Public Affairs and Patient Relations Manager

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.

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.

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

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

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