Public Affairs and Patient Relations Manager

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

Drive AbbVie’s external positioning and patient-centric strategy across Belgium and Luxembourg. In this role, you will lead integrated Public Affairs and Government Affairs initiatives that support market access and policy goals, build trusted partnerships with patient advocacy groups, and help shape brand, communication, and therapeutic area strategies as a key cross-functional partner.

What will be your responsibilities?

Public Affairs & Patient Relations
• Develop integrated therapeutic area Government Affairs and Public Affairs strategies as needed to support access objectives and shape a favourable policy environment.
• Manage relationships with patient advocacy groups active in the relevant therapeutic areas, building trust-based, long-term partnerships.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for initiatives involving European patient organisations based in Belgium, ensuring effective coordination and follow-through.
• Lead the social media strategy for the therapeutic area, ensuring content is compliant, patient-centric, and aligned with brand objectives.

Brand Team Membership & Communication Materials
• Act as a fully embedded member of the brand team, contributing the Public Affairs and patient relations perspective to integrated brand planning and strategic decision-making.
• Develop patient-facing communication materials to support disease awareness and adherence to treatment, in close collaboration with the Brand Manager.
• Ensure compliance and timely approval of all materials in collaboration with Brand Managers, Medical, Regulatory, and Legal functions.

Corporate Communications
• Support the ad hoc implementation of external and internal corporate communications initiatives, ensuring consistency with AbbVie's values and strategic messaging.
• Act as AbbVie's ambassador at major events, forums, and stakeholder platforms, reinforcing the company's commitment to patient-centricity and public affairs leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Compliance
• Foster strong collaboration with External Affairs, Market Access, Medical, Regulatory, and Legal to ensure alignment on strategy, compliance, and execution.
• Gather, analyse, and share patient and healthcare environment insights to inform competitive intelligence and continuous improvement across the organisation.
• Ensure all activities comply with local and international regulations, industry codes, and AbbVie's internal standards.

Strategic Input & Advocacy
• Champion patient advocacy by designing and implementing initiatives that influence policy, regulatory, and external decision-makers for improved patient outcomes.
• Provide strategic input to cross-functional teams and align with brand teams to embed patient and public affairs insights into policy and business strategies.

Qualifications

What are we looking for?

Skills, Knowledge & Competencies:

• Proven ability to develop and execute Public Affairs and patient-centric strategies at both local and European levels

• Expertise in multi-stakeholder advocacy, Government Affairs, policy development, and relationship management

• Deep understanding of healthcare legislation, patient advocacy landscape, and regulatory requirements

• Strategic thinking, networking, communication, and influence skills

• Ability to analyze and interpret patient and market insights to support business, access, and policy goals

• Fluency in Dutch, French, and English

• Team player with a proactive and innovative mindset

• Strong understanding of compliant process management and materials approval workflows

• Passion for patient empowerment, innovation, and healthcare communication

Education, Background & Experience:

• Communication and/or scientific background preferred

• Minimum 3 years of experience in Healthcare, Government Affairs, Public Affairs, or Patient Relations Management

• Solid understanding of the healthcare and reimbursement system in Belgium & Luxembourg

• Experience in developing and delivering patient-centric communication materials, advocacy programmes, and social media content

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain an extensive contact network and develop impactful partnerships at national and European level

• Proven track record in executing multi-stakeholder initiatives and working effectively within cross-functional brand teams

Additional Information

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html