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Form of workJob Description
An opportunity has arisen for a full-time Career Progression Assignment for the role of Director of Policy and Communications to support its Oncology therapy area in the development of strategies to support appropriate access and uptake of our medicines in the UK. The role will report directly to the Executive Director for Corporate Affairs in the UK and be for a 6 month period of 20th May – 20th November 2024.
The role will require expertise in leadership, strategy development and campaign execution in policy change, stakeholder relations, patient group engagement and media relations. It directly supports the Oncology business unit and, as such, requires excellent cross functional leadership abilities, both internally and externally.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the line management of a team of Policy/ communications managers.
This is potentially an opportunity for somebody who is looking to gain UK experience or who is looking to develop some leadership or people management experience.
Key activities within the role include
Senior counsel, cross functional business engagement and strategic leadership.
Working with the team to implement UK Policy and public relations programmes in conjunction with other teams and functions to support the appropriate access to and uptake of our medicines in the UK.
Securing changes to legislation, government Policy and its implementation consistent with our priority campaigns.
Establishing and managing senior stakeholder relationships with a network of external and internal stakeholders to contribute to improving our image and reputation.
Integration of progressive communications strategies, including digital / social media approaches
Leadership and talent development of a policy communications team.
Knowledge and understanding of the area
Knowledge and environmental insight in relevant disease areas.
Deep understanding of the health Policy and pharmaceutical industry environment, and the levers for influencing policy change – including significant experience of media and stakeholder communications strategy and operations
Experience and good personal networks in the therapeutic area, NHS, market access institutions, professional, Policy and political audiences.
Thorough understanding of the NHS including structures, incentives and levers and implications for access and uptake of medicines.
Knowledge / experience in national and subnational therapy area policy definitely an advantage
Skills, competencies and experience :
Degree qualified (or equivalent qualifications/experience), preferably in a life sciences, health, economic, political, pharmacy or social sciences subject
Significant experience of political, Policy and / or communications experience - to include pharmaceutical industry and/or health public affairs agency experience.
Strategic thinker and ability to understand environmental changes and implications for access and uptake of innovative medicines
A clear and compelling communicator with the ability to rally coherent support within the business and in its external environment
Excellent project management skills: ability to prioritise and deliver multiple initiatives at pace, managing a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Able to build credible and positive relationships, working outside of silo's to influence stakeholders and build advocacy at a senior level internally and externally and deliver results across cross-industry and cross-functional working.
Proven track record in the leadership and development of strategy: think laterally and help shape solutions in a constantly changing business environment.
Ability to anticipate and report environmental change, opportunities and threats and providing strategic counsel to senior leadership.
A campaigning track record.
Positive and can-do attitude.
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
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Requisition ID:R281410
