Overview
Germany is a critical market for Incyte’s international growth and pipeline delivery. With an expanding portfolio in Oncology, Hematology, and Inflammation & Autoimmunity, the Head of External Affairs & Public Partnerships will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping Incyte’s long-term success. As a member of the German Leadership Team, the role provides strategic direction and operational oversight across government affairs, market shaping, public-private partnerships, corporate reputation, and patient-centered stakeholder engagement. The position leads a cross-functional team including the heads of Market Access, Government Affairs, and Public Affairs. This is a unique opportunity to elevate Incyte’s external profile in Germany, build credibility with national and regional decision-makers, and contribute to accelerated access to innovation with upcoming product launches.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
Act as a senior advisor to the General Manager, Germany, and contribute to strategic planning and country vision execution. Set a high standard of external collaboration and internal alignment, enhancing the leadership team's capabilities in working across stakeholder ecosystems. Promote a culture of enterprise thinking, performance, and strategic engagement within the external affairs team. Partner with European and global colleagues to contribute to international alignment and best practice exchange. Lead Market Shaping, Access & Policy Strategy activities: identify and activate market-shaping opportunities that anticipate future healthcare and access trends relevant for the German regulatory, policy, and reimbursement landscape. Ensure Germany’s readiness for upcoming launches in Hematology, Oncology, and Dermatology by aligning cross-functional teams behind a consistent external narrative. Define and lead national policy and advocacy strategies that support launch readiness and sustainable patient access to innovation. Engage with regional and national policy bodies to shape HTA frameworks, pricing policies, and evidence requirements. Inform brand teams of access-critical, policy-relevant external developments and scenario plan accordingly. Lead engagements with key trade associations to accelerate the company’s efforts to shape the biotech policy debate. - Stakeholder Engagement & Public Partnership
Develop and manage long-term partnerships with key external stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare payers, professional associations, HTA bodies, medical societies, and patient organizations. Lead the creation and implementation of a national stakeholder engagement plan to co-create solutions that serve patients and position Incyte as a constructive ecosystem partner. Initiate and steward public-private partnerships aligned with shared healthcare goals (e.g. access equity, data, digital health, or workforce sustainability). Represent Incyte’s position credibly and constructively in trade associations and policy forums, shaping the national innovation agenda and regulatory frameworks. - Reputation & Communications
Oversee strategic communications activities to position Incyte as a preferred partner in healthcare innovation. Drive storytelling around launches, scientific leadership, and societal impact. Manage issues proactively and ensure alignment with compliance and legal requirements. - Team Leadership
Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and functional excellence. Provide strategic direction and coaching to direct reports: Head of Market Access, Head of Government Affairs, and Public Affairs team. Foster cross-functional collaboration, strategic agility, and external engagement capabilities across the German organization. Promote talent development and succession planning within the external affairs function.
Requirements
- Minimum of 15 years’ experience in pharmaceutical external affairs, public affairs, government relations, or market access, with progressive leadership responsibility
- Advanced degree in health policy, public administration, political science, business, or life sciences preferred
- Proven expertise in navigating the German health policy and access environment, including AMNOG, G-BA, IQWiG, and stakeholder dynamics. BA/BS required
- Demonstrated success in developing partnerships and executing access and policy strategies that led to tangible business or patient outcomes
- Proven track record of working cross-functionally in a matrixed, international environment
- Strong network of institutional and policy stakeholders in Germany
- Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and negotiation skills
- Native-level German and fluent English required
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required.
We Respect Your Privacy. Learn more about our privacy practices and data protection policies within the informative sections of the job posting. For questions or to exercise your rights, contact the privacy team.
#J-18808-Ljbffr