Head of UK and Ireland Government Affairs

Gilead Sciences; Greater London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology firm in Greater London seeks a Head of UK and Ireland Government Affairs. You will lead a high-performing team and develop strategies to advance the company's agenda before governmental representatives. Ideal candidates have strong team leadership abilities, extensive experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical sector, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. This is an onsite role offering the opportunity to shape significant health policies in the region.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills for business judgment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high performing Government Affairs team.
• Develop, manage, and coordinate government affairs strategies.
• Maintain relationships with political stakeholders.

Skills

Excellent drafting, writing, and interpersonal communications skills

Strong team player

Advanced skills in government affairs

Strong track record in government/policy roles

Strong executive presence

Job description

Head of UK and Ireland Government Affairs

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.

Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life‑changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high performing Government Affairs team.
• Be a member of the UK & Ireland Leadership Team, provide thought leadership in terms of the evolving policy environment and potential impact on Gilead and contribute actively to the development and success of the organisation.
• Be a member of the VP of International Government Affairs Leadership Team and contribute actively to its development and success.
• Develop, maintain, and nurture relationships to represent and advance Gilead’s government affairs agenda before elected representatives, civil servants and those that influence them.
• Lead the development and execution of government affairs strategies that promote uptake and access of Gilead’s portfolio.
• Shape relevant policy debates in areas of interest for Gilead.
• Develop, manage, and coordinate strategies, initiatives, operations, and activities related to national and regional health and pharmaceutical policy and legislation.
• Partner with parliamentarians and members of the government, and their advisers 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 the UK and globally to ensure that Gilead’s business priorities are fully aligned with government affairs initiatives and policy objectives, and help Gilead identify opportunities to work with policymakers to advance its mission.
• Maintain an excellent understanding of the political and business environment and implement an active contact program with political stakeholders.

Requirements

• Excellent drafting, writing, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Strong team player and government affairs leader.
• Exceptional level of influencing and managing relationships within and outside of Gilead to develop, implement and coordinate the Government Affairs strategy.
• Advanced skills, depth and expertise in government affairs as well as advanced business judgment and analytical skills.
• Effective relationships with members of healthcare, legislative, regulatory and policy community.
• Extensive experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries.
• Experience of establishing external stakeholder groups to advance policy goals.
• Strong track record of experience in implementing projects with defined outcomes in government, a government affairs, public affairs or policy role.
• Excellent strategic thinker with ability to formulate, develop and execute business‑relevant strategies and to work on new policy advocacy strategies and activities, e.g. digital advocacy.
• 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.
• Experience of budget and cost centre management.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

It is the policy of Gilead Sciences, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively "Gilead" or the "Company") to recruit and employ the most qualified persons available for positions throughout the Company. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, all employment actions relating to compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, returns from layoffs, company‑sponsored training, education assistance, social and recreational programs, etc., are administered on a non‑discriminatory basis.

Job Level: Director
Remote Type: Onsite Required