Director of Health Data and Digital Policy

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

About the ABPI

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive, and value the unique skills and perspectives you bring.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons, from all backgrounds and from people who have disabilities.

If you need any adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please let us know and we will support you.

Job purpose and background

The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and access medicines and vaccines to improve patient care. We represent companies of all sizes which invest in making and discovering medicines and vaccines to enhance and save the lives of millions of people around the world.

In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we work in partnership with governments and the NHS so that patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines. Every day, our members partner with healthcare professionals, academics and patient organisations to find new solutions to unmet health needs.

The ABPI has a central role in influencing the development and delivery of national health data and digital policies to ensure the UK environment remains conducive and attractive for the pharmaceutical industry to develop and launch new medicines and vaccines. In line with the ABPI’s 10-year strategy, the Director of Health Data and Digital Policy is responsible for leading the development and delivery of the ABPI’s health data and digital policies and initiatives. The post holder will play an instrumental role in policy advocacy across the UK health data ecosystem, increasing understanding of members’ requirements and the benefits industry access to health data brings to patients, the healthcare system and the UK economy. 

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.

Responsibilities

The Director of Health Data and Digital Policy will work closely with the Executive Director and members of the Innovation and Research Policy Team, ABPI colleagues and ABPI member companies to increase the UK’s attractiveness as a destination for pharmaceutical industry investment, by improving the UK’s ability to conduct research and harness health data. 

Primary responsibilities include:

• Leading on the development and delivery of the ABPI policies, priorities and associated activities in the following areas:
  • Implementation of national data and digital strategies and policies
  • Public trust in the pharmaceutical industry’s responsible use of health data
  • Increasing industry access to NHS and real-world data to support research and development and patient access to innovative, safe and effective medicines.
  • Use of digital technologies and tools, including artificial intelligence, to accelerate the discovery and development of targeted and innovative medicines. 
• Engaging with ABPI members, including leading the Data and Digital Board Sponsored Group and associated project teams, composed of representatives from ABPI member companies and supporting the Innovation Committee comprised of member company General Managers. 
• Building and maintaining strong relationships and networks with key external stakeholders across government departments, the NHS, research funders, charities, research organisations and other industry trade bodies.
• Representing the ABPI and member companies externally, including presenting at national and international fora, attending policy roundtables and events and membership of relevant cross-sector data and digital groups.
• Providing line management of the Innovation and Research Policy Manager, reflecting the ABPI’s values by leading by example, setting performance expectations and fostering a supportive and inclusive culture amongst staff. 
• Drafting and overseeing input into the ABPI’s consultation responses, external communications, policy briefings, reports and policy papers, reflecting the ABPI’s position on health data and digital policies.
• Collaborating with members of the Innovation and Research Policy team to support team cohesion, knowledge sharing and delivery of data, digital, research policy projects and activities across the portfolio, as required. 
• Working with the wider ABPI staff team to maximise the impact of the ABPI’s policy priorities and the ABPI’s health data and digital policy position. 
• Ensuring data and digital policy in year targets and projects are delivered on time and to budget, regularly reporting progress to the Innovation Committee, and the ABPI’s senior leadership. 
• Keeping up to date on policy and related developments affecting research using health data and digital technologies in the UK and internationally.

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: 
• Science Graduate, ideally with relevant post-graduate qualification in life sciences, data or health. 
• Previous experience as a senior leader responsible for development and implementation of health data policy or strategy. 
• In depth knowledge of the UK health data landscape and stakeholder network. 
• Well developed understanding of how health data is used by the pharmaceutical industry in the discovery, development and evaluation of new medicines and vaccine and the benefits industry access to health data for research brings to patients, the NHS and the economy.
• Excellent organisational skills, with extensive experience of delivering a dynamic portfolio of projects to time and budget. Able to rapidly respond and re-prioritise as necessary to deliver desired outputs which achieve maximum impact. 
• Strong interpersonal skills. Adept at influencing and consensus building, with a proven track record of establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to effectively engage with senior members of the pharmaceutical industry, Government, NHS and academia and patient representatives.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills. Demonstrable ability to clearly and concisely communicate, conveying complex concepts to non-expert audiences, with extensive experience of producing reports and written briefings to a high standard.  
• Experience of managing high performing teams, including line and matrix management, setting expectations and effectively influencing and motivating others to achieved desired outcomes. 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 external events and meetings in the UK and 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.

Inclusivity

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone who works with us, visits our offices, or engages with our content.

Our workplace and events are designed with accessibility in mind, including step-free access, hearing support, and accessible restrooms.

Our online materials follow accessibility best practice to ensure they can be used by as many people as possible.

We are PIF tick certified, meaning our health information is trusted, evidence-based and easy to use and understand.

We actively seek to work with partners and suppliers who share our commitment to disability inclusion, and who demonstrate good practice in accessibility and inclusive employment.

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 Samantha Ogden, Chief of Staff, HR, Operations and Membership Services, SOgden@abpi.org.uk.

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.