Head of International Market Access

Do you have the expertise to shape access pathways that ensure patients worldwide benefit from innovative therapies? Are you passionate about creating impactful collaborations across medical, marketing, and business teams to drive success in the life sciences industry?

We are seeking a Head of International Market Access to play a pivotal role in ensuring that our therapies reach patients efficiently and effectively across global markets.

Ascendis Pharma is a fast-growing biopharmaceutical company with locations in Denmark, United States and EU Commercial offices in Munich, Madrid, Milan, London and Paris. We are applying our TransCon technology to build a leading, fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by our core values of patients, science, and passion, we use our TransCon® drug development platform to fulfill our mission of developing new and potentially best-in-class therapies to address unmet medical needs. Today, we have a growing pipeline of product therapies in development, each designed to be a best-in-class therapy.

The role

As Head of International Market Access you will play a crucial role in collaborating with geographic partners in ensuring that the ASND endocrinology rare disease portfolio are successfully launched and accessible in target international markets. This ‘hands on’ position involves strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with various stakeholders to adapt our global strategy to local needs in order to navigate the complexities of a wide variety of international market access needs.

The role should be based at one of our Ascendis European offices (UK, France, Spain, Germany, Denmark) It is expected to be a remote role that may require some travel to Copenhagen Head Office and international partner markets, participation in industry conferences, and meetings with stakeholders (~50%). Flexibility in work hours may be necessary to accommodate global time zones. You will report to the VP of International Markets, Roy Khoury and work closely with the respective Heads of International Medical Affairs, Strategic Marketing & Business Analytics as well the Global HEOR organization.

Your Responsibilities

Market Analysis

• Conduct thorough market assessments to identify opportunities and challenges for product access in various regions.
• Analyse the competitive landscape, pricing strategies, and reimbursement frameworks within target markets.

Strategic Planning

• Help develop, guide and execute market access strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, and regulatory affairs, to ensure alignment on market access initiatives.

Regulatory Knowledge

• Stay updated on global health policies, regulations, and reimbursement processes affecting life sciences products.

• Ensure all product offerings meet local compliance and regulatory requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities, and payers.
• Prepare engaging presentations and materials to communicate product value propositions effectively.

Reimbursement Strategy

• Develop and implement reimbursement strategies to optimize product access and affordability.
• Collaborate with global health economic teams to conduct cost-effectiveness analyses and help prepare submissions to reimbursement authorities with contracted international partners.

Policy Advocacy

• Monitor and influence health policy developments that may impact market access.
• Advocate for fair reimbursement policies and favourable market conditions for life sciences products.

Project Management

• Lead and manage multiple market access projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to deadlines.
• Prepare progress reports and updates for senior management and other stakeholders.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Health Economics, or related field; Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.
• Proven experience in market access, pricing, and reimbursement within the life sciences industry.
• Strong understanding of global healthcare systems, pricing strategies, and health economics.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment.
• Proficiency in project management and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in endocrinology or rare diseases is highly preferred, but not mandatory
• Experience with international regulatory submissions and interactions with health authorities.
• Fluency in multiple languages is a plus

Key Competencies

In this role, you are expected to be a motivational leader and influential communicator, inspiring confidence across the leadership team, colleagues, and external distributing partners. Your ability to foster trust and alignment will be essential to driving success in a global, cross-functional environment.

You bring strong cultural dexterity, enabling you to navigate and connect effectively within diverse international settings. As a modern thinker, you excel at balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution, ensuring that high-level plans are grounded in actionable details.

Your strength lies in influencing people and fostering collaboration. You thrive as a team player, providing mentorship and creating an open, supportive environment where ideas and contributions are valued. Through your leadership, you will cultivate a culture of innovation, adaptability, and shared success.

Your approach aligns seamlessly with Ascendis Pharma’s core values: prioritizing patient-centric solutions, making decisions grounded in scientific excellence, and driving performance to deliver meaningful impact in the life sciences sector.

Apply now

For more details about the position or the company, please contact VP of International Markets, Roy Khoury on rokh@ascendispharma.com or visit our website www.ascendispharma.com.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and skills.

Applications will be evaluated when received, so please apply as soon as possible.

If you are passionate about contributing to the field of rare diseases and eager to make a difference at Ascendis Pharma, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join us in our mission to advance therapeutic innovations and improve patient lives worldwide.