Head of External Affairs, ABPI Scotland

Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent advocacy organization is seeking a Head of External Affairs for Scotland, responsible for executing strategies that shape the political landscape and drive public affairs initiatives. This includes managing relationships with government and healthcare stakeholders, developing position papers, and monitoring legislative developments. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in public affairs within the healthcare sector, alongside strong communication and relationship-building skills. The role is hybrid, with periodic office attendance required in London.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading public affairs and advocacy programmes.
• Expert knowledge of the political and healthcare environment in Scotland.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results in complex environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Ensure delivery of ABPI’s strategy in Scotland.
• Lead public affairs strategy and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop and deliver annual business plans.
• Monitor legislative and policy developments.
• Draft position papers influencing policy outcomes.

Skills

Public affairs leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship building

Political knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Experience in healthcare/life sciences sector

Job description

Job title: Head of External Affairs, ABPI Scotland
Reporting to: Director of UK Competitiveness & Devolved Nations
Department: International Policy & UK Competitiveness
Location: Scotland, remote working, with 2 working days per month spent in the ABPI’s central offices in London

About the ABPI

The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and access medicines and vaccines to improve patient care. We represent companies of all sizes which invest in making and discovering medicines and vaccines to enhance and save the lives of millions of people around the world.

In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we work in partnership with governments and the NHS so that patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines. Every day, our members partner with healthcare professionals, academics and patient organisations to find new solutions to unmet health needs.

Working at the ABPI

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive, and we value the unique skills and perspectives you bring.We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or disability.

The ABPI operates a hybrid working model, with the expectation that staff are in the office (London Bridge) approximately two to three days per week, or as required for in-person meetings.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that the ABPI’s strategy (as defined by the ABPI Board) is delivered in Scotland
• Develop and deliver the annual business plans for the ABPI in Scotland
• Lead the design and delivery of the public affairs strategy and stakeholder engagement programme for Scotland
• Monitor legislative and policy developments from all relevant Scotland and UK sources to ensure that the ABPI contributes effectively to all relevant consultations, inquiries, reports and national strategies
• Develop, draft and deliver position papers and publications which can drive forward desired policy outcomes in collaboration with ABPI colleagues
• Provide expert briefing (written and verbal) to the Chief Executive, President, Board Members, and the wider ABPI team when required
• Oversee, in partnership with the Head of Access and Uptake Strategy for Devolved Nations and ABPI subject matter experts, the identification and generation of evidence needed to influence desired policy outcomes in Scotland
• Maintain and build relationships with key government, NHS, parliamentary and life sciences ecosystem stakeholders
• Identify and deliver opportunities for policy leadership Scotland which can be leveraged in other UK nations to enhance the competitiveness of the UK environment.
• Monitor and provide intelligence to relevant ABPI colleagues, the leadership team, and the ABPI Board on developments in Scotland which present opportunity or risk to the ABPI’s strategic goals
• Ensure developments in Scotland are communicated via the Scotland Forum, and other relevant subject matter expert Board Sponsored Groups
• Fulfil the role as the authoritative voice within the ABPI on the political, policy and health system dynamics in Scotland
• Act as the lead spokesperson for the ABPI in Scotland in meetings with key stakeholders, and where appropriate media matters (with the support of subject matter expert teams across the organisation)

Budgets and operations

• Ensure the ABPI Scotland business plan is delivered in line with agreed budgets
• Ensure the ABPI remains compliant with national lobbying requirements where required

Experience, skill set and person specification

• Proven experience leading public affairs and advocacy programmes with successful outcomes
• Expert knowledge of the political, life sciences and healthcare environment in Scotland
• Demonstrated ability of achieving results in a complex environment where it has been necessary to collaborate cross-functionally
• Thorough understanding of the healthcare environment and the key policies and procedures at Government and NHS level
• Experience developing and delivering upon a strategy, with ability to effectively prioritise and adapt in a fast paced and agile working environment
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at a senior level across ABPI Members, Government, NHS and Health Technology Appraisal organisations such as NICE
• Line management and budget management experience
• Successful track record within the health or life sciences sector, with demonstrable understanding and interactions with health policy and provision
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to lobby at government level and to represent the ABPI in regional media
• Excellent written and presentation skills
• Excellent project management skills with the proven ability to execute initiatives and get positive results

Performance criteria

Performance will be measured against annually set objectives established in line with ABPI objectives. Performance criteria align to our values: Communication, Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, and Ownership.

To apply

For a full job description and salary and benefits information or to apply for this opportunity please send your CV with a covering letter to [e-mail] .

Please note

ABPI reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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