AstraZeneca UK is the leading biopharmaceutical company, at the head of the FTSE 100 with over 8,500 UK employees. Our new £1billion global R&D Centre and HQ is close to completion in Cambridge, the UK life sciences industry hub! We have medicines development, manufacturing and vaccine production operations in the North West and supply oncology, cardiovascular and respiratory medicines to the NHS and global markets. In 2018, we invested £1.3 billion in UK R&D (representing around a third of total pharmaceutical R&D investment) and exported £5.1 billion worth of goods. We are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in numerous ways including providing testing services for the Government programme, therapies for treating the effects of COVID-19, and the development, manufacture and supply of a vaccine candidate in partnership with Oxford University.

The UK Corporate Government Affairs Associate Director is accountable for supporting the development and pursuit of strategies to shape the UK policy environment, positioning AstraZeneca as a key partner with Government and other stakeholders. Working with the UK Government Affairs Director within a growing UK Government Affairs and Policy (GAAP) team, you will provide input to and execute the UK Government Affairs plan, supporting our research, development, manufacturing, commercial and corporate activities at a time when the UK leaves the EU, develops trading relationships throughout the world and manages post-COVID economic recovery.

Direct engagement with various external stakeholders including Government officials, Parliamentarians, trade bodies, industry peers and others will be required on issues relating to our footprint and interests. Key internal relationships will include UK commercial, manufacturing and R&D functions and corporate finance, HR and communications. Governance and guidance is provided through the Senior Director GAAP and the UK Leadership Team.

Key Accountabilities:

• Support policy development in areas relating to trade, life sciences industrial strategy, the fiscal environment for AZ’s UK operations, and the post-COVID UK economic recovery
• Contribute to and deliver AZ’s UK GAAP plan to position AZ as a valued partner and industry leader to UK Government, policy makers and stakeholders, supporting business growth and increasing our visibility and reputation in the UK
• Leverage our R&D and UK operational footprint to maximise opportunities across the business and deliver the broader GP team objectives for better patient care and improved access to medicines
• Develop positions and messaging on core areas of policy involving post-EU International trade, corporate fiscal environment, supply chain integrity and resilience, skills and training and attaining our Ambition Zero Carbon strategy
• Build external relationships with UK Government and other stakeholders, representing AZ on appropriate third party groups such as CBI, ABPI, BIA etc
• Support the secretariat of the Life Sciences Council and Life Sciences Industrial Strategy Implementation Board and the work of the British Pharmaceutical Group
• Deliver strategic advice to and support UK business leaders in their engagement with UK government and officials
• Deliver analysis and guidance on key UK policy trends, working with retained consultancies

Minimum requirements

• Significant experience of GA and policy shaping in public or private sectors, ideally health or life sciences
• Deep understanding of the UK political environment
• Strong interpersonal, communication and influencing abilities
• Proactive ability to develop and implement strategies and drive positive outcomes
• Ability to work across a matrix environment
• Business acumen and credibility
• Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in relevant field e.g. Political Sciences, Life Sciences, Law or Business

Preferred requirements

• Understanding of pharmaceutical and / or healthcare policy
• Direct experience of working in a highly regulated environment
• Understanding of UK Government structure and influencing organisations
• Highly developed cultural sensitivity and ability to work flexibly and in virtual teams
• Globally mobile as part of career development path
• Fluency in multiple languages

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.