Pharmaceutical Product Innovation Lead

• This position is hybrid and will require you to be onsite 2 days per week in our Leiden, Netherlands office.
• Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines Statement- At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

• This role will operate at the intersection of patient experience, product design, lifecycle strategy, technical development, and commercial value creation. The Head, Pharmaceutical Product Innovation will lead cross functional efforts to identify opportunities spanning delivery, formulation, dosing, administration model, device strategy, route of administration, and site of care optimization that improve patient and provider experience while driving meaningful strategic and economic value for Astellas.
• The role will partner closely with stakeholders across Pharmaceutical Development, CMC, Medical, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Commercial, Market Access, Business Development, Manufacturing, Device Engineering, and external partners to translate patient journey and healthcare provider workflow insights into actionable product innovation strategies and prioritized business cases.

• The Head, Pharmaceutical Product Innovation leads a cross functional capability focused on identifying and advancing high value product innovation opportunities across both pipeline and on market assets.
• Operating at the intersection of patient experience, product design, lifecycle strategy, technical development, and commercial value, the role drives innovation in delivery systems, formulation, dosing, administration methods, device strategy, route of administration, and site of care optimization.
• The position partners with stakeholders across Pharmaceutical Development, CMC, Clinical, Medical, Regulatory, Commercial, Market Access, Manufacturing, Device Engineering, Quality, Business Development, and external partners to translate patient journey and healthcare provider workflow insights into actionable strategies and prioritized business cases.
• Responsibilities include leading portfolio level opportunity identification, assessing desirability, feasibility, viability, operational complexity, strategic fit, and financial impact, and guiding matrixed teams through concept development, governance, and integration into product strategy and QTPP planning.
• The role also develops strategic business cases, evaluates clinical, operational, commercial, and financial implications, and presents recommendations to senior leadership.
• It oversees innovation program management, ensuring sponsorship, alignment, visibility, and delivery of high value initiatives.

• PhD degree, MSc with extensive experience, or BS/BA (or equivalent) with solid years of experience across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and/or digital health industries, with demonstrated progression in strategic leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success leading complex cross functional initiatives spanning technical, commercial, operational, and regulatory functions.
• Experience developing and advancing innovative product, delivery, device, service, or patient centred healthcare solutions.
• Proven ability to lead through influence within highly matrixed and agile organizations and align diverse stakeholders around shared strategic objectives.
• Experience developing executive level business cases, strategic recommendations, and portfolio prioritization frameworks.
• Proficiency in pharmaceutical product development, commercialization strategy, lifecycle management, and healthcare market dynamics.
• Experience engaging with or supporting functions such as Commercial, Medical, Regulatory, CMC, Pharmaceutical Development, Manufacturing, Market Access, and/or Business Development.
• Strong strategic agility and ability to navigate ambiguity.
• Overseas travel may be required.

• Experience with patient journey mapping, human-centred design, and/or design-thinking methodologies in healthcare or pharmaceutical settings.
• Experience supporting lifecycle strategy, delivery/device innovation, or administration model optimization initiatives.
• Experience with combination products, digital health technologies, Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), or connected care solutions is a plus.
• MBA or advanced degree in business, life sciences, engineering, or related field preferred.

• Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
• Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
• Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
• A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.

• Impact
• Innovation
• Integrity
• One Astellas
• Accountability
• Courage
• Sense of Urgency
• Outcome Focus

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