Senior Government Affairs Manager (m/w/d)

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

The Senior Government Affairs Manager, Austria is responsible for developing and executing the company’s government affairs strategy in Austria. This role provides expert policy analysis, leads advocacy initiatives, and builds effective relationships with government officials, trade associations, industry partners, and key external stakeholders. The position works closely with internal business leaders to ensure alignment on public policy priorities, regulatory developments, and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a proactive government affairs strategy for Austria aligned with business priorities.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislative, regulatory, and policy developments relevant to the business.
• Advocate company positions with government authorities, policymakers, and relevant institutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including ministries, regulators, industry groups, and trade associations.
• Represent the company in trade association meetings, working groups, and policy forums.
• Lead issue management and policy positioning on matters of strategic importance.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Legal, Compliance, External Affairs, Communications, Market Access, and Business Units.
• Prepare high-quality briefing materials, position papers, recommendations, and stakeholder updates.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities in the political and regulatory environment.
• Support senior leadership with executive-level advice on government affairs matters.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in political science, public policy, law, economics, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, public affairs, regulatory affairs, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement within Austria or comparable markets.
• Proven track record of leading trade association and industry engagement activities.
• Strong understanding of Austrian political, legislative, and regulatory processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior audiences.
• Strong judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to manage complex issues with discretion.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed, cross-functional, and international environment.

Key Stakeholders

• External:
  • Austrian government, ministries, health insurances
  • Members of parliament and policy advisors
  • Industry and trade association partners
  • External advisors, consultants, and strategic partners
• Internal:
  • GM, senior leadership at affiliate and global level, and business unit directors
  • Legal, Compliance, External Affairs, Communications, Market Access

Additional Requirements

• English required; German preferred.
• Ability to travel within Austria and occasionally within Europe as needed.
• High ethical standards and commitment to compliance in all government engagement activities.
• Self-starter with the ability to operate independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

This role requires a seasoned professional who can lead complex government affairs activities, build trusted relationships, and support business objectives through strategic policy engagement.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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