Government Affairs Manager

AbbVie; Taplow; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie UK is seeking a strategic leader to head Government Affairs, shaping policy engagement and brand priorities across the UK. You will define the corporate GA/Policy strategy, lead a high‑performing team, and build strong networks with government, NHS stakeholders and Think Tanks to improve patient access.

You will oversee horizon scanning, policy messaging, industry representation and budget management, while collaborating with cross‑functional partners to align advocacy with AbbVie’s

Qualifications

• Direct experience in parliamentary, political, advocacy or legislative roles.
• Proven track record influencing UK legislation and policy.
• Deep knowledge of the UK health care system, NHS policy and stakeholder landscape.
• Experience building relationships with health policy makers, patient stakeholders and influencers.
• Ability to lead and develop a high‑performance team.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop and own AbbVie's UK GA/Policy strategy.
• Lead the GA team and ensure aligned engagement platforms.
• Build and maintain political and policy advocacy networks.
• Manage AbbVie's strategic engagement programme.
• Oversee development of policy papers and responses to consultations.
• Responsible for horizon scanning and monitoring of policy/legislation.
• Supervise Government Affairs budget and vendor management.
• Act as internal advocate for Government Affairs within the affiliate.

Skills

UK GA strategy

Policy advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Budget management

Parliamentary experience

Public affairs

NHS policy knowledge

Job description

Lead the Government Affairs (GA) team to deliver impactful Government Affairs strategies in alignment with AbbVie brand and corporate priorities, which positively shape our external environment and support sustainable patient access to medicines. Build AbbVie's external profile among key policy and political stakeholders across the UK, utilise effective internal networks across the business and ensure high-quality team output. Support the GA team to challenge the status quo, maintain ambitious goals and join the External Affairs leadership team, driving integrated activities and contributing to a positive team culture. Objectives:

• Define, develop and own AbbVie's UK corporate and brand Government Affairs/Policy strategy
• Lead the GA team, assigning activities and ensuring the development of aligned strategies and engagement platforms that make a valuable contribution to healthcare delivery in AbbVie's areas of focus
• Build and maintain strong political and policy advocacy networks, creating consensus on key policy areas and drive healthcare and life sciences prioritisation at both a national and local level.
• Ensure AbbVie is developing robust, transparent and effective working relationships with Government, Policy Makers, Civil Servants, Special Advisers, Think Tanks, Research Organisations, Professional Healthcare bodies and Health System Organisations.
• Lead and coordinate AbbVie's representation at Industry Trade Associations and Business Groups, ensuring we maximise our impact, drive strategic alignment and secure strong share of voice on issues affecting our operating environment.
• Provide strategic political counsel to the affiliate GM and UK Leadership Team - ensuring that the business is kept well-informed of all relevant political and industry developments.
• Manage AbbVie's strategic engagement programme.
• Supervise the development of AbbVie position papers and key policy messaging, as well as lead the development of responses to Government consultations.
• Responsible for horizon scanning and ensuring AbbVie maintains effective policy and legislative monitoring services in place, which help to identify opportunities and mitigate against risks.
• Supervise the Government Affairs budget, ensuring we get value for money from our agencies and vendors and deliver against our financial targets.
• Be a strong and effective internal advocate for Government Affairs within the affiliate and with above country colleagues, proactively seeking opportunities to promote and showcase the work of the team and build team visibility.
• Supervise the team's use of Government/Public Affairs agencies both in our corporate and therapeutic areas, ensuring high standards are maintained and we get strong return on investment.
• Drive a high- performance team, distributing key projects and responsibilities and ensuring the team delivers impact in policy, corporate or brand areas they have been assigned.
• Team management: raise the bar on performance, providing direction to line reports and challenging where appropriate to increase our ambition.
• Support the development of key talent and the continued evolution of line reports, competencies and skills.
• Maintain the highest standards of ethics and compliance across the Government Affairs function.
• Participate as an active member of the External Affairs leadership team, assuming accountability alongside the External Affairs Director regarding the activities, ambition and output of the team.
• Identify and execute opportunities to integrate external affairs strategies, maximizing our output across multiple channels and realising synergies with both our Corporate Comms and Brand Communications and Patient Relations Teams.
• Work to positively resolve challenges to integrated working whilst maintaining stewardship of compliance issues.
• Play an active role in shaping the EA team culture, enhancing /evolving our ways of working
• Direct experience of working in a parliamentary, political, advocacy or legislative role
• Demonstrated success in the influencing of UK legislation and policy
• In-depth knowledge of the UK health care system, health/ life sciences policy and the NHS stakeholder landscape
• Demonstrated experience in building relationships with health care policy makers politicians, patient stakeholders and other influencers
• Proven track record in building strong strategic alliances
• Direct or indirect experience and knowledge of strategic communications and public relations
• Skilled in providing political and strategic counsel
• Proven leadership and line management experience, In-depth understanding of Government, Whitehall, healthcare and the NHS
• Proven communication skills and the ability to influence senior leadership and motivate direct reports
• The ability to develop, execute and implement multiple strategies concurrently, realising integration efforts, assigning activities and delegating key projects without losing business alignment or focus
• Skilled in matrix working and juggling competing demands
• Flawless external stakeholder management, creating durable, transparent and meaningful relationships
• Clear understanding of how to motivate colleagues, raising ambition and challenging
• performance; proven track record of contributing to team culture with drive and enthusiasm whilst managing uncertainty and adapting to change
• Multi budget management experience
• AbbVie's UK offices in Maidenhead prioritize accessibility and employee well-being, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. The office includes a large car park for easy access, as well as step-free entry, accessible restrooms, and elevators to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. The workspace features assistive technologies and adaptable workstations, fostering an inclusive culture. Additionally, there is a dedicated quiet zone for those who prefer to work without distraction. This area maximizes natural light and is strategically positioned for easy access with minimal noise disturbances. If you need specific information or have questions about accessibility arrangements, please let us know during the process.
• AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.