Global Head of Patient Advocacy

Global Head of Patient Advocacy

Company: Alfasigma
Location: Europe

Alfasigma is a fast-growing, independent, and agile pharmaceutical company with a dedicated focus on consumer health, specialty care, and rare diseases. We are committed to innovation, excellence, and the well-being of our patients and customers.

Overview:

As the Global Head of Patient Advocacy, you will bring the voice of the patient in the company from bench to bedside by leveraging relevant patient experience data and by building and nurturing meaningful long-term relations with relevant patient organizations and other relevant partners in the NGOs space. The priority areas for this endeavor are in line with the company aspiration to become a leader in gastroenterology and in rare diseases.

The ideal candidate will possess significant patient advocacy leadership skills, excellent collaborative and communication skills and has the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Advocacy (PA) Strategy: Developing and implementing an integrated patient advocacy strategy at a corporate level and drive the inclusion of the patient perspective in alignment with the cross functional teams and provides strategic guidance and frameworks to work with the global patient community (i.e., patient organisations)
Patient Advocacy in R&D, Medical Affairs and with affiliates: acting as the primary point of contact for the Patient Communities across the organization. This includes managing collaborations with selected global patient organisations and supporting the affiliates in their local engagements with the patient community.
External Strategic Partnerships and company reputation: lead and support the creation of trusted and meaningful relationships with external Patient Groups to foster co-creation of solutions and strategic insights that shape portfolio decisions across to entire lifecycle of product. This includes defining and standardizing best practices on how to manage relations with patient organizations.
Business partner for relevant functions in the company: play an important role as a key business partner for corporate communications & policy functions, as well as partnering with the relevant cross functional teams in the framework of the annual strategic business planning cycle, included executing on the annual plan of action relevant to PA
Working relationships: ensure consistent and aligned patient focused plans and strategies in close collaboration with corporate and country functions
Forward looking: anticipate key changes and trends in patient engagement and lead the development of the strategic roadmap and key core capabilities to enable a fit for the future patient-centric strategy and solutions.
Accountability for the global PA budget and responsibility for development of policies or governance required to ensure compliant and appropriate interaction with patients if needed, in accordance with the compliance team.
Representative at relevant governance and standing member of the Global Medical Affairs Leadership team (GMALT). Chair of the Patient Partnership Council (PPC)

Job requirements

Who are you?

Experience with patient engagement and interactions with patients/patient organizations
Significant professional experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry and knowledge of the drug development process, including the role of medical affairs and the wider teams in bringing medicines to patients
Knowledge of patient access environment and healthcare systems
Demonstrated track record in delivering a new capability or driving a change effort
Strong experience in working in a matrix structure, in a multicultural environment
Effectiveness in a scientific/medical/patient advisory role involving both strategic and tactical elements
Leading teams with a limited number of direct reports
Knowledge of patient insight-generation activities, resources and tools
Experience in partnering and collaborating with external vendors/agencies

Education

Master’s degree in science or other relevant humanistic degrees

Key Skills and Competencies:

Patient-centric mindset to model organizational values and mission by example
Strong communications and relationship building capacity
Good problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, resources, performance targets and project initiatives in a global environment
Integrity and high ethical standards; ensures all aspects of compliance are adhered to when working directly with patient
Ability to work collaboratively within a matrix team
Fluency in English is a must; any other relevant European language is a plus

Why Join Alfasigma?

Alfasigma is a global pharmaceutical company founded over 75 years ago in Italy, where it is headquartered (in Bologna and Milan). The Group operates in over 100 markets spanning Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. Alfasigma employs approximately 4,000 people dedicated to research, development, production, and distribution of medicinal products, contributing to its mission to provide better health and a better quality of life for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It focuses on three main therapeutic areas: Gastroenterology, Vascular, and Rheumatology. Its portfolio spans from primary care to specialty care, rare disease medications, and consumer health products, including medical foods and nutraceuticals.

At Alfasigma, we believe in fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a difference in the pharmaceutical industry.

Alfasigma is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.