VP, Public & Government Affairs

Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Toronto is seeking a Vice President of Public & Government Affairs to drive strategic initiatives and lead a high-performing team. The role requires 15+ years of experience in Public Affairs, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry, and involves shaping policies to enhance patient access to innovative treatments. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and a proven track record in advocacy. This role reports directly to senior leadership and does not offer relocation support.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in Public Affairs in the pharmaceutical industry or regulated industries.
• Previous government or politics experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical policies and healthcare systems.
• Proven track record in driving Public Affairs strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives to shape policies and healthcare systems.
• Build and execute data-driven Public Affairs plans.
• Advocacy for broader patient access and innovation recognition.
• Ensure Public Affairs contributes to the commercial success of products.

Skills

Forward-looking policy monitoring

Global matrix collaboration

Networking

Strong communication skills

Strategic thinking

Resource prioritization

Business awareness

Data-driven analysis

Job description

Overview

Job Description Summary: The Vice President, Public & Government Affairs Canada, will lead and develop a high-performing Public Affairs team. This person will drive strategic initiatives to proactively shape policies and healthcare systems that support timely and sustainable patient access to innovative medicines. This leader will position Novartis as a trusted partner and policy thought leader, cultivating strong stakeholder relationships to address both challenges and opportunities within the healthcare landscape. Collaborating seamlessly across functions, they will ensure Public Affairs is a valued business partner, delivering timely, strategic insights and guidance to inform decision-making and advance organizational goals. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role; please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Responsibilities

• Identify key policy themes and trends through predictive, data-driven policy monitoring and intelligence
• Build and execute data-driven and forward-looking PA plans, including through representation and thought leadership
• Shape policy and legislation to foster HCS conducive to broader and expanded patient access
• Shape HCS that recognize, protect and reward the value of innovation through strong IP/RDP policies, timely access and fair pricing
• Ensure PA plays a central role in enabling commercial success of both in-market and pipeline products by early detection of potential policy barriers and opportunities, and lead portfolio policy advocacy
• Maintain strong internal networks to stay informed on enterprise priorities, key functional priorities and policy alignment
• Anticipate, communicate and advise local leadership team and the Head of Public Affairs LACAN about political, policy and trade developments relevant to the business
• Conduct business in full compliance with applicable internal and external rules and regulations, upholding and role modeling the highest ethical values and behaviors

Key performance indicators

• Strategic fitness and alignment of policies, regional and country political agenda with overall business strategy
• Recognized contribution to product launches
• Novartis is positioned as a leading voice in relevant fora
• Novartis views are considered in relevant policy debates
• Effective and compliant stakeholder engagement
• All team members have documented development and career plans, and evidence of culture of being curious, inspired and unbossed

Minimum Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in Public Affairs in the pharmaceutical industry (preferable) or other highly regulated industries.
• Previous experience in government or politics is a plus. Market access experience also desirable.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical policies and Healthcare systems (HCS)
• Proven track record in driving successful Public Affairs strategies and shaping policies in line with business objectives

Skills

• Ability for forward-looking and predictive monitoring of policy landscape
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a global matrix organization
• Collaborative mindset and ability to network efficiently
• Strong communication skills to convey policy and advocacy contents clearly and concisely
• Ability to think strategically and enable teams to think strategically
• Ability to prioritize and maximize resources
• Business and organizational awareness, enterprise perspective
• Data-driven way of working with ability to analyze and synthesize information

At Novartis Canada, we are determined to be a valued partner and advocate, with a deep understanding of patient needs along the entire care journey – from drug development, to diagnosis, to access and beyond. Part of the way we are doing this is by leveraging data, technology, and partnerships.

Research & Development: we focus on four core therapeutic areas: Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolic, Immunology, Neuroscience and Oncology. We also develop and deliver treatments through other promoted and established brands, which today are helping millions of patients. Over the last three years, our average annual research and development investment in Canada was over $30 million, and we conduct clinical trial research in every region throughout Canada.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse team’s representatives of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired - Business Communications, Communication Medium, Leadership, Marketing, Media Campaigns, Media Relations, Microsoft Access, Political Analysis, Press Releases, Prioritization, Public Affairs, Social Media