimization

• Track recordof driving operational and strategic improvements across trade systems processes and infrastructure

• Experience leading trade agreements policy frameworks and compliance oversight in partnership with Legal and Government Pricing

• Significant experiencein pharmaceutical/biotech trade distribution or market access including ownership of trade or channel strategy

• Demonstrated leadership experience including people management and leading large cross-functional initiatives

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence decision making strategy and execution across senior stakeholders

• Demonstratedhigh levelsof emotional intelligence situational awareness and ability to build and influence a positive team culture

• Experience engaging with external stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem including providers distributors and policy or channel partners

• Strong strategic analytical and communication skills with ability to influence senior stakeholders andoperateeffectively in a matrixed environment

• MBA or other advanced degree preferred

Other Requirements

• Limited travel up to 25%