Director Head of Government Affairs

About the Role

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is seeking a Director, Head of Government Affairs for Saudi Arabia and GCC markets. This full-time position is based in Riyadh and reports to the Executive Director, Head of Government Affairs, Intercontinental Region. The Director will be a member of both the Middle East Leadership Team and the Intercontinental Region Government Affairs Leadership Team, responsible for developing and executing Government Affairs strategies aligned with Gilead's business priorities and public health objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Government Affairs strategies for Saudi Arabia and GCC markets, supporting business priorities.
• Shape policy discussions related to healthcare reform, pharmaceutical innovation, access, reimbursement, and public health.
• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, policymakers, healthcare authorities, and industry associations.
• Represent Gilead in external forums and industry platforms.
• Partner with Market Access, Medical Affairs, Commercial, Regulatory Affairs, and Public Affairs teams to support launch readiness and lifecycle management.
• Monitor healthcare, political, and policy developments across Saudi Arabia and GCC markets, assessing risks and opportunities.
• Provide strategic counsel to Middle East leadership on policy developments and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead complex Government Affairs projects and cross-functional workstreams.

Leadership and Strategic Counsel

The Director will serve as a strategic advisor to the Saudi General Manager and Middle East leadership team, offering insights into healthcare policy, political, regulatory, and market developments impacting Gilead's business. This role involves active contribution to business strategy and performance as a member of the Middle East Leadership Team and the Intercontinental Region Government Affairs Leadership Team.

Policy Shaping and Stakeholder Engagement

This position will shape the external policy environment to support value recognition, patient access, and sustainable uptake of Gilead's current and future innovations. Responsibilities include identifying opportunities to position Gilead as a trusted partner in national healthcare transformation agendas, such as Saudi Vision 2030, and establishing partnerships that advance public health priorities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Over 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute Government Affairs strategies.
• Experience in healthcare policy, political, regulatory, and market analysis.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with key government and healthcare stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including Commercial, Market Access, Medical Affairs, Public Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, and Compliance.

Work Environment

This is a full-time role based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, requiring close collaboration with regional and intercontinental leadership teams. The role involves contributing to regional Government Affairs initiatives across GCC markets and managing external consultants and strategic partnerships as applicable.