About Astellas:
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health.
Astellas is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and operates in ~70 countries and areas. We have more than 13,500 employees around the world. Astellas continues to expand our global footprint. We have 18 R&D sites and more than 10 manufacturing sites across the globe, including sites capable of cell and gene therapy production.
We pursue innovative science, focussing initially on the areas of greatest potential and then developing solutions where patient need is high, often in rare or under-served disease areas and in life-threatening or life-limiting diseases and conditions.
We work closely with regulatory authorities and payers to find new ways to ensure access to new therapies. We deliver the latest insights and real-world evidence to inform the best decisions for patients and their care-givers, to ensure the medicines we develop continue to provide meaningful outcomes.
Beyond medicines, we support our stakeholder communities to drive initiatives that improve awareness, education, access and ultimately standards of care.
The Opportunity:
As Global External Affairs Lead, you will help shape Astellas’ voice in a rapidly shifting geopolitical and industrial landscape ensuring our innovation agenda is understood, supported, and enabled by the stakeholders who influence the future of healthcare.
This role sits at the nexus of global policy, reputation leadership, and strategic engagement, driving integrated advocacy across priority markets and multilateral arenas. You will help position Astellas as a trusted partner in life-sciences innovation, strengthen our influence on critical policy debates, and build the external alliances necessary to protect and expand patient access to breakthrough therapies. This is a high-impact opportunity for a seasoned public affairs leader to play a defining role in the company’s global visibility and long-term competitiveness.
Joining the Global Public Affairs team established 12 months ago and reporting to the VP, Head of Global Public Affairs, you will be joining the organization in a transformative phase in which we are strengthening our enterprise capability in public affairs.
Hybrid Working:
At Astellas we recognise the importance of balancing your work and home life, so we offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues in person at the office alongside the flexibility to work from home; optimising the most productive work environment for you to succeed and deliver.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build, manage, and elevate relationships with major global policy organizations (e.g., IFPMA, EFPIA, PhRMA, BIAC/OECD Health and Others).
- Develop and execute a strategic external engagement roadmap aligned with Astellas’ global policy priorities including innovation, health system sustainability, biotech competitiveness, and trade.
- Represent Astellas in global and regional policy coalitions, alliances, working groups, and taskforces.
- Ensure alignment of advocacy narratives across stakeholder groups emphasizing innovation, access, and patient benefit.
- Partner closely with Market Access, Patient Partnerships, Sustainability, and Regional Policy & Government Affairs leads to enable coordinated global and local advocacy.
Essential Knowledge & Experience:
- Proven experience in public policy, government affairs, external relations, or similar strategic roles within the life sciences sector or an international policy institution.
- Deep understanding of global health policy, innovation, regulation, and access frameworks.
- Proven success in building coalitions and influencing complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Strong ability to translate policy engagement into meaningful business outcomes.
Preferred Skills & Knowledge:
- Experience in the pharmaceutical or broader healthcare industry.
- Consultancy background in public affairs or strategic communications.
- Experience working with national or regional healthcare industry associations.
- Government, parliamentary, or regulatory agency experience.
Education:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Policy, International Relations, Life Sciences, Economics, or related field.
Additional information:
- Type of role: This is a permanent role.
- Location: Belgium
- This role follows a hybrid working model, blending home-based work with a minimum of 1 day per quarter in the office (to be confirmed based on primary location and business needs). Flexibility may be required in line with business needs.
- This position may require travel domestically and/or internationally.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Beware of recruitment scams impersonating Astellas recruiters or representatives. Authentic communication will only originate from an official Astellas LinkedIn profile or a verified company email address. If you encounter a fake profile or anything suspicious, report it promptly to LinkedIn's support team through LinkedIn Help
#LI-Vilvoorde
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-JU1