Brand Manager, Rare Disease at AstraZeneca

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