Director of Research and Development Policy

Job title: Director of Research and Development Policy
Reporting to: Executive Director Innovation and Research Policy
Department: Innovation and Research Policy
Location: London office with hybrid working

About the ABPI

The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and use new medicines and vaccines. We represent companies of all sizes who invest in discovering the medicines of the future.

Our members supply cutting edge treatments that improve and save the lives of millions of people. We work in partnership with Governments and the NHS so patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines.

Role summary

Influencing the development and delivery of Government Policy to make the UK a globally attractive destination for the pharmaceutical industry to discover and develop new medicines and vaccines, is one of the ABPI’s two long-term strategic goals. The ABPI’s research and development (R&D) policy remit, spans discovery science, translational, pre-clinical and clinical research and development, including emerging technologies and innovative R&D design and approaches to addressing unmet clinical need.

Reporting to the Executive Director Innovation and Research (I&R) Policy, the Director of R&D Policy will be responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the R&D Policy Team, driving the development and delivery of policy advocacy, evidence generation and projects to enhance the UK’s R&D environment.

The Director of R&D Policy will lead the R&D Policy Team and work closely with the Executive Director and I&R Policy Team, ABPI colleagues and ABPI member companies to ensure the UK’s life sciences environment is a conducive to carry out R&D of new therapies and vaccines, to benefit patients and the health system.

Primary objectives/ responsibilities

The Role will be instrumental in influencing Government policy and ecosystem change, by generating evidence and policy asks, working with stakeholders to enhance the UK’s research environment and assets, and improving opportunities for research collaborations.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Developing and leading the delivery of the ABPI’s R&D policy, in line with the ABPI strategy, business plans and budget, in the following key areas:
  • Discovery science and translational research
  • Clinical research
  • Emerging R&D technologies, innovations, models, methods and approaches
• Engaging with ABPI members, including leading the management of Board Sponsored Groups and project teams of member representatives.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships and networks with key external stakeholders across Government departments, the NHS, research funders, charities, research organisations, think tanks and other industry trade bodies.
• Managing the input into the ABPI’s consultation responses, external communications, policy briefings and draft reports and policy papers reflecting the ABPI’s asks and position relating to UK R&D policy.
• Hosting policy meetings, roundtables, and workshops, and overseeing the delivery of resulting publications and outputs.
• Scanning the horizon for environmental and policy developments in research and innovation, identifying emerging opportunities and new priorities for ABPI policy development.
• Providing effective line management of the R&D Policy Team, leading by example and reflecting the ABPI’s values, to set performance expectations and champion a supportive and inclusive culture amongst staff.
• Working closely with all members of the Innovation and Research Policy team to support data, digital, innovation and research policy projects and activities across the I&R portfolio, as required.
• Collaborating with the wider ABPI team (e.g. Corporate Affairs, Patient Access, International & UK Competitiveness, and Medical Affairs & Strategic Partnerships) to maximise the reach of ABPI’s R&D policy position.
• Representing the ABPI and member companies externally, including presenting at national and international fora, membership of relevant groups and interfacing with the media as required.
• Regularly reporting progress to ABPI’s senior leadership, of strategic deliverables including implementation of projects to time and budget and sharing responsibility for overall organisational performance.

Performance criteria

Performance will be measured against annually set objectives established in line with ABPI objectives, linked to the Balanced Scorecard.

Experience and skill set

Candidates should demonstrate the following experience, skills and personal attributes:

• A life sciences or biomedical degree or equivalent work experience directly relevant to the remit of this role.
• Previous experience in a clinical research policy or strategy development role.
• An understanding of pharmaceutical industry research and development and the contribution that the industry makes to the UK and global life sciences sector.
• Demonstrable understanding of the UK clinical research landscape and relevant policy issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with proven ability to develop and maintain a network of stakeholders, and effectively engage with senior members of the pharmaceutical industry, government and external stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Capable of producing clearly written policy briefings, reports and responses to policy consultations, with previous experience of drafting comparable documents to a high standard.  
• Well developed organisational skills. Adept at efficiently prioritising, managing a varied workload and producing high quality outputs to organisational deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and productively as part of a team. Proactive and collaborative attitude, willing to develop new ideas, contribute to organisational projects and take responsibility for completing tasks to their successful conclusion.

The post holder must be willing to travel to occasional external events and meetings in the UK to represent the ABPI and the views of our members.

All ABPI staff must adhere to the ABPI values and behaviours: collaboration, communication, innovation, integrity, and ownership.

To apply

For a full job description and salary and benefits information or to apply for this opportunity please send your CV with a covering letter to the recruitment partner, Jurgen Wurfel at j.wurfel@finiten.com.

Please note

ABPI reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.