Skip to main content
Employees in seated and talking in an office

Head of External Affairs (m/f/d)- Switzerland LOC

Zurich, Canton of Zurich
Apply Now

The Europe & Canada (EUCAN) Business unit supports Takeda's mission at a regional level and as the leader in rare diseases and specialty care, we champion better health and a brighter future for patients, healthcare providers and our people.

Across the EUCAN BU, patients come first in every decision we make. We develop strategic partnerships which deliver value for society and create a culture within which our people can thrive and reach their full potential.

Our mission is to empower and enable our people to fulfill their potential by embracing diversity and creating a high-performance, collaborative working environment. In the EUCAN region integrity is one of our key values. We put patients, trust and reputation before business and this is one of the main reasons why our people choose to work here.

Job ID R0138917 Date posted 11/18/2024 Location Zurich, Canton of Zurich

By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’sPrivacy Noticeand Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.

Job Description

People First - At Takeda we are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all people and bringing them the hope of a brighter future. It is our passion that transforms every job into meaningful action. Our people are the heart of Takeda. Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as the

We are currently seeking for a Head of External Affairs (all genders) as part of our Country Leadership Team, to be based in our Swiss local country organization in Zurich.

ROLE OBJECTIVE

The Head of External Affairs is a senior professional with strong strategic, interpersonal and execution skills. The role is to enhance Takeda's reputation in the Swiss external environment and build trust with key external stakeholders. The Head of External Affairs is part of the Takeda Switzerland leadership team and will lead the Governmental & Public Affairs, Patient Advocacy and Communication department.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Leadership & LT member

  • Deliver strategic leadership as an active member of Takeda’s Leadership Team in Switzerland, shaping the affiliate and Public Affairs strategy and activities
  • Is responsible to elaborate and implement the local operating company (LOC) public affairs, patient advocacy and communication roadmaps
  • Develop, lead, and implement innovative and industry-leading governmental affairs policy, strategy, and activities to support the objectives of the local Swiss affiliate in Switzerland
  • Strong capability in exploring the future trends and changes in the industry and leading change accordingly
  • Impactful and visionary way of working as a member of the leadership team

Public & Governmental affairs

  • Devises and implements public affairs and communications strategy of the LOC
  • Monitors political policy, guidance & regulations relating to health issues of interest to Takeda businesses, including coordination with One Takeda in Switzerland
  • Develops and maintains a network that can be leveraged of contacts & relationships with public policy stakeholders
  • Fosters Takeda’s interests in Industry Associations and ensures optimal use of memberships and managing internal coordination of participation and strategic engagement
  • Defines policy priorities for Switzerland in alignment with Global and EUCAN (Europe/Canada) public affairs, the Zurich site and manufacturing site in Neuchâtel
  • Engage with political stakeholders (including government, parliament, and cantonal political stakeholders) to shape and drive relevant policy debates and legislation in areas of interest for the Swiss LOC
  • Work on government affairs issues across the Central and Southeast Europe (CSEE) and EUCAN region as active member of the regional and international external affairs team
  • Manage strategies, initiatives, operations, and activities on national and regional health policy and pharmaceutical policy and legislation

Patient Advocacy

  • Partner with external stakeholders and create trust and a positive reputation for Takeda among local, national, and regional parliamentarians and members of the government, advisors, and the political environment
  • Enabling trustful partnerships with patient Organizations in strategic alignment with Takeda´s footprint and therapeutic areas such as Gastrointestinal diseases, Neuroscience, Oncology, plasma-derived therapies, and rare diseases
  • Lead advocacy efforts, navigating complex situations and mentoring team members

Communications

  • Prepare briefing material, advice, and internal reports on these markets for internal and external use, crafting and delivering compelling presentations
  • In close collaboration with all Swiss base entities and representatives, incoperate a policy hub approach to enhance Takeda ‘s reputation in Switzerland by leveraging comprehensive company footprint
  • Develops Strategic communication capabilities and plan, including social media presence
  • Building and leading communication strategy, key messaging and tactical plan – internally and externally
  • Ensures internal Leadership team, own team and organization receives the relevant internal and external information, updates and news on environmental changes, pharma market updates, etc.
  • Translating the information/data into insights to drive decisions

EDUCATION AND SKILLS: 

  • Experience in communicating, influencing and negotiating with healthcare decision-makers in Switzerland and experience in policy shaping
  • Strong executive presence and strategic mindset with ability to command respect through experience and expertise internally and externally
  • Good knowledge of the Swiss healthcare system and key policies relevant for pharmaceutical market access with a strong network
  • Exceptional level of influencing and managing relationships to develop, implement and deliver the Public Affairs strategy for Takeda Switzerland
  • Proven track records in delivering successful/favorable policy and advocacy results
  • Extensive experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries preferred
  • Cross-functional collaboration and accountability are key to success in this position
  • Fluent in English and at least one local language with a preference for German.

Empowering our people to shine

At Takeda, we earn the trust of society and our customers through our values of Takeda-ism: Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, Perseverance. We incorporate these values in everything we do. They represent who we are and how we act. They help us make decisions that we can be proud of today and in the future. We enable our employees to develop their full potential. As a global top employer, we offer exciting career paths, promote innovation, and strive for top performance in everything we do. Takeda fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and international work environment where our teams are united by their relentless commitment to our goal of improving people's health and creating a better future for the world. Learn more at takedajobs.com.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At our heart are committed colleagues. We offer interested people numerous opportunities and strongly believe in, and promote, diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a company we offer roles based on merit, welcoming candidates of any gender, age, religious belief, race or ethnic origin or disability.

If you are interested in this opportunity, we look forward to receiving your application via our online tool!

Locations

CHE - Glattpark (Opfikon) - Zurich HQ

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time
Apply Now

Success profile

What makes a successful team member within EUCAN at Takeda?

  • Agile
  • Analytical
  • Enthusiastic
  • Ambitious
  • Collaborative
  • Entrepreneurial
Believe in your own ability to do things you want to do. If you do that, things will happen.

Heena Howitt - Country Medical Lead Genetic Diseases

  • Takeda named Global Top Employer for seventh consecutive year. Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2024.
  • About Takeda At Takeda, there is an unwavering commitment to putting patients first, and to creating a workplace that is underpinned by empowerment and focused on diversity, collaboration and steadfast values.
  • Europe & Canada Business Unit Takeda in Europe and Canada (EUCAN) is delivering leading innovations in oncology, gastroenterology and rare diseases to provide better health and a brighter future for patients.

Working at Takeda

  • Inclusion

    Here, you will feel welcomed, respected, and valued as a vital contributor to our global team.
  • Collaboration

    A strong, borderless team, we strive together towards our priorities and inspiring mission.
  • Innovation

    Bold initiatives, continuous improvement, and creativity are at the heart of how we bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to patients.
  • Top Workplace

    Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2024.
  • Work-Life

    Our people-first mission extends beyond patients to include their families, communities, and our own Takeda family.
  • Empowerment

    Through trust and respect, you will have genuine support from leaders, managers, and colleagues to do your best work.

We're Steadfast In Our Commitment to Four Key Imperatives

Patient


Responsibly translate science into highly innovative medicines and accelerate access to improve lives worldwide.

People


Create an exceptional people experience.

Planet


Protect our planet.

Data & Digital


Transform Takeda into the most trusted, data-driven, outcomes-based biopharmaceutical company.

Exterior of Takeda Building

About our location

Zurich, Canton of Zurich


View Map of Zurich, Canton of Zurich

Join our talent community

Get customized job alerts sent right to your inbox. Plus, get the latest in company news and other important resources by signing up for our talent community.

Learn about job updates