Head of External Affairs, ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ Scotland
Job title: Head of External Affairs, ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ Scotland
Reporting to: Director of UK Competitiveness & Devolved Nations
Department: International Policy & UK Competitiveness
Location: Scotland, remote working, with 2 working days per month spent in the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµâ€™s central offices in London
About the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ
The ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and access medicines and vaccines to improve patient care. We represent companies of all sizes which invest in making and discovering medicines and vaccines to enhance and save the lives of millions of people around the world.
In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we work in partnership with governments and the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ so that patients can get new treatments faster and the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ can plan how much it spends on medicines. Every day, our members partner with healthcare professionals, academics and patient organisations to find new solutions to unmet health needs.
Working at the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive, and we value the unique skills and perspectives you bring. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or disability.
The ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ operates a hybrid working model, with the expectation that staff are in the office (London Bridge) approximately two to three days per week, or as required for in-person meetings.
Responsibilities
- Ensure that the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµâ€™s strategy (as defined by the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ Board) is delivered in Scotland
- Develop and deliver the annual business plans for the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ in Scotland
- Lead the design and delivery of the public affairs strategy and stakeholder engagement programme for Scotland
- Monitor legislative and policy developments from all relevant Scotland and UK sources to ensure that the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ contributes effectively to all relevant consultations, inquiries, reports and national strategies
- Develop, draft and deliver position papers and publications which can drive forward desired policy outcomes in collaboration with ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ colleagues
- Provide expert briefing (written and verbal) to the Chief Executive, President, Board Members, and the wider ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ team when required
- Oversee, in partnership with the Head of Access and Uptake Strategy for Devolved Nations and ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ subject matter experts, the identification and generation of evidence needed to influence desired policy outcomes in Scotland
- Maintain and build relationships with key government, ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ, parliamentary and life sciences ecosystem stakeholders
- Identify and deliver opportunities for policy leadership Scotland which can be leveraged in other UK nations to enhance the competitiveness of the UK environment.
- Monitor and provide intelligence to relevant ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ colleagues, the leadership team, and the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ Board on developments in Scotland which present opportunity or risk to the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµâ€™s strategic goals
- Ensure developments in Scotland are communicated via the Scotland Forum, and other relevant subject matter expert Board Sponsored Groups
- Fulfil the role as the authoritative voice within the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ on the political, policy and health system dynamics in Scotland
- Act as the lead spokesperson for the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ in Scotland in meetings with key stakeholders, and where appropriate media matters (with the support of subject matter expert teams across the organisation)
Budgets and operations
- Ensure the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ Scotland business plan is delivered in line with agreed budgets
- Ensure the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ remains compliant with national lobbying requirements where required
Experience, skill set and person specification
- Proven experience leading public affairs and advocacy programmes with successful outcomes
- Expert knowledge of the political, life sciences and healthcare environment in Scotland
- Demonstrated ability of achieving results in a complex environment where it has been necessary to collaborate cross-functionally
- Thorough understanding of the healthcare environment and the key policies and procedures at Government and ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ level
- Experience developing and delivering upon a strategy, with ability to effectively prioritise and adapt in a fast paced and agile working environment
- Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at a senior level across ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ Members, Government, ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ and Health Technology Appraisal organisations such as NICE
- Line management and budget management experience
- Successful track record within the health or life sciences sector, with demonstrable understanding and interactions with health policy and provision
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to lobby at government level and to represent the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ in regional media
- Excellent written and presentation skills
- Excellent project management skills with the proven ability to execute initiatives and get positive results
Performance criteria
Performance will be measured against annually set objectives established in line with ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ objectives. Performance criteria align to our values: Communication, Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, and Ownership.
To apply
For a full job description and salary and benefits information or to apply for this opportunity please send your CV with a covering letter to j.wurfel@finiten.com.
Please note
ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Last modified: 10 December 2025
Last reviewed: 10 December 2025