Executive Director, Head of European Government Affairs and Public Policy

BeiGene, Ltd. has proposed to change its name to BeOne Medicines Ltd. The new name is subject to shareholder approval and, once approved, use of the name will be phased in over 2025. There may be instances where “BeiGene” or “BeOne” are used to describe the company during this transition period. BeOne continues to grow at a rapid pace with challenging and exciting opportunities for experienced professionals. When considering candidates, we look for scientific and business professionals who are highly motivated, collaborative, and most importantly, share our passionate interest in fighting cancer.

General Description :

The Executive Director, Head of European Government Affairs & Public Policy, will be responsible for leading the development and execution of government affairs and public policy strategies across Europe, including the European Union (EU) and non-EU countries. This role requires close collaboration with internal teams, including the General Manager of Europe, country managers, market access, corporate communications, regulatory affairs, patient advocacy, and legal teams to drive policy outcomes that promote access to medicines, influence regulatory frameworks, and protect intellectual property.

The Executive Director will also work with the Swiss government, given the company’s operations and strategic interests in Switzerland, and engage with key external stakeholders, including EU policymakers, national governments, trade associations such as EUCOPE, the Swiss Biotech Association, and other policy influencers in both EU and non-EU regions.

This role requires close partnership with the Head of U.S. Government Affairs & Public Policy to ensure a cohesive global strategy and alignment across regions. As a member of the General Manager’s leadership team, the Executive Director will guide the company’s regional and global public policy initiatives. Additionally, the Executive Director will have a dotted reporting line to the General Manager of Europe, ensuring regional alignment with business needs.

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration :

1. Lead the European Government Affairs & Public Policy organization, ensuring strategies align with the company’s business, market access, and public policy objectives across EU and non-EU countries.
2. Serve as a key member of the General Manager of Europe’s leadership team, collaborating with country managers and country government affairs directors to align strategies with regional priorities.
3. Work closely with the Senior Vice President, Head of Government Affairs, and the CEO’s team to align European policy initiatives with global objectives.
4. Coordinate with the Head of U.S. Government Affairs & Public Policy to ensure a cohesive global policy strategy, especially where EU and U.S. priorities intersect.
5. Engage with regulatory affairs and market access teams to influence regulatory frameworks and facilitate access to medicines across Europe.
6. Maintain a dotted reporting line to the General Manager of Europe for regional alignment.
7. Develop strategies for engaging with the Swiss government on health policy, regulatory processes, market access, and IP protection.
8. Advocate for policies that promote market access, improve regulatory processes, and protect intellectual property rights throughout Europe, including Switzerland.
9. Engage with EU institutions (European Commission, Parliament, EMA) and national governments to influence policies supporting biopharmaceutical innovation and IP protection.
10. Collaborate with country managers and market access teams to tailor strategies for local challenges while aligning with broader goals.
11. Work with Patient Advocacy to incorporate patient perspectives into policy discussions and access initiatives.
12. Coordinate with Legal and IP teams to ensure compliance and address legal challenges in EU and non-EU markets.
13. Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders across Europe and Switzerland.
14. Represent the company in European trade associations and industry forums to shape policy positions and advocate for pro-innovation policies.
15. Lead engagement with Swiss authorities to align with local health policies and regulatory environments, focusing on market access, reimbursement, and IP protection.
16. Support national government relations efforts in collaboration with country managers, ensuring alignment with regional and global strategies.

Education and Experience :

Advanced degree in Political Science, Law, Public Policy, Public Health, or related fields.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

This position involves managerial responsibilities, budget discretion, and requires strong cross-functional management skills.

Computer Skills :

Proficiency with MS Office Suite, SharePoint, and collaboration tools like Smartsheet. Ability to learn new applications.

Other Qualifications and Experience :

• 14+ years in government affairs, public policy, or related fields, with at least 5 years in leadership, preferably in biopharmaceuticals or healthcare.
• Extensive experience with European government institutions, regulatory bodies, and trade associations.
• Proven track record in influencing policy and regulatory frameworks in EU and non-EU markets, including Switzerland.
• Experience with European trade associations and shaping policy positions, especially regarding IP.
• Deep knowledge of European and Swiss biopharmaceutical regulatory environments, market access, pricing, reimbursement, and approval processes.
• Strong understanding of EU institutions and policy-making processes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills.
• Strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex policy challenges.
• Fluency in English; additional European languages (German, French, Italian) are a plus.

Travel :

Up to 25% travel required.