Global Associate Director, Patient Strategy & Partnerships

Abbott; Basel; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott Laboratories is seeking a Global Associate Director, Patient Strategy & Partnerships to shape how patient insights guide medical, access and policy decisions worldwide. You’ll lead a global patient engagement capability and foster partnerships that improve outcomes for patients and communities.

This senior role requires extensive leadership in patient engagement, oncology or related areas, and strong stakeholder management across regions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Patient Engagement or related field.
• 10+ years in leadership roles within Medical Affairs, Market Access, Public Affairs or Advocacy.
• Proven ability to influence global organizations and external healthcare ecosystems.
• Excellent communication, storytelling and executive presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Shape Abbott's global patient strategy and partnerships.
• Build and nurture relationships with patient organizations and leaders.
• Translate patient insights into strategic recommendations for Medical Affairs, Market Access and Regulatory teams.
• Represent Abbott at industry events and advocate forums to elevate patient voice.

Skills

Patient Engagement

Leadership Experience

Executive Communication

Fluency in English

Job description

Global Associate Director, Patient Strategy & Partnerships

Abbott | Established Pharmaceuticals Division

Make a Meaningful Difference for Patients Worldwide

At Abbott, we believe people can live fuller lives through better health. Every day, our medicines and technologies help millions of people around the world manage health conditions, overcome barriers to care, and achieve better outcomes.

Within our Branded Generics business, we provide trusted, high-quality medicines to more than 18 million people daily across Latin America, Asia-Pacific, India, and other emerging markets. Our portfolio spans areas including Women's Health, Gastroenterology, Cardiometabolic Health, CNS & Pain, and Respiratory Care, helping address some of healthcare's most pressing needs.

We are looking for a collaborative, purpose-driven leader to help strengthen the voice of patients across our organization and create meaningful partnerships that improve patient experiences and outcomes globally.

About the Opportunity

As Global Associate Director, Patient Strategy & Partnerships, you will play a key role in shaping how Abbott listens to, learns from, and collaborates with patients and patient organizations around the world.

This is a unique opportunity to build and evolve a global patient engagement capability, connecting patient insights with strategic decision making across Medical Affairs, Market Access, Regulatory Affairs, Public Affairs, and Commercial teams.

You will work with colleagues across regions and functions to ensure patient perspectives help inform healthcare solutions, policy discussions, evidence generation, and access initiatives. Most importantly, you will help create lasting partnerships that improve outcomes for patients and communities.

What You'll Do

Shape Abbott's Global Patient Strategy

• Develop and advance a patient-centered engagement strategy across the organization
• Help integrate patient perspectives into business, medical, and access decisions
• Advise senior stakeholders on evolving patient needs, healthcare trends, and opportunities to improve patient experiences
• Promote patient trust as a cornerstone of responsible healthcare leadership

Build Meaningful Partnerships

• Develop and nurture relationships with patient organizations, advocacy groups, and patient leaders
• Create long-term collaborations around education, support programs, evidence generation, and healthcare improvement initiatives
• Foster trust-based partnerships that create shared value for patients and healthcare systems

Bring Patient Insights into Action

• Establish approaches to gather and translate patient insights into meaningful recommendations
• Partner with Medical Affairs and Market Access teams to ensure patient experiences inform evidence generation and value-based initiatives
• Help strengthen understanding of real-world patient challenges and outcomes

Support Advocacy and Healthcare System Improvement

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on patient-centered policy and advocacy initiatives
• Contribute to discussions that improve access to care and reduce barriers to treatment
• Help elevate the patient voice within healthcare ecosystems globally

Drive Excellence and Capability Building

• Develop frameworks, guidance, and best practices for patient engagement across Abbott
• Champion patient-centered ways of working across teams and regions
• Support colleagues in building capabilities and confidence in patient partnership approaches

Act as an Ambassador for Patient-Centered Healthcare

• Represent Abbott at industry meetings, scientific congresses, and patient advocacy forums
• Help strengthen Abbott's reputation as a trusted partner within the patient community
• Share insights and best practices that advance patient engagement across the broader healthcare landscape

What You'll Bring

We're interested in individuals who are passionate about improving patient outcomes and building collaborative partnerships. You may be a great fit if you bring a combination of the following:

• 5+ years of relevant experience in Patient Engagement, 10+ years of leadership experience in Medical Affairs, Market Access, Public Affairs, Advocacy or related healthcare disciplines.
• Strong experience in oncology, biologics/biosimilars, policy, HTA and external stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated success influencing complex global organizations and external healthcare ecosystems.
• Proven track record in external stakeholder management and partnership building.
• Experience in complex matrixed global health care organizations.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, facilitation, and executive presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex contexts into simple messages
• Fluency in English required; additional languages are a plus.

Additional experience in oncology, biosimilars, health policy, HTA, or healthcare advocacy is valued but not essential.

Why Abbott?

• Help shape a growing global patient engagement capability
• Build partnerships that genuinely improve patients' lives
• Collaborate with colleagues across countries, cultures, and disciplines
• Work for a company committed to inclusion, diversity, and purpose-driven innovation
• Grow your career while making a meaningful impact on healthcare worldwide