Head of Government Affairs

Job description

We are looking for a Head of Government Affairs to join our team in Finland. You will lead Government Affairs for GSK Finland at a critical time for healthcare policy and access to innovation. International pricing reforms, including MFN developments, increasing pressure on public finances and changes within the Finnish health system are reshaping how innovative medicines reach patients. Your role will be to anticipate these changes and turn them into clear strategies, partnerships and action. Working with government, payers, healthcare leaders, patient organisations and industry partners, you will help create an environment in which Finnish patients can benefit from medical innovation and the healthcare system can remain sustainable. You will be a trusted adviser to the Finland Leadership Team, bringing external insight into business decisions and mobilising colleagues behind a focused government affairs strategy. This is a highly visible role for someone who can combine political judgement, strategic thinking and practical delivery. We create a place where people can grow, be their best, be safe, and feel welcome, valued and included. We offer a competitive salary, an annual bonus based on company performance, healthcare and wellbeing programmes, pension plan membership, and shares and savings programme. We embrace modern work practises; our Performance with Choice programme offers a hybrid working model, empowering you to find the optimal balance between remote and in-office work. Discover more about our company wide benefits and life at GSK on our webpage Life at GSK | GSK In this role you will Lead an ambitious Government Affairs strategy that improves Finnish patients’ access to innovative medicines while supporting a sustainable healthcare system. Anticipate Finnish and international policy developments, including MFN and pricing reform, and translate them into clear business strategies and action. Build trusted relationships with government, health authorities, payers, wellbeing services counties, patient organisations and other influential stakeholders. Shape evidence-based policy solutions and partnerships that address barriers to prevention, treatment and patient access. Advise and mobilise senior leaders and cross-functional teams around clear external priorities, messages and stakeholder plans. Represent GSK with credibility and influence in government forums, industry associations and multi-stakeholder initiatives. Why you? Basic Qualifications & Skills: We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals: A bachelor’s degree in public policy, public health, law, political science, economics, life sciences or a related field. At least seven years of relevant experience in government affairs, public affairs, health policy or external affairs. Deep understanding of the Finnish political and healthcare environment, including healthcare financing, reimbursement, health technology assessment and national and regional decision-making. A strong network and proven credibility with Finnish government, health authorities, payers or other senior healthcare stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to anticipate complex policy developments and translate them into focused strategies and measurable action. Experience influencing policy or system change through evidence, stakeholder engagement, advocacy or coalition-building. Strong political judgement and the confidence to advise and constructively challenge senior leaders. Experience leading work across commercial, market access, medical, regulatory, communications and legal teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Finnish and English. Preferred Qualifications & Skills: Please note the following skills are not necessary, just preferred, if you do not have them, please still apply: Experience in the pharmaceutical, healthcare or life sciences sector, particularly in access to innovative medicines or vaccines. Understanding of international pharmaceutical policy, pricing reform and the potential implications of MFN policies for smaller European markets. A track record of establishing public-private partnerships or multi-stakeholder coalitions that delivered meaningful policy or healthcare-system impact. Experience representing an organisation in national industry associations, government working groups or senior policy forums. Experience leading people, developing capability and mobilising teams in a complex matrix organisation. You communicate clearly and directly. You act with integrity and build trust through follow-through. You are pragmatic, delivery-focused and patient-centred. You welcome different perspectives and help create an inclusive workplace where everyone can do their best work. You are curious, resilient and willing to learn. Working pattern: This role is based in Finland. The position is hybrid, with a regular on-site presence required to work with colleagues and stakeholders. Some travel across Finland and occasional international travel may be expected If you want to shape government engagement that improves health outcomes in Finland, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a short note explaining how your experience fits this role. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Closing Date for Applications – 18th August 2026 (COB) Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert. When applying for this role, please use the ‘cover letter’ of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application. At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more: Our approach to R&D. Skills Campaign Development, Corporate Copywriting, Data Analytics, Digital Fluency, Government Affairs, Market Shaping, Policy Knowledge, Political Acumen, Political Awareness, Public Policies, Regulatory Awareness, Reputation Management, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management, Storytelling, Strategic Influence, Strategic Planning Finnish Salary Range: EUR 86,250 to EUR 143,750The annual gross base salary range for new hires in this position is listed above for each applicable location. These ranges take into account a number of factors including the candidate’s skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. In addition, this position may offer an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program which is dependent on the level of the role. More detailed information on the total benefits package will be supplied during the recruitment process. This role is available for applicants from multiple locations, and therefore salary ranges for certain locations are also shown. Salary ranges for other locations are shown because some markets have pay transparency laws that require salary information on job postings, and those locations are potential job sites for this role. If salary ranges are not displayed in the job posting for a specific location or country, the relevant compensation will be discussed during the recruitment process. Please note salaries vary by country based on the candidate’s skills, experience, educatio