External Relations and Public Affairs Manager

For over 100 years we have been driving change to defeat diabetes, but we know that what got us here today is not necessarily what will make us successful in the future. We are now transforming our business and taking our expertise into new territories including obesity and rare blood and endocrine diseases.

Our story is one of incredible growth and success, which has culminated in us receiving many prestigious awards, such as Best Place to Work and Vitality – Britain’s Healthiest Workplace.

Are you experienced with driving Public Affairs strategies and initiatives, and a proven track record in influencing health and industry policy? Are you passionate about navigating in complex issues and stakeholder landscapes? Are you prepared to embrace and tackle challenges as part of your daily work and use your excellent business and people leadership skills to develop and grow our business?

If so, then seize the opportunity and apply to become our new External Relations and Public Affairs Manager.

Please note, this role is not eligible for relocation.

The Position

You will be responsible for delivering projects and programmes and developing and managing relationships with key external stakeholders to support policy prioritisation of care for people living with diabetes, in line with Novo Nordisk’s strategy and ambitions. The role will build on and protect Novo Nordisk’s reputation as a leader in diabetes, in UK Life sciences, and as a good corporate partner in line with the Novo Nordisk Way and Triple Bottom Line.

You will work with the Senior Director of Corporate Affairs on the development, and to lead on the management and delivery, of tailored public affairs strategies and plans for England and the devolved nations relating to diabetes.

You will be an expert Business Partner to brand teams, able to work cross functionally alongside market access, medical and other internal stakeholders as appropriate to support Novo Nordisk’s objectives relating to diabetes and support our overall corporate affairs objectives.

You will:

• provide counsel to the organisation on risks and opportunities arising from changes to the UK policy, political NHS, and regulatory environment, anticipating trends, and providing analysis and insights to brand teams and the wider business, including input into brand planning
• build and maintain relationships & productive collaborations with key patient organisations such as Diabetes UK and JDRF and with national diabetes professional clinical groups
• be the key contact for different projects and initiatives within the UK, such as Novo Nordisk’s Cities Changing Diabetes programme
• develop and facilitate strong and productive relationships with key parliamentary/political and policy stakeholders such as All-Party Parliamentary Groups, Government departments, NHS, Public Health representatives and think tanks
• represent Novo Nordisk at relevant industry association meetings and key working groups.

Furthermore, you will ensure all engagements comply with the UK pharmaceutical industry code of practice, meet high ethical standards and UK industry best practice, and be aligned with the Novo Nordisk Way and Triple Bottom Line.

Qualifications

Educated to degree level or equivalent in public relations, politics, public administration, social policy, public health, or life sciences degree preferred. Science qualification is advantageous.

On top of what we would expect:

• Extensive experience in NHS and/or health policy and in-depth understanding of UK health care system policy, key stakeholder organisations and opinion leaders
• Demonstrable experience of working with individuals and organisations at board/government level to build relationships and secure highest-level advocacy for engagement in strategic projects e.g. healthcare professionals, professional & patient organisations, NHS leaders, policy influencers, media
• Proven track record of delivering strategic projects and campaigns from inception to completion
• Solid foundation in project management, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, external relations and understanding of health policy advantageous

About the Department

You will be part of a dynamic Corporate Affairs team that is responsible for a whole spectrum of communications and engagement activities, ranging from managing relationships with key external stakeholders, oversight of public and government affairs and issues management, to media relations, coordination of social media and internal communications. In close collaboration with other internal stakeholders, our goal is to deliver impactful communication and engagement strategies and tactics on behalf of Novo Nordisk UK, to drive change and make a difference for patients.

Working at Novo Nordisk

We are a proud life-science company on a mission to ensure that people living with a chronic disease can live a full life. We’re inspired by life in all its forms and shapes, ups and downs, opportunities, and challenges. For employees at Novo Nordisk, life means many things – from the building blocks of life that form the basis of ground-breaking scientific research, to our rich personal lives that motivate and energise us to perform our best at work.

What We Offer

• Discretionary performance related bonus that rewards you whilst you help us achieve our goals·
• Hybrid working: Our offices will be your primary workplace but with flexibility to work 2-3 days at home during your working week.
• Pension: a market leading pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Wellness: We want you to be your best self, so you’ll have access to an award- winning Wellness programme, including Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, the Lifeworks App and lots of wellbeing initiatives and offerings.
• Inclusive culture: our culture is one of care, support and respect for our people and we are committed to making your workplace safe and inclusive.

Application support

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. If you're a person with a disability, if you're neurodivergent, and need any adjustments to be made during the application and selection process, please send an email to GIFJ@novonordisk.com. Please include your name, the role you are interested in and the type of adjustment your need.

Contact

Please, submit your application via the Novo Nordisk website. We are unable to accept direct CVs.

Deadline

Apply before 2nd June 2023

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.