Corporate Affairs Lead - R&I/V&I

Location: Kings Cross, London, UK

At AstraZeneca (AZ), science compels us to push the boundaries of what is possible to turn science into life-changing medicines for patients who need them most. We deliver breakthrough science by creating thriving, vibrant and open science centres where our scientists are free to pursue their ideas and collaborate both with colleagues and our academic and industry partners.

The Corporate Affairs Lead is a strategic, innovative, and forward-thinking leader responsible for driving AstraZeneca UK’s reputation, stakeholder relationships, digital engagement, therapy area aligned communications campaigns and policy influence across the enterprise. This role ensures AstraZeneca navigates the increasingly complex UK healthcare environment, engages key external audiences, advocates corporate affairs interests, to deliver critical business and patient outcomes.

The postholder will combine public policy, patient advocacy and communications expertise, with digital fluency, ensuring AstraZeneca UK maximises its impact, influence, and connectivity with key stakeholders (NHS, media, government, patient groups, policymakers, leading HCPs).

• Strategic Leadership & Corporate Affairs: The Corporate Affairs Lead will design and execute an integrated therapy area (TA) specific corporate affairs strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and patient-centricity.
• Public Policy, Advocacy & External Influencing: Accountable for designing and advancing policy interests aligned to AstraZeneca’s business and science agenda.
• Media and Communications Leadership: Design proactive and reactive media strategies, aligned to corporate strategies, to deliver against TA specific objectives.
• Digital Customer Engagement Excellence: Lead the strategy and delivery of digital customer engagement.
• Partnership, Collaboration & Innovation: Building networks and partnerships that extend AZ’s reach and enhance stakeholder outcomes.

EXPERIENCE

• Proven senior experience in corporate affairs, public policy, digital engagement, or a closely related field within UK pharmaceuticals, biotech, or healthcare.
• Deep understanding of NHS policy, UK healthcare and political systems, and patient advocacy.
• Strategic and analytical problem solver, able to operate at pace and deal with ambiguity and complexity across corporate, commercial, and reputational issues.
• Successful track record of leading, mentoring, and developing cross-functional or matrix teams.
• Superb stakeholder engagement, influencing, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Operational, compliance, and budget management experience, with ability to develop compelling business cases.
• Knowledge of medical, legal, and regulatory frameworks for external stakeholder and digital engagement in pharma.

• Previous experience of working in Parliament or in a government affairs-related role.
• Previous experience of working in or with the NHS, ABPI, or policy/advocacy agencies.
• Experience working on disease, brand, or therapy area launches and life cycle management.
• Formal qualifications in Public Affairs, Communications, Marketing, or Health Policy.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite ambitious 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 high-reaching world. Why AstraZeneca? Join a hardworking distributed team that’s powering AstraZeneca to better serve patients, every day. The fuel behind our evolving, rapidly growing enterprise, we’re here to help unlock the power of what science can do and ultimately have a big impact on patients’ lives. We offer countless opportunities for growth, rewarding our successes collectively across the business. Our generous benefits package showcases the business’s appreciation of our long-term dedication. Ready to make an impact? Apply today to become a part of our diverse team!

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.