Senior Manager, Oncology Policy & Advocacy

About the position

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe. Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office is purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects. Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we’re taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention. Reporting to the Director, OBU Policy & Patient Advocacy, the Senior Manager, Oncology Policy & Advocacy is responsible for developing and driving national policy and advocacy strategies aligned with oncology priorities. This role leads stakeholder engagement with patient advocacy organizations and provides strategic guidance on policy and advocacy initiatives that support business objectives.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement national policy and advocacy strategies aligned with oncology priorities.
  • Develop and execute targeted, measurable advocacy and partner engagement plans aligned with business and policy objectives.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with oncology patient advocacy organizations; identify and engage new partners.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for external advocacy partners, ensuring coordinated and consistent engagement.
  • Act as a convenor to bring together internal and external stakeholders to collaborate on shared priorities.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Market Access, Government Affairs, Health Systems Strategy, Commercial, and Medical teams to ensure alignment on strategic initiatives.
  • Monitor the external environment, analyze trends, and provide strategic recommendations on advocacy and engagement priorities.
  • Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership (Commercial, Medical and other Functional Leadership) on patient advocacy and policy matters.
  • Ensure all activities align with AstraZeneca’s Code of Conduct and corporate policies, maintaining ethical and compliant engagement.

Requirements

  • 5–10 years of experience in patient advocacy, public health, health policy, or a related field.
  • Experience working with patient advocacy organizations in Canada; deep oncology experience required.
  • Proven experience influencing or contributing to public policy initiatives.
  • Strong understanding of the Canadian healthcare system and oncology patient advocacy landscape.
  • Knowledge of the medicines lifecycle and patient engagement opportunities across development and commercialization.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish relationships, influence partners, and drive collaboration.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
  • Agile and adaptable, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
  • Deep understanding of, or strong curiosity about, the needs of people living with cancer and their caregivers.
  • Experience managing external agencies and consultants.
  • Ability to travel within Canada (~20%).
  • Understanding of private payer system.
  • Commitment to ethical, patient-centered engagement in healthcare and science.

Benefits

  • Competitive Flex Benefits & Retirement Savings Program
  • 4 weeks’ paid vacation
  • annual Personal Days
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