Patient Centricity Lead

JOB SUMMARY:
The Patient Centricity Lead is responsible for embedding patient perspectives and experiences at the core of all organizational activities and strategies. This role will focus on strengthening partnerships with patient organizations, ensuring that the voice of patients is reflected in every aspect of drug development, access, and support. The position will drive initiatives that enhance the overall patient experience, foster trust, and build long-term relationships with patient communities. Enhance patient centricity at AstraZeneca by understanding the patient journey and addressing relevant pain points.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Patient Engagement & Advocacy:

• Build partnerships with key community entities, including Patient Opinion Leaders, Media, and Advocacy Groups.
• Collaborate with internal teams (R&D, regulatory, medical affairs, and commercial teams) to incorporate patient insights into product development, clinical trials, and marketing strategies.
• Act as the main point of contact for patient organizations), facilitating regular dialogue, feedback sessions, and engagement activities.
• Ensure patient-centric principles are embedded into all organizational processes, from drug discovery to post-market support.

2. Program Development & Implementation:

• Design and implement patient engagement programs that prioritize patient needs, aiming to improve health outcomes and the quality of life for patients.
• Develop frameworks for the co-creation of solutions with patients and advocacy groups to address key challenges.
• Lead patient-centric initiatives such as focus groups, advisory boards, and educational campaigns.
  
  3. Advocacy & External Representation:

• Represent the company at key industry forums, patient summits, and advocacy events to foster partnerships and drive patient-centric policies.
• Advocate for patient needs and perspectives in discussions with regulatory authorities, healthcare professionals, and policy makers.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing patient interactions and data handling
  

4. Internal Collaboration & Leadership:

• Work cross-functionally with medical, regulatory, market access, and commercial teams to embed a patient-centric approach into business strategies and decision-making processes.
• Provide leadership and education within the company on the importance of patient involvement, ensuring all teams understand the impact of patient advocacy.
• Champion a patient-centric culture within the organization through workshops, training, and best practices sharing.
  
  5. Monitoring & Reporting:
    - Measure the success of patient engagement activities through surveys, feedback, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track improvements in patient satisfaction and involvement.
    - Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership on the outcomes of patient-centric initiatives and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
  

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

Educational Background:
  - Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Public Health, or a related field.
  - Additional certification or training in patient advocacy, patient engagement, or pharmaceutical development is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in patient advocacy, patient engagement, or a similar role within the pharmaceutical industry or healthcare sector, original drugs’ company.
• Experience working with patient organizations and advocacy groups is essential.
•  Proven track record of leading patient-focused programs and initiatives.
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of the healthcare landscape and the needs of patients and patient groups.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster long-term relationships. Сrisis communications skills
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with a patient-first mindset.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence decision-making at all levels of the organization.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to develop trusted-based relationships with partners, stakeholders.

Key Competencies:

• Empathy and genuine interest in improving the lives of patients.
• Leadership and influence within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Commitment to ethical practices and patient confidentiality.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work with diverse patient populations.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.