Global Patient Advocacy Lead

About the Role

As the Global Patient Advocacy Lead, you will be instrumental in shaping and advancing the company's worldwide patient advocacy strategy, ensuring patient perspectives are deeply embedded in external communications, disease awareness campaigns, and engagement efforts. Reporting within Global Communications & Strategic Affairs, you will forge strong, trusted partnerships with patient organizations, with a focus on Europe, and collaborate closely with affiliates to develop compliant and impactful advocacy programs. This role emphasizes strengthening the company's standing as a reliable partner to patient communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and refine a global patient advocacy strategy aligned with therapeutic priorities and overall corporate goals.
• Enhance the representation of patient voices within corporate narratives and external messaging.
• Establish and nurture relationships with international and European patient advocacy bodies, including umbrella and national organizations.
• Act as the company’s representative in advocacy forums and stakeholder discussions.
• Work collaboratively with regional affiliates to create compliant and effective advocacy partnerships across markets.
• Facilitate the sharing of best practices and link regional patient advocacy initiatives for cross-affiliate alignment.
• Support and contribute to advocacy programs, disease awareness efforts, and patient-centric partnerships in conjunction with Medical Affairs and local teams.
• Serve as a pivotal liaison across internal functions to integrate patient insights and enhance internal awareness.

Candidate Profile

• University-level degree in communications, public affairs, life sciences, or related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience in patient advocacy, corporate affairs, or stakeholder engagement within healthcare or pharmaceuticals.
• Strong background working with patient organizations and familiarity with the advocacy environment.
• Competence in managing complex, international, cross-functional stakeholder landscapes.
• Capability to translate patient insights into impactful initiatives and communication strategies.
• Experience in rare diseases is advantageous.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in additional languages is considered a plus.

Benefits

• Opportunities for personal career advancement in a meaningful role improving patient quality of life.
• Hybrid working model promoting a balanced professional and personal life.
• Workplace situated in an accessible location featuring modern facilities and an onsite company restaurant.
• Employment with a global family business characterized by flat hierarchy and a respectful, open culture.
• Competitive compensation complemented by extensive social benefits.
• Access to a variety of employer-subsidized perks including WellPass, Germany ticket, Corporate Benefits, and JobBike programs.

About Merz Therapeutics

Merz Therapeutics is a prominent pharmaceutical firm dedicated to enhancing the lives of patients with movement disorders, neurological conditions, liver diseases, and other health challenges. Founded more than a century ago, the family-owned company operates globally, offering products in over 90 countries. Their mission centers on improving treatment outcomes to alleviate suffering for patients and their communities. With a strong emphasis on innovative research and development, Merz Therapeutics strives to address unmet patient needs through effective therapies. Join their international team and contribute to their commitment to achieving better outcomes for more patients.