Director European Public Policy Shire Pharmaceuticals

About Shire

Shire enables people with life-altering conditions to lead better lives. Through our deep understanding of patients’ needs, we develop and provide healthcare in the areas of: Behavioural health and Gastro Intestinal conditions, Rare Diseases, Regenerative Medicine, as well as other symptomatic conditions treated by specialist physicians. We aspire to imagine and lead the future of healthcare, creating value for patients, physicians, policymakers, payers and our shareholders. For further information on Shire, please visit the Group’s website: www.shire.com.

Please apply online at www.timetobebrave.com

Job ID 4771BR

Primary Role

This role serves to position Shire effectively with government stakeholders and public policy influencers at the EU level in Brussels and across Europe. Working to an over-arching global strategy to establish Shire as a leader for people with life-altering conditions, creating value for society, the position is responsible for ensuring focused development of appropriate relationships, forging external partnerships, building the company’s positions on key issues, targeting of messages, and strong liaison with teams and individuals based in the Shire businesses who also deal with governmental and policy audiences to ensure a streamlined and coordinated approach. The position plays a key role in helping internal and external customers understand the European public policy environment while developing and executing strategies to assess and shape policies impacting Shire and the patients we serve. The role also includes the provision of in-country public affairs advice and support to Shire Local Operating Companies in selected European markets, managing outsourced PA agency resources as needed.

This position is based in Brussels, in order to be close to the governmental heart of Europe, with approximately 20% travel, primarily to Shire’s international hub offices in Nyon, Switzerland, as needed. Travel to other Shire offices in Europe should also be anticipated. The role reports to the head of European Government Relations and Public Policy, who operates out of Brussels.

Responsibilities

• As a member of the European government relations team, develop and execute annual action plans to meet Shire’s desired public policy objectives in Europe, in line with the global government relations strategy, Shire business goals and the overall Shire Vision.
• Build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to support the company’s policy positions and priorities.
• Work closely and collaboratively with Shire teams in the businesses (SP, HGT and RM), colleagues in the legal and communications functions as well as market access, pricing & reimbursement and public affairs teams embedded in the businesses and other internal customers to shape and deliver proactive Shire-wide initiatives as well as respond to opportunities or manage issues that arise.
• Represent the company’s position on policy, legislative and regulatory issues to EU policy makers and influencers, both governmental and non-governmental, including through European trade associations and third-party organizations.
• Liaise with Country Heads and Local Operating Company teams in selected EU markets to ensure adequate public policy monitoring and provide in-country public affairs advice and support on an issue basis, managing outsourced PA agency resources as needed
• Effectively manage internal cross-functional teams and external public affairs consultants, in consultation with the head of European government relations.
• Review and analyze reports, articles and presentations from governmental and non-governmental agencies for potential impact to Shire operations and strategic objectives.
• Assess and articulate the business and reputation impact of policy challenges and opportunities, facilitating internal consensus and a Shire-wide approach.
• Develop policy positions, executive briefings, educational materials and other communication pieces for key constituencies on critical policy issues impacting Shire’s business interests.
• Participate in, organize and actively contribute to activities with the European Parliament, various DGs of the European Commission, industry organizations, advocacy groups and other platforms, including senior executive visits, events, meetings, and will lobby as needed.
• Collaborate with Corporate Communications team on media inquiries, press releases and materials development.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Advanced degree (e.g. MBA, JD) or other graduate experience preferred (public policy or related discipline a plus).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in policy, public affairs or government relations, acquired in multinational company, public affairs agency or trade association, with minimum 5 years in the EU policy environment. Proven experience in the healthcare sector, dealing with European / national agencies in the area of pharmaceutical policy and reimbursement strongly preferred.
• In-depth understanding of European and national public policies affecting the healthcare / pharmaceutical sector, intellectual property, innovation, market access conditions, pricing & reimbursement, drug review and approval process, and other regulatory issues relevant to biopharmaceuticals.
• Extensive advocacy experience in relation to the European institutions and other EU policy stakeholders, the EU legislative process and national governments in the EU.
• Proven experience in developing and driving strategies to accomplish corporate objectives in public policy environments, with measurable results, is a must.