Director, European Policy & Government Affairs

At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”—a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits. This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it.

Working with Us

Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.

 

Location: Brussels

 

The Director, European Government Affairs will be responsible for developing and executing powerful Government Affairs strategies to advance our policy priorities in Europe. Externally, they will act as an ambassador for the business in interactions with policymakers and other stakeholders. Internally, they will be an expert advisor to colleagues and senior leadership on key European policy issues. They can expect to work on policy issues spanning trade, intellectual property, science, industrial policy or therapy areas. The role is based in Brussels and is part of an industry-leading team committed to creating the policy conditions for our science to thrive and help deliver our medicines to more patients across Europe.

 

 

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

• Lead the development and implementation of highly effective government affairs / lobbying strategies for BMS at EU level, engaging on BMS policy issues with a wide range of policy stakeholders, including MEPs, European Commission officials, EU MS Permanent Representations, patient advocates, trade bodies and academics
• Shape European policy by applying expert knowledge of EU decision making processes and leveraging the expertise of BMS teams/functions.
• Engage in select trade association advocacy in support of BMS positions and represent BMS in working groups of key European trade associations.
• Support cross-functional teams in priority European markets with expert advice and help them meet corporate objectives and commercial priorities.
• Develop and manage relationships with relevant public affairs agencies and other partners.

 

Skills/Knowledge Required:

 

• 8 years of European public policy /  government affairs experience
• Strong track record of policy shaping and public affairs campaigns, preferably with experience in healthcare, trade, intellectual property and/or industrial competitiveness
• Expert understanding of European political institutions and the EU policy-making processes
• Active network of personal contacts in the EU institutions and national governments
• Significant experience of engaging with public policy stakeholders at country level around Europe
• Good knowledge of EU policies in health, innovation, single market, trade, IP, economic & digital policy
• Fluent in English. Proficiency in at least one other European language preferably Spanish or Italian
• Advanced degree in law, science, business, economics or political sciences
• Strong communicator with a proven ability to activate and influence without authority
• Ability to translate complex topics into resonant messages for a range of audiences
• Track record of working collaboratively, fostering teamwork, driving performance and exceeding expectations

We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials – if this role excites you, but doesn’t perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.

How We Work

Where you work matters – because collaboration, innovation and patient impact happen in many settings. Our roles are structured across four work models: site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design. The model assigned to this role is based on its core responsibilities. Learn more at https://careers.bms.com/ways-of-working.

Supporting People with Disabilities

BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Candidate Rights

BMS will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

For roles based in Los Angeles County only:  If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/

Data Protection

We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection.

Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.

If this posting is missing required information required by local law or incorrect, contact BMS at TAEnablement@bms.com with the Job Title and Requisition number. Do not send application-related inquiries to this email. To check your application status, please login to your Candidate Home Account.

R1606528 : Director, European Policy & Government Affairs