Senior Brand Manager, Rare Disease, Gulf

Senior Brand Manager, Rare Disease, Gulf About Astra Zeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

AstraZeneca is accelerating the expansion of our geographical footprint in rare diseases following the acquisition of Alexion in 2021. Rare diseases are a high-growth therapy area with rapid innovation and significant unmet medical need. Over 7,000 rare diseases are known today – yet less than 1% of them have an approved treatment.

As we are currently positioned as a Rare Disease leader, we seek a Rare Diseases Senior Brand Manager to join our Commercial Team in UAE. The Senior Brand Manager is a full-time position, responsible for developing and implementing rare disease brand strategies for Gulf Markets.

The selected candidate will work very closely with the Gulf Franchise Head to deploy and adapt the AZ brand strategy to the local market, including tactics and execution.

The role reports to the Franchise Head.

The Senior Brand Manager will develop strategy for assigned portfolio: brand planning process, brand positioning in context of competitive landscape (messages, programs, key initiatives).

• Develops and coordinates implementation of marketing programs for assigned brand(s) including cost management
• Ensure launch readiness and planning of key activities pre/post launch. Builds solid marketing mix through delivery of appropriate channels. Proposes and supports design of appropriate programs to deliver excellence in customer experience
• Develop robust understanding of the patient journey to design tailored programs tackling the gaps within, with special attention to patient finding activities
• Leads forecast during the business planning process. Input to market research plan and monitors KPIs for brand dashboard
• Contributes for development and implementation of KOL management plan
• Lead identification and development of marketing best practices and support implementation on the local market
• Demonstrates business ethics and ensure active respect of values, business ethics, local laws, policies and Marketing procedures. Ensures all activities and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with the high standards of ethics and integrity required by the Code of Conduct, supporting Policies and Standards and Company Values to protect and enhance long term performance and reputation
• Manage advertising and other support agencies in implementing global communication tools and in developing local marketing materials, including promotional materials for the field team.
• Establish and maintain quality and trustful contacts within the relevant medical community, with opinion leaders, influencers and deciders, in compliance with local requirements: have frequent contact with field team, HCP and KOLs
• Support field teams’ execution of promotional events from concept design to content delivery
• Other duties within position’s scope, as assigned by Line Manager

• Science degree and or master’s degree in a scientific discipline
• Minimum 8 years of pharmaceutical experience
• Minimum 5 Years of Marketing Experience in Specialty Brands.
• Proven new product launch experience, including launch readiness and leading the cross-functional team (CFT) from 12 months pre-launch through post launch
• Experience in shaping ecosystem for diagnosis & management of complex disorders.
• Availability for travel within Gulf Markets
• Resilience to work effectively in a fast-changing environment
• Able to act and influence at a senior level
• Evidence of excellent skills in communication, presentation, influencing and projects tactical management

• Previous Haematology /or Nephrology/ or Neurology/ or Rare Endocrine marketing experience is a plus
• Rare disease experience.
• Experience in niche markets/orphan drugs.
• Experience in Gulf markets is other than UAE
• Solid leadership profile, potential to develop in a more senior role
• Excellent KEE management