Head of Biopharmaceutical Business Unit US Corporate Affairs

Introduction to role

Are you ready to lead and innovate in a dynamic environment? As the Head of Biopharmaceutical Business Unit US Corporate Affairs, you will be a senior leader responsible for shaping corporate culture and driving strategic initiatives. Reporting to the Head of US Corporate Affairs Vice President, you will play a pivotal role as part of both the US Corporate Affairs and US Biopharmaceutical Business Unit. You will design and execute an integrated corporate affairs strategy across Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, Respiratory & Immunology, and Vaccines & Immune Therapies. Your role will involve building and protecting AstraZeneca’s reputation at therapy area and enterprise levels, as well as navigating complex policy landscapes, ensuring impactful patient advocacy, and driving advanced digital communications. Another key element of the role will be driving effective internal and external communications via advanced digital and AI-enabled methods.

Accountabilities

Strategy Development and Leadership:

• Develops and implements comprehensive corporate affairs strategy aligned with US BioPharma business priorities and AstraZeneca’s enterprise ambition
• Integrates external/internal communications, advocacy, policy work, and stakeholder engagement across therapy areas
• Champions digital innovation, data-driven practices, and AI enablement in all activities
• Ensures strategic and tactical alignment with global Corporate Affairs teams

Policy Work and Government Affairs Collaboration:

• Develops and implements strategic programs aimed at influencing policies to create value for patients, healthcare systems, societies, and AstraZeneca.
• Possesses strong expertise in identifying and delivering policy solutions across key domains such as therapy areas, health system resilience, sustainability, and access to medicines, while fostering a thriving life-science sector.
• Utilizes AstraZeneca’s best practice methodologies to achieve successful policy outcomes that align with business objectives. Capable of aligning organizational responses to emerging external issues, and adept at building and managing relationships to effectively navigate the policy landscape.
• Directs policy intelligence, analysis, and influence efforts covering major US legislation, regulations, and healthcare models (e.g., CMS, FDA, pricing, access, CVRM/R&I/V&I-specific issues)
• Leads collaboration with Government Affairs, Market Access, and Policy teams for scenario planning, rapid response, and impactful advocacy
• Develops and implements strategic programs aimed at influencing policies to create value for patients, healthcare systems, societies, and AstraZeneca.
• Represents AstraZeneca in policy coalitions, working groups, panels, and industry forums

Patient Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Designs and manages patient advocacy strategies to support the delivery of AZ and shared priorities and defined goals, which may include educational initiatives, transform care initiatives, policy reform, access education, and/or R&D goals.
• Establishes strong partnerships and coalitions with patient organizations, advocacy groups, and professional societies
• Supports patient-centric policy dialogue, amplifies patient voice in decision-making
• Leverages digital engagement tools and AI-powered stakeholder mapping for program targeting and sentiment analysis

Strategic Communications and Integration:

• Oversees integrated communications across product brands, therapy areas, above-brand topics, and executive leadership messaging
• Leads US handling of product/pipeline milestones e.g. trial readouts, regulatory and product milestones, aligned to global and national agendas
• Provides counsel to leaders and delivers effective communications strategies on complex product communication issues
• Ensures communications are responsive to regulatory and policy context; understands varying audiences for communications including healthcare professionals, patients, advocates and/or the investor community
• Guides digital/social channel strategy and AI-enabled measurement of impact
• Provides oversight for internal communications supporting organizational culture, change, and business priorities

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Guarantees adherence to AstraZeneca policies and all relevant federal, state, and industry regulations
• Collaborates with legal, regulatory, and compliance functions for risk assessment, training, and mitigation
• Maintains documentation and supports audit/reporting requirements
• Ensures all external and internal engagements meet highest standards of ethics, transparency, and compliance

Team Leadership and Digital Transformation:

• Builds, develops, and leads a high-performing Corporate Affairs team
• Fosters a culture of innovation, continuous learning, cross-functional collaboration, and resilience
• Enhances team capabilities in communications, policy analysis, advocacy, compliance, and digital/AI technologies
• Promotes consistent alignment to AstraZeneca values and strategic priorities

Financial and Budget Management:

• Leads planning, allocation, and stewardship of Corporate Affairs budgets
• Ensures resource optimization and flexibility to address evolving policy, advocacy, and communications needs
• Utilizes digital dashboards and AI-based tools for financial forecasting, scenario analysis, and ROI measurement
• Guarantees compliance with AstraZeneca’s financial policies and external fiscal regulations
• Provides analysis and reporting to senior management for informed decision-making and long-term investment planning

Essential Skills/Experience

• 15 years of leadership experience in team leadership, corporate affairs, policy, communications, or public affairs within US healthcare or biopharma
• Preferred experience in additional commercial functions and understanding of a P&L
• Extensive understanding of US policy, legislative, and regulatory environments
• Proven track record in government affairs and patient advocacy collaboration
• Demonstrated expertise in stakeholder engagement, product communications, policy-driven communications, and compliance management
• Advanced proficiency in digital and AI technologies for communications, analytics, stakeholder management, and financial planning
• Strong record in budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills; effective influencer at senior and executive levels
• Thorough knowledge of compliance standards, relevant laws, and regulations
• Ability to work collaboratively and strategically with global Corporate Affairs teams

AstraZeneca offers an environment where innovation thrives. Here, you can apply your skills to make a genuine impact on patients' lives. With a focus on growth through innovation, you'll be part of a community that challenges norms, takes ownership, makes quick decisions, and embraces intelligent risks. Our collaborative network empowers you to learn from diverse perspectives while driving change. Join us to be part of a journey that reimagines the way we work.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now to join AstraZeneca's transformative journey!

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.