Director, Policy, Advocacy and Government Affairs - Switzerland

About the role

CSL is looking for a Director of Policy, Advocacy and Government Affairs for its Switzerland affiliate. The role ensures liaison between Corporate & External Affairs and commercial and site leadership, gives strategic guidance on government relations, policy and advocacy, helps identify and mitigate policy risks early, and leads engagement with government to support site operations and commercial priorities. It also develops a long-term external engagement plan for the company. The position reports to the International Head of Policy, Advocacy and Government Affairs.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and lead the execution of a strategic plan for public affairs, through leadership engagement that supports CSL's operations, business and patient access to its therapies in Switzerland.
• Lead and coordinate engagement with government officials, industry associations, patient advocacy groups and other stakeholders, and represent CSL in key industry associations and committees.
• Partner with CSL functions and with the Communications team on strategic media relations in Switzerland.
• Develop business-relevant policy updates for senior company leaders, in line with affiliate functions and CEA leadership.
• Serve on the Switzerland Commercial Leadership Team and the Bern Site Leadership Team, working with Therapeutic Areas Commercial, Medical, Market Access and Regulatory to run joint strategies.
• Drive strategic site engagement at political level with manufacturing site leadership and the communications team.
• Shape CEA strategy in Switzerland and the International region, and act as key interface and relationship manager with patient advocacy groups, working with Medical Affairs and Communications.

Required profile

• Graduate or professional degree in law, public health, international relations, political sciences or similar preferred.
• At least 8 years of experience in healthcare policy, public affairs, access or comparable fields.
• Experience building company profile and impact with healthcare public affairs stakeholders at national and local levels.
• Experience collaborating across matrix organisations and partnering with patient groups on policy goals.
• Proven network of relationships with government officials, policymakers, industry and patient advocacy groups.
• Preferred: experience in biologics, plasma or pharma products, and in media relations or integrated communications campaigns.
• German and English fluency required; other languages are an asset.

Required skills

• Strong analytical skills, spotting risks and connecting complex policy issues to business impact.
• Clear communication of policy and political developments to senior business and international leaders.
• Team player able to work in a matrix organisation and orchestrate cross-functional efforts.