Strategic External Affairs Director — Netherlands

AbbVie; Hoofddorp; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie Netherlands seeks a senior External Affairs leader to direct the integrated external affairs function, shaping policy and patient access initiatives. The role reports to the General Manager and sits on the Affiliate Management Team.

You will build key relationships with government, healthcare bodies, and patient organizations, and guide communications, events, and strategic advocacy to support AbbVie's priorities. Fluency in English and Dutch is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• 15+ years of professional experience, including ≥5 years in healthcare.
• Extensive senior-level network across Dutch government, policy, and healthcare.
• Proven track record influencing legislation, policy, and coalitions in the Netherlands.
• Deep knowledge of Dutch healthcare environment: payer/provider, funding, legislation.
• Exceptional networking, diplomacy and advocacy skills with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and execute multiple concurrent strategies with alignment.
• Proven experience building and leading high-performing teams in a regulated environment.
• Fluency in English and Dutch (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and lead AbbVie's Dutch External Affairs strategy and stay current with healthcare policy developments.
• Build and maintain relationships with government members, officials, civil servants, healthcare bodies, think tanks, and patient and medical associations.
• Provide strategic political counsel to the GM and leadership team, including horizon scanning and policy positions.
• Drive cross-functional engagement to improve pricing and reimbursement environment for medicines and participate in trade associations.
• Partner with brand, market access, medical, and commercial teams to align external affairs with business priorities.
• Oversee budget management, ethics, compliance, and talent development within External Affairs.
• Advise the GM and AMT on emerging policies and environmental trends; foster internal communications and culture.

Skills

Senior stakeholder management

Policy advocacy

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Dutch healthcare knowledge

Fluent English and Dutch

Education

Master's degree (Public Health, Political Science, Economics, Law, Business, or related field)

Job description

AbbVie Netherlands seeks a senior External Affairs leader to direct the integrated external affairs function, shaping policy and patient access initiatives. The role reports to the General Manager and sits on the Affiliate Management Team.

You will build key relationships with government, healthcare bodies, and patient organizations, and guide communications, events, and strategic advocacy to support AbbVie's priorities. Fluency in English and Dutch is required.