Head of Advocacy & Market Development, COPD

AstraZeneca GmbH; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 267,913 - 401,870; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity-based awards

Short-term incentives

Health, dental and vision coverage

Retirement programmes

Paid time off

Job summary

AstraZeneca GmbH in Gaithersburg, MD invites a strategic leader to head Advocacy & Market Development for a COPD asset. You’ll shape global advocacy, drive market access and collaborate with Medical, Policy, and local teams to align strategies across markets.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, engage external experts, and push healthcare system transformation initiatives to improve patient access and outcomes. This high‑visibility role reports to the Global Commercial team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in healthcare or biopharmaceuticals.
• Proven success engaging external stakeholders (KEEs, payers, clinicians).
• Experience in global/local commercial leadership roles is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of global advocacy and market development strategies for COPD assets.
• Collaborate with Medical, Policy, Market Access, Digital, and local teams for strategy alignment.
• Build partnerships with external experts and healthcare authorities to drive patient identification and access.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Healthcare policy knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or healthcare

MBA or PhD or equivalent

Job description

At AstraZeneca we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big, and working together to make the impossible a reality. We are committed to leading a revolution in healthcare to address the unmet needs of patients around the world. We follow the science to better understand disease and its complexities so that we can discover, develop and deliver life‑changing treatments that improve outcomes for patients worldwide.

The BioPharmaceuticals business is one of the fastest growing areas within AstraZeneca. Through our relentless pursuit of innovation, we are transforming the way chronic diseases are understood, diagnosed, and treated. We deliver on the promise of our science through exceptional launch execution, impactful partnerships, and a deep commitment to patients.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Advocacy & Market Development, to join our Global Commercial team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of COPD care.

In this highly visible leadership role, you will lead the development and execution of global advocacy and market development strategies for a key launch asset in our respiratory portfolio. Working across global, regional, and local teams, you will help build scientific and clinical advocacy for IL‑33 pathway science while driving healthcare system transformation initiatives designed to improve patient identification, optimise care pathways, and expand access to innovative treatment approaches.

You will collaborate closely with Medical, Policy, Market Access, Digital, Commercial and local market teams to ensure strategy alignment and seamless execution across key global markets. Through strong external partnerships and expert engagement, you will help create the conditions needed to improve outcomes for patients living with COPD.

As a key member of the Global Commercial team, you will provide strategic leadership across advocacy, healthcare system change and market development initiatives that support the successful launch and long‑term growth of the asset.

What You’ll Do

Advocacy Leadership

• Develop and execute the global advocacy vision, strategy and operational plans to amplify the scientific and clinical narrative around IL‑33 pathway innovation
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with Key External Experts (KEEs), including leadership of the Global COPD Clinical Expert Council and related respiratory disease forums
• Collaborate with Global Brand Team colleagues to develop advocacy programs, educational initiatives, speaker training and engagement activities
• Partner closely with local market advocacy leads to ensure global strategies are effectively translated into local execution plans
• Develop tailored engagement plans for priority global advocates and strengthen AstraZeneca’s presence across respiratory and immunology communities

Market Development Leadership

• Define and drive the long‑term global market development vision for COPD asset
• Lead the development of global market shaping strategies, tactics and assets in partnership with key markets
• Collaborate with Medical and Policy colleagues to develop healthcare system change initiatives focused on early patient identification, screening, care pathway optimisation and evidence generation
• Partner with external stakeholders, including healthcare authorities, patient advocacy organisations and policymakers, to advance COPD care delivery
• Identify and coordinate external partners and vendors that support patient identification and healthcare transformation programs
• Lead cross‑functional global and local teams to ensure successful planning and execution of market development initiatives
• Define and deliver compelling value propositions and service platform offerings that improve implementation and patient outcomes across priority markets

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a scientific or healthcare‑related discipline
• Minimum 10 years of experience within the healthcare or biopharmaceutical industry
• Demonstrated experience in Respiratory, Immunology or related therapeutic areas in the USA
• Proven success engaging and influencing external stakeholders, including KEEs, prescribers, payers and healthcare organisations
• Track record of success in global and/or local commercial leadership roles
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills, including experience influencing senior executives
• Experience working effectively within complex matrix organisations and across diverse cultures and geographies
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships with external organisations and senior leaders
• Successful launch experience, including advocacy development, market shaping and brand growth initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree such as MBA, PhD or equivalent
• Deep understanding of respiratory disease management and healthcare system dynamics
• Experience leading healthcare transformation or market development initiatives
• Strong knowledge of policy, access and advocacy landscapes across major global markets
• Demonstrated success building external partnerships that drive meaningful healthcare change

Why AstraZeneca

This position is based in Gaithersburg, MD the US HQ of our Global Biopharmaceuticals business. When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life‑changing medicines. In‑person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and bold world!

AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can thrive by working with new medicines, digital approaches and ever‑evolving healthcare challenges. We are driven by our commitment to transforming patient outcomes through scientific innovation and meaningful partnerships. Our collaborative culture, diverse perspectives and entrepreneurial mindset create opportunities to make a real impact on patients, healthcare systems and society. Join us and help shape the future of respiratory care.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team!

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $267,913.60 – 401,870.40 USD. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short‑term incentive bonuses, equity‑based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programmes, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted: 13-Jul-2026

Closing Date: 13-Aug-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.