Pfizer is in relentless pursuit of scientific breakthroughs that will create a healthier world for everyone. We have a rich heritage of working in the UK since our first facility was opened back in 1952.

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for an exceptional senior political communicator to join Pfizer UK’s industry leading Policy and Public Affairs team and lead work to position the company as a strategic partner for the UK at a critical moment for healthcare and life sciences.

This strategic, external facing role encompasses a wide range of stakeholder engagement with UK Government, Parliament, and healthcare policymakers, and requires a high degree of political and commercial acumen. The post holder will advance Pfizer’s Purpose Blueprint by leading the conversation with policy makers and influencers to ensure a pro-patient, pro-innovation business environment and enhance Trust in Pfizer.

The post holder will:

• Lead development and delivery of Policy and Public Affairs campaigns in support of establishing a UK life sciences eco-system that promotes innovation and protects Pfizer’s licence to operate
• Undertake external engagement and build relationships with UK Government, Parliament, and the wider public policymaking community in support of key strategic priorities
• Provide deep political and healthcare insights and strategic counsel to business leaders as well as prioritising areas of greatest impact
• Be a thought leader, developing new ideas and impactful messaging about the future of UK healthcare and life sciences
• Be a trusted adviser to senior business leaders on the healthcare and life sciences political and policy environment

Key accountabilities:

• Deliver a co-ordinated programme of work in collaboration with the wider UK Policy and Public Affairs team
• Work closely with all parts of the Pfizer business, including Business Units, R&D, Access & Value, Medical Affairs, and Global Policy and Public Affairs to develop policy frameworks and propositions
• Work in close alignment with the External Communications, Global Health and Social Impact, and Patient Advocacy teams to ensure a coherent, truly integrated approach to external engagement in the UK
• Work closely with relevant colleagues to develop Pfizer positions/propositions that support a favourable medicines access environment – short, medium and long-term needs
• Build long-term advocacy amongst a diverse range of stakeholders including: Government, NHS, DHSC, DSIT, DBT, Parliamentarians, devolved nations, patient groups, third party policy groups (e.g. think tanks), trade associations, the academic, clinical and science communities
• Ensure UK Management Forum, UK Corporate Affairs Leadership Team and Global colleagues have timely awareness of policy developments, related positions and activities

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience

• Significant experience in the public policy arena, from a background such as politics, healthcare, civil service, think tank, public affairs agency, life sciences industry
• A strong and wide-ranging network of key stakeholders within the UK policy and political landscape, with a high level of understanding of UK political and Parliamentary process
• A excellent grasp of the key public policy themes and issues shaping the UK today, with knowledge of the systems and processes in which UK healthcare and life sciences companies operate desirable
• Exceptional ability to develop and implement a sophisticated strategic plan that effectively shapes the environment to support a defined purpose
• High level of understanding of how to use internal and external communication channels to shape the environment and build/protect organisational reputation.
• Demonstrable experience providing strategic counsel to senior political, healthcare or business leaders
• An understanding of how to develop public policy positions, with strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Experience working within multi-stakeholder platforms, such as trade associations, to build policy positions and influence change
• Understanding of working within a matrix structure and internal paths to influencing. Ability to utilise tools and techniques to facilitate successful working relationships with the wider business.

• Experience of commissioning work from public affairs agencies
• Pro-active, self-starter able to work with minimal day to day supervision
• High impact influencing and negotiating skills
• Excellent communications skills; verbal, written, presentation
• Maintain strict compliance with all applicable policies and laws, especially those related to interactions with government officials

Location: Walton Oaks, with flexible working options

Purpose 

Breakthroughs that change patients' lives... At Pfizer we are a patient centric company, guided by our four values: courage, joy, equity and excellence. Our breakthrough culture lends itself to our dedication to transforming millions of lives.  

Digital Transformation Strategy

One bold way we are achieving our purpose is through our company wide digital transformation strategy. We are leading the way in adopting new data, modelling and automated solutions to further digitize and accelerate drug discovery and development with the aim of enhancing health outcomes and the patient experience.

Flexibility  

We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace culture which encourages employees to achieve work life harmony, attracts talent and enables everyone to be their best working self. Let’s start the conversation!  

Equal Employment Opportunity 

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business. As an employer, Pfizer is committed to celebrating this, in all its forms – allowing for us to be as diverse as the patients and communities we serve. Together, we continue to build a culture that encourages, supports and empowers our employees.

DisAbility Confident

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we encourage you to put your best self forward with the knowledge and trust that we will make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support your application and future career. Our mission is unleashing the power of our people, especially those with unique superpowers. Your journey with Pfizer starts here!