Sr Manager, Nordics& NECAD, International Patient Engagement

The Nordics & NECAD Senior Manager IPE at Vertex Pharmaceuticals reports to the NECAD IPE Lead and is responsible for supporting the company’s goals by executing patient engagement strategy for the Nordics countries as well as providing support for NECAD region where relevant and requested by IPE NCAD Lead. This position will work closely with the NECAD IPE Lead to help lead the company’s ongoing efforts to build and sustain meaningful relationships and collaborations to support the needs of patients and advance our company’s goals.

The Senior Manager IPE will be responsible for country-level campaigns execution in CF, haematology and rare diseases (other therapeutic areas, if needed) in Nordics countries and beyond in NECAD region – according to needs and alignment with IPE NECAD Lead. The role will be responsible for supporting execution of the company’s advocacy strategy by working across several functional areas, including market access, communications, policy, and medical affairs, compliance within their designated geography.

Key Responsibilities:

• Reporting directly to NECAD IPE Lead and working hand in hand to help execute the company’s patient advocacy strategy including tactical implementation;
• Serve as liaison between the patient community and VRTX; developing and leveraging high-level relationships with patient advocacy groups (CF & haematology, rare diseases) at National and local levels in the Nordics & NECAD region (where relevant) to achieve Vertex goals, bring value to patients and enhance the Company’s standing and reputation;
• Collaborating with Business Unit Leads and x-functional teams: partner with Market Access, Communications, GAPP, Medical, Regulatory, Compliance, Legal to identify barriers to access for our portfolio; represent the perspective of the patient community in this work;
• Work and align with IPE international disease focused team to discuss and execute tactics and deliver company goals;
• Develop programming within CF & haematology in partnership with the patient community on the patient community’s agenda;
• Support build long-term, sustainable relationships with not only CF & haematology patient groups but also the broader rare diseases community;
• Be an appropriate partner to both the patient community and the Grants and Donations committee in effective and compliant management of the grants and donations process;
• Accurate financial management of allocated budgets – working hand in hand with IPE NECAD team and financial business partners;
• Ensure timely, appropriate and legally approved communication with the patient community on the above;
• Appoint and manage patient engagement consultants to deliver on business objectives while maintaining compliance with VRTX policies;
• In partnership with communications team, integrate Vertex’s communications objectives with the patient advocacy strategy and identify additional communications opportunities where appropriate;
• Identifying and pursuing additional opportunities to advance our company’s business objectives;
• Fulfilling other duties/projects as assigned;
• Serve as an early warning to identify threats and opportunities that may impact the business and patient community;
• Exemplifying Vertex’s core values and the Vertex phenotype in fulfilling these job duties, in particular the Company’s core value regarding its commitment to patients.

Key Requirements:

• Experience in patient advocacy, government affairs, communications, market access or public policy;
• Strong focus on patient well-being and strong understanding of chronic disease;
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills to exchange difficult information and build alignment;
• English language skills and or the willingness to update the language skill;
• Strong strategic thinker with ability to formulate, develop and execute on agreed strategies;
• Good presentation and project management skills;
• Knowledge of guidelines and policies affecting interactions with patient organizations;
• Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity in a matrixed environment;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage initiatives that require collaboration across multiple functional areas;
• Problem-solving skills – looks to actively manage problems and seek resolutions when a problem arises;
• Ability to influence and interact effectively internally and externally.

Primary Location: London. Additional Location: Sweden. Flex Designation: Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible. Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select 2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information: Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com