[Hiring] Senior Director, Government Affairs @Gilead Sciences

Role Description

The candidate will take over a very well-established team of four people in the German affiliate, as well as strong relationships on federal and state level. The purpose of the role is to build on the achievements to date and expand Gilead Germany’s network and influence even further. S/he will be required to be able to work at a Minister and above level, and to be able to put Gilead to the front and centre of key decision makers minds when it comes to discussions around relevant Therapeutic Areas and the operating environment.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead the team of Government Affairs professionals.
• Be a member of the German Leadership Team, providing thought leadership in terms of the evolving policy environment and potential impact on Gilead.
• Be a member of the VP’s International Government Affairs’ Leadership Team and contribute actively to the development and success of the team.
• Manage Government Affairs’ stakeholders (including federal and regional governments, Bundestag and regional parliaments as well as influential policymakers in the Party headquarters) and ensure they fully understand Gilead’s priorities.
• Shape relevant policy debates in areas of interest for Gilead.
• Take leadership and push forward Gilead´s topics within the vfa industry association and any other organisations and initiatives with Gilead participation.

Core Tasks and Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and coordinate strategies, initiatives, operations, and activities related to national and regional health and pharmaceutical policy and legislation.
• Partner with and create a positive reputation for Gilead Sciences among national and regional parliamentarians and members of the government, advisors and the political environment, for the purpose of facilitating and enhancing Gilead’s mission.
• Work collaboratively and align with other members of government affairs department as well as other Gilead departments in Germany and globally to ensure that Gilead’s business priorities are fully aligned with government affairs initiatives and policy objectives.
• Excellent understanding of the political and business environment and implement an active contact program with political stakeholders.
• Lead, develop and manage a high performing team.
• Work with GA team to develop and steer Gilead policy strategy and agenda.
• Monitor the legislative/regulatory environment with the objective of providing Gilead’s management with sophisticated information and options on dealing with developments.
• Organise a high-profile policy stakeholder programme for global management´s visits to Germany.

Requirements

• Strong team player and government affairs leader.
• Exceptional level of influencing and managing relationships within and outside of Gilead.
• Proven ability to lead a superior team in delivering successful/favorable policy and advocacy results.
• Must have advanced skills, depth and expertise in government affairs as well as advanced business judgement and analytical skills.
• Effective relationships with members of healthcare, legislative, regulatory and policy community.
• Extensive experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries preferred.
• Must have extensive experience working in a project-team environment.
• In-depth knowledge of the German healthcare system and key policies relevant for pharmaceutical market access for highly innovative medicines is essential.
• Experience of establishing external stakeholder groups to advance policy goals.
• Requires a strong track record of experience in implementing projects with defined outcomes in government affairs, public affairs or policy role.
• Knowledge of the European HIV, HCV, HDV, oncology and ATMP policy environment is preferred.
• Excellent strategic thinker with ability to formulate, develop and execute on business-relevant strategies.
• Strong executive presence with ability to command respect through experience internally and externally.
• Strong entrepreneurial skills and sound business judgment and analytical skills.
• Skilled at managing cross-functional teams or working groups.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Experience of budget and cost center management.

Education

• Typically requires a BSc or BA degree and with significant prior experience in government, government affairs, public affairs or policy role.
• A MA or MSc degree or MBA and relevant experience is preferred.
• Fluent in German and English.