Public Affairs Manager

We are currently looking for a Senior Manager Public Affairs for a top global pharmaceutical company. This role is a 6 month contract (initial), fully on-site in Surrey.

Summary

Lead the development and execution of public policy and advocacy initiatives to foster a thriving UK life sciences ecosystem. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across government, parliament, healthcare, and policy communities. Provide strategic insight and counsel to internal leadership, helping shape policy that supports innovation and improves access to healthcare.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver integrated public affairs strategies aligned with long-term business and policy goals.
• Engage with government, parliamentarians, regulatory bodies, and policy influencers to advance organisational priorities.
• Offer strategic advice to senior leaders, backed by in-depth political and healthcare landscape analysis.
• Develop impactful messaging and thought leadership around the future of UK healthcare and life sciences.
• Collaborate across internal teams—including R&D, Access, Medical, Communications, and Advocacy—to ensure consistent and effective external engagement.
• Influence health and industrial policy to create an enabling environment for innovation and patient access to medicines.
• Build lasting relationships with diverse stakeholders: government departments, NHS, devolved administrations, think tanks, academia, patient groups, and trade bodies.
• Ensure internal stakeholders are well-informed on policy developments, positioning, and strategic activities.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong passion for public policy and its societal impact.
• Deep interest in UK and global political trends and public affairs.
• Excellent communicator with experience advising senior leaders in business, healthcare, or politics.
• Proven ability to operate in complex, matrixed organisations.
• Self-motivated, strategic thinker with high-impact influencing and negotiating skills.
• Committed to ethical and compliant engagement with policymakers.

Desirable Background:

• Deep understanding of UK healthcare, life sciences, and policy-making structures.
• Experience in policy-related roles—government, industry, consultancy, or civil service.
• Strong network across the UK policy and political landscape.
• Skilled in using communications strategically to shape public perception and influence policy.
• Experienced in multi-stakeholder collaboration, including trade associations and policy platforms.
• Familiar with commissioning and managing third-party policy or advocacy support.