It-patient Advocacy Manager

Under the direction of the Associate Medical Director, SBU, this individual will be responsible for establishing/maintaining strong relationships with patient organizations focused on diseases aligned to unmet medical needs where Daiichi Sankyo plays a key role, ensuring the groups are well informed and can support patients access to appropriate information and treatment.

He/She will be responsible for both leading the internal brand and external communications and patient advocacy initiatives for Daiichi Sankyo, working cross functionally within the Corporate Affairs and across Franchises.

**Key responsibilities**:

- Work with key functions across the Company to create an integrated patient group engagement strategy which is aligned to Daiichi Sankyo Italy’s strategic goals, including brand, corporate and internal engagement.
- Lead on development of strategic and operational plans on an annual basis. Ensure patient groups are aware of Daiichi Sankyo Corporate profile and raise awareness of this amongst wider external audiences.
- Work collaboratively with Daiichi Sankyo global/EU patient advocacy team to ensure Italy company engagement and approaches are aligned to corporate approaches/messaging.
- Be the patient advocate within Daiichi Sankyo - this requires both a deep understanding of patient group perspective and willingness to speak up on behalf of patient interests where required so that patients remain at the heart of the organization in line with the company vision.
- Working cross functionally, full responsibility to define and then manage the day to day budget regarding sponsorship of all patient groups.
- Ensure compliance and approval where relevant of all patient group initiatives and grants.
- Work to identify common goals and synergy between Daiichi Sankyo policy and lobbying priorities and relevant patient group approaches to maximize joint initiatives where possible.
- Represent Daiichi Sankyo on various patient groups industry forums and projects.
- Working with Communication manager - secure relevant quotes and case studies for media activities
- Working with relevant internal teams, invite patient organizations to appropriate office/conference events to heighten the organizations understanding of the patient journey and visibility of the whole patient pathway (lunch and learns, fund raising events, cycle meetings etc).
- Lead the development and implementation of brand supporting and disease awareness PR campaigns utilising external consultants in a cost efficient manner and working with key internal stakeholders to ensure activities are aligned with the corporate strategic imperatives.
- Work closely with Disease Teams cross functionally to identify areas of best practice which can be shared across the whole organization to improve performance.
- Explore opportunities in the external environment around National Healthcare System policy, patient group priorities, hot topics in media and barriers to patient access etc to build links with our brands and position the brands and organization alongside our vision and priorities to increase coverage over and above previous years.
- Facilitate, build and strengthen Daiichi Sankyo relationships with key medical and consumer journalists across Italy to help develop advocates in the media around areas of unmet need and the challenges patients face in accessing appropriate treatment.

**Professional experience & Education**:

- Scientific or Political or Social Degree required
- Significant experience of the pharmaceutical industry and deep knowledge of regulations related to Patient communication within the industry
- Experience of working with patient organizations is key plus the ability to demonstrate partnership projects or opportunities you have led on.
- A strong understanding of the healthcare environment
- An established network of patient groups contacts within the healthcare/industry arena is a strong advantage
- Excellent interpersonal skills will be key - relationship building, communication & listening especially, plus a professional and engaging style
- Ability to prioritize, work under pressure and deliver to agreed deadlines.
- Thoroughness, accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work.
- Highly motivated, able to work independently and cross functionally in a team.
- Enthusiastic approach to change
- Strong examples of cross functional working and team mentality
- Experience of managing budgets and working in a highly compliant environment is key

**_Leadership Competencies _**_(Behaviours_**_) _**
**Competencies**:

- Demonstrates Adaptability
- Promotes Open Communication
- Creates Global Mindset
- Shapes Strategy
- Fosters Teamwork
- Drive Innovation
- Drives Execution

**Why work with us?**: