Patient Journey Partner, Rare Disease

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, Patient Journey Partner to join our Commercial Team in Bryanston.

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven BioPharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization 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. 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. 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’s no better place to feel inspired and energised. 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 OUR 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 Rare Disease Patient Journey Partner is a full-time position, responsible for generating clinical demand for our brands in key accounts, proactively identifying business opportunities, recommending solutions to drive and develop business, and developing of opinion leader commercial relationships. The Rare Disease Patient Journey Partner serves the region as an expert in their therapeutic area, product and territory knowledge.  The role will work very closely with the BU Head, Brand Manager and cross-functional team to deploy and adapt the AZ account management strategy to the local market, including tactics and execution.  The Patient Journey Partner Patient Journey Partner reports directly to the BU Head and the PJP will be responsible for generating clinical demand for Rare Disease medicines with healthcare professionals (HCP), proactively identifying new patient/patients on therapy targets, presenting value propositions, and recommending patient-centric solutions. In doing so, this role will develop strategic and mutually beneficial relationships with the healthcare professionals (HCP), Key External Experts (KEE) and other stakeholders, based on a deep scientific understanding of the rare disease and therapeutic solutions, to identify the best opportunities for the assigned part of AZ's portfolio to deliver life-changing medicines to patient.

Typical Accountabilities Include:

• Engages HCPs in dialogue to effectively promote knowledge about rare disease medicines value proposition, benefits of approved indications, product efficacy/safety profiles and treatment protocols to support on-label prescribing for appropriate patients, using science-driven balanced messages and the appropriate mix of tools and channels – both face-to-face and digital. Proactively identifies new patient/patients on therapy targets.

• Consistently achieve or exceed sales objectives in the assigned region including accurate and timely tracking and reporting of sales activities

• Demonstrates strong in-depth clinical, technical, and scientific knowledge in relevant disease states and product mechanisms of action

• To improve the identification and diagnosis of patients and manage the market development objectives, strategies, tactics, and action plans within the stated territory.

• Ensure achievement of the following three key imperatives and performance measures:

  • Increase disease awareness with key target groups

  • To work with healthcare professionals to identify and test high risk patients for the relevant diseases

  • Establish a key external expert (KEE) network

• Identify and develop KEEs within the territory

• Liaise with cross-functional medical, marketing, market access and diagnostic teams to develop long-term relationships and advocacy with KEEs, HCP accounts and other appropriate external stakeholders

• Organize workshops and other educational events to facilitate knowledge sharing among relevant HCPs

• Work with Business Unit Head, brand manager and cross-functional team to develop and implement a strategy and actions to meet promotional objectives

• Manage allocated budge

• Share insights and information to strengthen brand positioning, promotional efforts, access to treatment etc.

• Ensure rare disease products are optimally utilized in line with national/local guidelines and the product license

• Demonstrate strong business ethic and ensure active respect of values, local laws, policies, and marketing procedures. Ensure 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

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

Individual & Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Ability to navigate complex, evolving landscapes and adapt strategies and approach to meet the unique needs of HCPs and patients

• Resilience and persistence in a challenging niche market where patient populations are smaller, and market awareness may be limited

• Problem-solving skills and critical thinking to identify solutions for unique challenges associated with rare diseases

• High attention to detail, particularly scientific data and patient needs as rare disease markets often require tailored approaches

• Possess emotional intelligence and empathy to display sensitivity to the challenges and emotional needs of patients, caregivers and HCPs, fostering trust and meaningful connections

• Demonstrate scientific curiosity and an interest in staying informed about advancements in rare disease research, treatment options and new scientific findings

• The ability to convey complex scientific information clearly to diverse audiences

• Have a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams and external multidisciplinary teams

• Ability to influence decision-makers

• Build strong relationships with KEEs, HCPs and other stakeholders in the rare disease space

Selling Skills

• Demonstrate deep product and disease knowledge and be able to effectively educate HCPs about the nuances of rare diseases, the specific needs of patients and how the treatment addresses those needs

• Be able to clearly articulate the value of the treatment, not just from a clinical perspective but also in terms of long-term patient outcomes and healthcare system impact 

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the reimbursement and funder environment to support market access reimbursement objectives and handle HCP objections and concerns

• Be able to address concerns about the high cost of rare disease therapies, focusing on long-term benefits and overall patient outcomes

• Work collaboratively with the patient support team to have an active awareness of patient adoption and adherence, including patient challenges and barriers to adherence

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the patient advocacy space and the patient experience journey, from diagnosis to treatment and the barriers that they may face in accessing care

• Engage with a variety of stakeholders to support access, uptake and reimbursement of rare disease treatment

• Build strong relationships with KEEs and other stakeholders to foster trust and open communication

• Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility to tailor strategies according to the unique needs of the patient or HCP, pulling together insights from various stakeholders and cross-functional teams

• Demonstrate strong analytical skills to analyze trends and leverage data to support discussions with KEEs, HCPs and other relevant stakeholders

• Be able to proactively address objections and concerns about treatment efficacy, cost or patient outcomes with solid evidence-backed outcomes

• Demonstrates active listening skills, to enable a greater understanding of the customer's values and viewpoints

• Uses a range of questioning techniques to elicit information relating to the unmet need and treatment options and to maintain positive tension

Results Driven:

• Effectively prioritizes accounts using data and tools available

• Sets SMART customer objectives

• Effectively determines the key stakeholders in the account

• Sets SMART account objectives

• Identifies opportunities and strategies to improve positioning of AZ's specialist portfolio

• Drives cross-functional and cross-regional collaboration to fully leverage AZ's account management capabilities

• Shares information, insight, and expertise with sales team members and the cross-functional team

Drives the Business:

• Builds and adapts sales plans to ensure business impact and goal achievement in a timely manner

• Takes decisions and actions to adapt current approach in response to market changes

• Seeks to identify opportunities and actions that will help to achieve more strategic objectives

• Drives sales performance by ensuring sales targets are met or exceeded and budgets are managed

• Drives successful implementation of key account strategies and business plans

• Drives a process that pulls on cross-functional resources to deliver the targeted account insight and outcome

Business Acumen: 

• Understands the wider business environment and incorporates this into their territory action plans

• Applies knowledge of business principles e.g., SWOT analysis, to support sales efforts

• Analyses appropriate internal/external data to develop their sales strategy

• Positions relevant market access solutions in the context of AZ's value proposition (including where appropriate cost of diagnostic testing)

• Demonstrates detailed knowledge of the issues stakeholders & accounts face with reimbursement and budgeting, in the interconnected specialist ecosystem

Knowledge: Healthcare Environment

• Shows detailed knowledge of their healthcare ecosystem for their therapeutic area

• Understand how broader healthcare issues/trends will affect their customer decision-making

• Keeps abreast of the latest developments in the industry and new regulations

• If appropriate, understand the diagnostic environment, i.e., companion diagnostics, and potential barriers to effective treatment

Customer:

• Understands the local healthcare environment, patient pathway and individual HCP’s role and situation

• Understands individuals within the decision-making unit and their key drivers and objections

• Understands customer's personal profile, style, and attitude

• Develops and manages long-term external relationships, focusing on relevant senior stakeholders within high-value accounts

• Credibly engages influential stakeholders across the broader specialist ecosystem to collaboratively develop win-win-win solutions

• At private sector may be required to handle basic managed healthcare (medical aid scheme) discussions at the doctor’s practice

Compliance:

• Follows correct procedures and SOPs for all activities and planned meetings

• Behaves in an ethical manner in response to requests or challenging situations, displaying a transparent and honest approach

• Ensures AZ's products meet with national and local guidelines and the product license

• Ensures compliance with the AZ Code of Conduct, Global External Interactions Policy and Standards, and Privacy Policy and standards

Disease, Science, Therapy, Product, & Competitors:

• Demonstrates solid scientific and disease area knowledge in their therapeutic area

• Continually builds their scientific and disease area knowledge

• Possesses detailed knowledge of relevant clinical trials and data

• Demonstrates extensive understanding of their product portfolio and relevant competitor product

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Must have a completed Tertiary qualification in medical sciences; life sciences and/or Human Anatomy ie: B.Sc

• Gauteng-based role, the candidate must reside in Johannesburg and must be willing to work in F/S & KZN as a country trip

• Must have 3-5 years of proven specialist sales experience within the Rare Disease therapy area.

• Only candidates with Rare Disease experience will be considered.

• Valid driver’s license and own vehicle.

• Experience in the neurology field, with different Pediatric subspecialties, and metabolic/geneticists are highly regarded

• Proven track record for delivering consistent, ‘top-tier’ sales results

• Experience in project management

• Passion for science and commitment to make a positive personal impact. Curiousness and learning agility

• Strong influencing skills to engage key stakeholders in complex clinical environments, e.g., mid, and senior-level specialty care professionals, key accounts in the medical community

• Proactive and solution-oriented. Strong analytical skills

• Collaborative and inclusive

• High ethical standards

Desirable

• Preferably 5 years’ experience of the hospital business: preferably in niche markets/orphan drugs

• Prior market access or MSL experience in rare diseases would be considered

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team!

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 12 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/

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