Senior Manager Public Affairs and Policy

BioTalent Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Manager for Public Affairs to drive impactful advocacy initiatives within the UK life sciences sector. This role involves leading the development of public policy strategies, engaging with key stakeholders, and providing strategic counsel to senior leadership. You will play a vital role in shaping policy that enhances healthcare access and fosters innovation. If you are passionate about public policy and have a strong network within the political landscape, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment. Join a team committed to ethical engagement and collaboration across various sectors.

Qualifications

• Strong passion for public policy and societal impact.
• Proven ability to operate in complex, matrixed organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead public policy and advocacy initiatives for the UK life sciences ecosystem.
• Engage with government and stakeholders to advance organisational priorities.

Skills

Public Policy Advocacy

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Communication

Negotiation Skills

Political Analysis

Education

Degree in Political Science 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:

• Design and deliver integrated public affairs strategies aligned with long-term business and policy goals.
• Engage with government, parliamentarians, regulatory bodies, and policy influencers to advance organisational priorities.
• Offer strategic advice to senior leaders, backed by in-depth political and healthcare landscape analysis.
• Develop impactful messaging and thought leadership around the future of UK healthcare and life sciences.
• Collaborate across internal teams—including R&D, Access, Medical, Communications, and Advocacy—to ensure consistent and effective external engagement.
• Influence health and industrial policy to create an enabling environment for innovation and patient access to medicines.
• Build lasting relationships with diverse stakeholders: government departments, NHS, devolved administrations, think tanks, academia, patient groups, and trade bodies.
• Ensure internal stakeholders are well-informed on policy developments, positioning, and strategic activities.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong passion for public policy and its societal impact.
• Deep interest in UK and global political trends and public affairs.
• Excellent communicator with experience advising senior leaders in business, healthcare, or politics.
• Proven ability to operate in complex, matrixed organisations.
• Self-motivated, strategic thinker with high-impact influencing and negotiating skills.
• Committed to ethical and compliant engagement with policymakers.

Desirable Background:

• Deep understanding of UK healthcare, life sciences, and policy-making structures.
• Experience in policy-related roles—government, industry, consultancy, or civil service.
• Strong network across the UK policy and political landscape.
• Skilled in using communications strategically to shape public perception and influence policy.
• Experienced in multi-stakeholder collaboration, including trade associations and policy platforms.
• Familiar with commissioning and managing third-party policy or advocacy support.