Brand Manager, Rare Disease

Do you have expertise in Brand Management and passionate about making a meaningful impact?  Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

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 needs. Over 7,000 rare diseases are known today – yet less than 1% of them have an approved treatment. As we begin to build our position as a Rare Disease Leader, we seek a Rare Disease, Brand Manager to join our Commercial Team in Bryanston.

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, global, science-led, patient-focused Biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There is no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. Our strategic priorities reflect how we are working to deliver our strategy and achieve our Purpose. As a workforce, we are the catalyst for our values: we are entrepreneurial; we do the right thing; we play to win; we put patients first and we follow the science. As a company we appreciate and take great pride in each team member where every person is brought together through shared values, that underpins a shared purpose. There is no better place to feel inspired and energised. Answer unmet medical needs by pioneering the next wave of science, focusing on outcomes and crafting the patient ecosystem.

At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in international markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.

ABOUT THE RARE DISEASE TEAM

Our rare disease team is driven by a passion to transform the lives of patients who need it most.  In this niche, yet high-impact space, every challenge we tackle and every solution we create has the potential to change lives.  United by a common goal to deliver life-changing therapies to patients with rare and often overlooked conditions, here’s what sets us apart:

• We see ourselves as pioneers of innovation.  Rare disease often demands groundbreaking science and our team thrives on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and fostering an environment where innovation isn’t just encouraged – it’s expected.

• We operate as a close-knit team, working collaboratively with our cross-functional colleagues to solve complex problems and drive sustainable access to treatment

• Adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit is key in our team to bring tailor-made solutions to the unique challenges faced by our HCPs and patients

• We embrace a patient-centric culture, where every decision we make is rooted in improving patient outcomes and directly impacts individuals and families in ways that are profoundly meaningful

• Growth and development of the team is a critical success factor in this emerging field and a key area of focus in our team, as we strive to contribute to making a meaningful difference.

What You will do

The Brand Manager is a full-time position, responsible for developing and implementing rare disease brand strategies. The Brand Manager will work very closely with the Business Unit Head and cross-functional team to deploy and adapt the AZ brand strategy to the local market, including tactics and execution.  The Brand Manager will develop a strategy for the assigned portfolio: brand planning process, and brand positioning in the context of the competitive landscape (messages, programs, key initiatives).

Job Description 

Design, implement and evaluate the marketing activities of assigned products within a given product line including distribution channel solutions (this will include digital, social media, inside sales). Assists in review of marketing programs and helps implement changes. Assists in the analysis of market data to identify key segment drivers. Works in conjunction with commercial and cross-functional teams.

Typical Accountabilities

• Develops and coordinates implementation of marketing programs for assigned brand(s) including cost management

• Ensures 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

• Suggests improvements to patient-finding and support protocols based on patient data analytics

• Leads forecast during business planning process. Input to market research plan and monitors KPIs for brand dashboard

• Contributes for development and implementation of KEE 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 KEEs

• Support field teams’ execution of promotional events from concept design to content delivery

• Other duties within position’s scope, as assigned by Line Manager

If this sounds appealing, please read on to understand the experience and skills we’re looking for…

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Must have a completed Medical/Science Degree

• Leadership skills, with the potential to develop in a more senior role

• 2-5 years of Brand management experience within an innovative pharmaceutical company with a focus on speciality care businesses

• 5 - 10 years’ industry experience, preferably in niche markets/orphan drugs.

• Product launch experience a plus

• Enhanced strategic capabilities

• Analytical skills

• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Relationship management and networking

• Availability for local travel

Desirable:

• MBA in relevant field

• Rare Disease experience is preferable but not mandatory.

• Experience in Enzyme Replacement Therapies/Genetics /Endocrinology/Immunology/Neurology will be an advantage

• Understanding of the South African Healthcare environment

Why AstraZeneca?

We are proud to have achieved Top Employer certification in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, as well as our Best Place to Work certification in Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and Senegal. It is the fourth year South Africa and Kenya have been awarded the Top Employer certification. Amongst the world's top 30 workplaces in 2023 This distinction is a confirmation of our commitment and ability to sustain people, partnerships, and employee engagement and foster an innovative workplace environment.

At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in international markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

Click the link to apply no later than 15 November 2024 and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Our social media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Close Date: 15/11/2024