Senior Manager Government Affairs

Summary  

• The Senior Manager, Government Affairs, will support the development and execution of BioMarin’s political, legislative and policy engagement strategy across selected markets in Europe and Canada (EUCAN). The role will identify emerging policy opportunities and risks, translate complex political and legislative developments into actionable business insights, and work cross-functionally to advance BioMarin's strategic and patient-centred objectives. 

• The role will report to the Senior Director, Government Affairs, based in Brussels

• Core areas of expertise required for this position include:  

• Timely identification, monitoring, and analysis of national political and legislative developments affecting BioMarin’s business; 

• Development and execution of an external political engagement strategy, with a focus on political decision‑makers; 

• Effectively operating within a matrixed, global organisation. 

• The Senior Manager will work to build a strong shared agenda and engage constructively with cross‑functional teams at both country, regional and global levels, collaborating closely with functions including Commercial, Pricing, Access, Value and Evidence, Regulatory and Regulatory Policy, Patient Advocacy, Medical Affairs, Legal, and Corporate Communications, among others.  

• The successful candidate must demonstrate adaptability in fast‑evolving legislative and policy environments, a high degree of self‑motivation and autonomy, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for people living with a rare disease. Strong attention to detail, excellent project management capabilities, and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities are essential. 

• The Senior Manager must operate with a high degree of effectiveness in a remote working model, maintaining strong alignment, communication, and accountability with Brussels‑based management. 

Key responsibilities 

• Represent the BioMarin Government Affairs function externally and internally, working in close coordination with the EUCAN Government Affairs team. Build strong, trusted relationships with cross-functional colleagues and proactively position Government Affairs as a strategic resource. 

• Identify, monitor, and analyse national-level political and legislative developments impacting BioMarin's commercialised products, pipeline assets, and broader operating environment. 

• Support the execution and delivery of in-country Government Affairs initiatives, in partnership with local BioMarin colleagues and external consultants, ensuring alignment with regional and global strategy. 

• Translate complex political and legislative developments into clear business implications and strategic recommendations for regional and global stakeholders. 

• Identify policy opportunities and emerging risks affecting patient access, innovation, rare disease policy, and the broader operating environment. 

• Develop and maintain relationships with key political decision-makers, policymakers, and other external stakeholders in priority markets. 

• Proactively develop and execute in-country political engagement strategies with local teams to prepare policy and legislative pathways for future products. 

• Support the development of coordinated advocacy strategies that align local market priorities with regional and global Government Affairs objectives. 

• Develop clear, high-quality Government Affairs materials and reports for internal audiences, as required. 

Education

• Advanced degree preferred in law, political science, and/or public policy.  

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, healthcare policy, political consulting, trade associations, government institutions, or the biopharmaceutical industry, preferably in one or more of the major European markets. 

• Strong understanding of healthcare systems, pharmaceutical policy, pricing and reimbursement frameworks, legislative processes, and political institutions across European markets. 

• Demonstrated experience developing and executing public policy or stakeholder engagement strategies that advance organisational objectives. 

• Proven ability to analyse complex policy environments and translate findings into clear strategic recommendations. 

• Strong understanding of rare disease policy and the research, development, regulation, and commercialisation of innovative and orphan medicines. 

• Experience engaging with political decision-makers, government officials, policymakers, patient organisations, and industry stakeholders. 

• Ability to shape and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups. 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a dynamic and evolving policy environment. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive-level briefing materials and policy analyses. 

• Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate multiple initiatives across geographies and functions. 

• High degree of professional judgment, discretion, integrity, and commitment to compliance. 

• Fluency in English required; additional European languages desirable. 

Core Competencies 

• Strategic thinking 

• Political acumen and stakeholder mapping 

• Policy analysis and issue management 

• Relationship building and external engagement 

• Ability to build alignment across functions and geographies 

• Ability to develop and deliver clear, concise communications for senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders 

• Agility and resilience in rapidly evolving policy environments 

• Results orientation and accountability 

• Sound judgment and ethical decision-making 

• Ability to work effectively and autonomously in a remote, potentially home-based working environment while maintaining strong communication, alignment, and accountability