Public Affairs Manager

JR United Kingdom; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a top global pharmaceutical company as a Senior Manager in Public Affairs, where you will lead the development of public policy initiatives that enhance the UK life sciences ecosystem. This role involves building strategic relationships with government and healthcare stakeholders, providing insights to internal leadership, and ensuring effective external engagement. The position offers the opportunity to influence health policy and improve access to healthcare, all while working in a dynamic and collaborative environment. If you are passionate about public policy and have a strong network within the UK political landscape, this is the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in policy-related roles within government, industry, or consultancy.
• Strong understanding of UK healthcare and life sciences.

Responsibilities

• Lead public policy and advocacy initiatives for a thriving life sciences ecosystem.
• Engage with key stakeholders to advance organizational priorities.

Skills

Public Policy Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Communication

Political Analysis

Negotiation Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Political Science or Related Field

Master's Degree in Public Policy or Related Field

Job description

We are currently looking for a Senior Manager Public Affairs for a top global pharmaceutical company. This role is a 6-month contract (initial), fully on-site in Surrey.

Summary

Lead the development and execution of public policy and advocacy initiatives to foster a thriving UK life sciences ecosystem. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across government, parliament, healthcare, and policy communities. Provide strategic insight and counsel to internal leadership, helping shape policy that supports innovation and improves access to healthcare.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design and deliver integrated public affairs strategies aligned with long-term business and policy goals.
2. Engage with government, parliamentarians, regulatory bodies, and policy influencers to advance organisational priorities.
3. Offer strategic advice to senior leaders, backed by in-depth political and healthcare landscape analysis.
4. Develop impactful messaging and thought leadership around the future of UK healthcare and life sciences.
5. Collaborate across internal teams—including R&D, Access, Medical, Communications, and Advocacy—to ensure consistent and effective external engagement.
6. Influence health and industrial policy to create an enabling environment for innovation and patient access to medicines.
7. Build lasting relationships with diverse stakeholders: government departments, NHS, devolved administrations, think tanks, academia, patient groups, and trade bodies.
8. Ensure internal stakeholders are well-informed on policy developments, positioning, and strategic activities.
9. Maintain a strong passion for public policy and its societal impact.
10. Show deep interest in UK and global political trends and public affairs.
11. Be an excellent communicator with experience advising senior leaders in business, healthcare, or politics.
12. Prove ability to operate in complex, matrixed organisations.
13. Be self-motivated, strategic, with high-impact influencing and negotiating skills.
14. Commit to ethical and compliant engagement with policymakers.
15. Possess a deep understanding of UK healthcare, life sciences, and policy-making structures.
16. Have experience in policy-related roles—government, industry, consultancy, or civil service.
17. Maintain a strong network across the UK policy and political landscape.
18. Be skilled in using communications strategically to shape public perception and influence policy.
19. Be experienced in multi-stakeholder collaboration, including trade associations and policy platforms.
20. Be familiar with commissioning and managing third-party policy or advocacy support.