Regional Government Affairs and Health System Specialist

AstraZeneca; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a Regional Health System & Government Affairs Specialist in Alberta, Canada. This field-based role involves crafting public policy, engaging with senior health leaders, and driving initiatives aligned with strategic goals. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in healthcare and a solid understanding of Alberta's health system. Strong communication and collaborative skills are essential to succeed in this impactful position that may include up to 25% travel.

Benefits

GTAA Top Employer Award for 10 years

Top 100 Employers Award

Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences roles.
• Proven capacity to think strategically and lead initiatives.
• Solid understanding of Alberta’s provincial government and health system.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of AstraZeneca’s BBU Health System Strategy.
• Build partnerships with health system executives and government officials.
• Engage with key stakeholders to influence policy.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Engagement with government officials

Cross-functional collaboration

Effective communication

Negotiation skills

Risk assessment

Job description

This role is based in Alberta, Canada

At AstraZeneca, we are committed to transforming healthcare and improving patient outcomes across Canada. As a Regional Health System & Government Affairs Specialist, you will play a crucial role in crafting the future of health systems and public policy in Alberta. This position is key to advancing AstraZeneca’s 2030 Transforming Care Strategy, ensuring balanced business growth while making a significant impact on patient care. You will lead critical initiatives, engage with senior health system leaders and public sector authorities, and collaborate internally to drive policy influence and foster partnerships.

Job Purpose

Lead the execution of AstraZeneca’s BBU Health System Strategy and enterprise government relations initiatives in Alberta. Build partnerships with health system executives and government officials to advance policy priorities and deliver evidence-based solutions that improve patient outcomes.

Accountabilities

In this field-based role, you will report to the Director of BBU Health Systems and have a dotted line to the Director of Government Affairs and Industry. Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategy: Execute the BBU Systems Strategy, aligning with organizational goals and market dynamics. Lead government relations strategies to support new policy priorities and establish AstraZeneca as a trusted partner.
• Collaborative Solution Development: Find opportunities to improve patient outcomes and co-create balanced solutions in collaboration with parties outside the organization, aligning their priorities with AstraZeneca’s goals.
• Team Collaboration on Sustainable Design: Partner with internal experts to design, execute, and deliver practical, data driven solutions that improve how our systems work. Focus on clearly defined goals and measurable KPIs, and collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders so the right expertise guides both the design and the rollout.
• Resilient Goal Achievement: Demonstrate determination in achieving goals, navigating sophisticated challenges to deliver critical metrics.

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

• Externally: Build and manage relationships with key health system, political, and government stakeholders, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Hospital C-Suite, and Association executives. Represent AstraZeneca in meetings, public consultations, and industry activities.
• Internally: Collaborate with Medical, Health Systems Evidence, Access, Patient Engagement, and Policy teams to achieve objectives and promote teamwork.

This role requires significant engagement with external partners and may involve up to 25% travel.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Proven capacity to think strategically at an enterprise level, leading impactful initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
• 10+ years’ experience in externally facing pharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences roles, with proven skill in engaging with collaborators including Hospital C-Suite and government decision-makers.
• Ability to thrive in sophisticated healthcare organizations and build in-depth knowledge of networks and participant mapping.
• Solid understanding of Alberta’s provincial government, political parties, health system structure, funding, and policy frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with government officials and external stakeholders.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and leadership skills.
• Effective communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Goal-oriented approach with a history of achieving ambitious goals.
• Demonstrated risk assessment skills including knowledge of industry codes/standards.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to become part of our dynamic team!

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:

• GTAA Top Employer Award for 10 years
• Top 100 Employers Award
• Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture
• Learn more about working with us in Canada
• View our YouTube channel

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing [e-mail].

Closing Date

27-Dec-2025

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.