Director, Market Access & Government Affairs
Cochlear
Summary
The Director, Market Access & Government Affairs is responsible for developing and executing strategies that expand patient access, strengthen reimbursement, influence health policy, and support the successful adoption of Cochlear's current and future product portfolio. Serving as a strategic partner across commercial, clinical, regulatory, medical affairs, and health economics teams, this leader will oversee reimbursement strategy, payer engagement, coding and payment initiatives, government affairs activities, and market access planning across the United States and Canada.
Job description
In this role, you will lead efforts to remove reimbursement and access barriers, shape coverage and payment strategies across Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers, and drive policy initiatives that improve access to hearing implant technologies. You will also lead and develop a high-performing Market Access team while building relationships with payers, policymakers, professional societies, advocacy organizations, and healthcare providers to advance Cochlear's mission and support long-term business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and lead the organization's government affairs strategy to engage policymakers and regulatory bodies at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Lead reimbursement strategy including; HCPCS and CPT coding, Medicare payment policy, Coverage strategy, Hospital and ASC reimbursement, and DMEPOS.
- Lead strategic planning for reimbursement across Medicare, Medicaid, commercial payers, and integrated delivery networks.
- Identify reimbursement, policy, and access barriers and develop solutions to overcome them.
- Analyze and influence healthcare policy trends to drive favorable conditions for the adoption and reimbursement of the company's products.
- Oversee the integration of health economic models and analyses into reimbursement and market access strategies.
- Lead government affairs efforts at the Federal and State level to ensure policy supports patient access.
- Build and lead a high-performing Market Access team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree required; advanced degree in law, public policy, public health, business, economics, or life sciences strongly preferred
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, market access, or reimbursement advocacy roles within the healthcare, medical device, or pharmaceutical sectors
- Demonstrated ability to influence policy and drive reimbursement strategies for innovative medical technologies.
- In-depth understanding of U.S. and Canadian healthcare systems, reimbursement frameworks, and policy dynamics.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing successful programs for diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to analyze and synthesize multiple data sources, market research, VOC and performance metrics to drive decision-making.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, comfortable presenting and facilitating.
- Skilled at influencing and operating within a heavily matrixed environment.
- Proven expertise in medical education and KOL engagement.
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and project management skills.
- Able to travel up to 25%.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life & Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Maternity & Paternity Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Pet Insurance
Company overview
Cochlear Limited is a global leader in implantable hearing solutions, specializing in the design, manufacture, and supply of advanced medical devices for hearing loss treatment. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, the company has transformed the lives of over 700,000 people worldwide with its innovative hearing technologies. Cochlear's flagship products include the Nucleus cochlear implant system, Baha bone conduction implants, and Hybrid electro-acoustic implants, which collectively address various types and severities of hearing impairment. As the market leader with approximately 50% global market share in cochlear implants, the company operates in over 180 countries with a workforce of more than 4,000 employees across 50 nations. Cochlear invests over AUD$180 million annually in research and development, holding more than 100 registered patent families and consistently pushing the boundaries of hearing technology. The company's comprehensive product portfolio includes not only implantable devices but also sound processors, wireless accessories, and after-market support services, creating a complete ecosystem for hearing rehabilitation. With a strong commitment to innovation and patient outcomes, Cochlear continues to pioneer new technologies that improve speech understanding, sound clarity, and quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.