Head of UK and Ireland Government Affairs

Gilead Sciences
London

Job Description

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.

Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description

MAIN TAsks & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

  • Lead and develop a high performing Government Affairs team

  • Be a member of the UK& I Leadership Team, provide thought leadership in terms of the evolving policy environment and potential impact on Gilead and contribute actively to the development and success of the organisation.

  • Be a member of the VP of International Government Affairs Leadership Team and contribute actively to its development and success.

  • Develop, maintain, and nurture relationships to represent and advance Gilead’s government affairs’ agenda before elected representatives, civil servants and those that influence them

  • Lead the development and execution of government affairs strategies that promote uptake and access of Gilead’s portfolio

  • Shape relevant policy debates in areas of interest for Gilead

Core Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Develop, manage, and coordinate strategies, initiatives, operations, and activities related to national and regional health and pharmaceutical policy and legislation.

  • Partner with parliamentarians and members of the government, and their advisers for the purpose of facilitating and enhancing Gilead’s mission.

  • Work collaboratively and align with other members of government affairs department as well as other Gilead departments in the UK and globally to ensure that Gilead’s business priorities are fully aligned with government affairs initiatives and policy objectives and help Gilead identify opportunities to work with policymakers to advance its mission.

  • Excellent understanding of the political and business environment and implement an active contact program with political stakeholders.

Requirements

  • Excellent drafting, writing, and interpersonal communications skills.

  • Strong team player and government affairs leader.

  • Exceptional level of influencing and managing relationships within and outside of Gilead to develop, implement and coordinate the Government Affairs strategy.

  • Advanced skills, depth and expertise in government affairs as well as advanced business judgment and analytical skills.

  • Effective relationships with members of healthcare, legislative, regulatory and policy community.

  • Extensive experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries.

  • Experience of establishing external stakeholder groups to advance policy goals.

  • Requires a strong track record of experience in implementing projects with defined outcomes in government, a government affairs, public affairs or policy role.

  • Excellent strategic thinker with ability to formulate, develop and execute on business-relevant strategies and to work on new policy advocacy strategies and activities, e.g. digital advocacy.

  • Strong executive presence with ability to command respect through experience internally and externally.

  • Strong entrepreneurial skills and sound business judgment and analytical skills.

  • Skilled at managing cross-functional teams or working groups.

  • Experience of budget and cost centre management.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

It is the policy of Gilead Sciences, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively "Gilead" or the "Company") to recruit select and employ the most qualified persons available for positions throughout the Company. Except if otherwise provided by applicable law, all employment actions relating to issues such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, returns from layoffs, company-sponsored training, education assistance, social and recreational programs are administered on a non-discriminatory basis (i.e. without regard to protected characteristics or prohibited grounds, which may include an individual’s gender, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, veteran status, and age, unless such protection is prohibited by federal, state, municipal, provincial, local or other applicable laws). Gilead also prohibits discrimination based on any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.


For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.

Posted 2026-02-03

Recommended Jobs

Computer Science Teacher - January 2026

Marchant Recruitment
London

Computer Science Teacher – Competitive and forward-thinking independent school – Westminster Our client is looking for a motivated Computer Science Teacher to join a prestigious, academically compe…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-19

Chemistry Teacher - Brilliant School in Chelsea

Marchant Recruitment
London

Chemistry Teacher – Drive Practical Excellence and Academic Rigour in a Prestigious West London School – Kensington & Chelsea A prestigious, academic secondary school in Kensington & Chelsea r…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-19

Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences

RVC
Camden, Greater London

We have an exciting opening for up to two academics at Lecturer or Senior Lecturer level to join the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences at our Camden campus. The posts are suitable for rese…

View Details
Posted 2026-02-09

Humanities Teacher

Reeson Education
Bexleyheath, Greater London

Humanities Teacher Flexible start date Excellent rates of pay Part or full time work patterns available Suitable for a Humanities ECT or experienced Humanities Teacher Applications we…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-06

Brand Ambassador - London

London

We believe that difference sparks brilliance, so we welcome people and ideas from everywhere to join us in stretching what’s possible. At Tapestry, being true to yourself is core to who we are. …

View Details
Posted 2026-03-10

Band6 - Community Physiotherapist - Woolwich

Pulse
London

Job title: Locum Community Physiotherapist Banding: 6 Location: Woolwich Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00 (Can be flexible) Start Date:  ASAP Duration:  Full Time Rate:…

View Details
Posted 2025-07-31

Software - Contract - Con/Scon/PCon/Partner

IN Group
London

InX Strat & Consulting – Tech Consulting is welcoming expressions of interest from experienced professionals eager to secure future contract assignments within the software sector. Whether you are se…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-06

Field Service Engineer/ Service Technician - Essex

Selecta
Romford, Greater London

Selecta is the largest provider of unattended self-serve coffee and convenience food in Europe, leading the way in vending solutions and specialist coffee services. We are hiring a Service Technician…

View Details
Posted 2026-02-09

Social Media Manager - Brand Hackers

Up Collective
London

Social Media Manager £35-50k (depending on experience) About Brand Hackers We help challenger brands fight smarter, think sharper, and win bigger. We’re the secret growth partner trusted by s…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-24