Head of Government Affairs

Vice President, Head of Government Affairs – Location: Princeton NJ (Washington, DC)

Sun is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patient outcomes through innovative and high-quality products. Our commitment to excellence and our focus on patient care drive our mission to transform healthcare and deliver value to our stakeholders.

At Sun Pharma We Believe Our People Are An Invaluable Asset. Our Culturally Diverse Workforce Is One Of Our Biggest Strengths, Along With The Rich Experience They Bring Across Varied Skill-sets. We Are Proud That Our Global Workforce Is Bound By Our Common Values

Humility. Integrity. Passion. Innovation.

Job Summary

The Head of Government Affairs will lead and execute the company's strategy for government affairs, market access, sales, and business development. This individual will be responsible for expanding the company’s presence in government sectors, including federal, state, and local entities, with a focus on securing contracts with government healthcare systems (such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and Medicaid). This role will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of sales strategies with the company’s overall objectives.

The Head of Government Affairs will represent the Company on various issues that confront the Company and will develop and deploy a lobbying and advocacy strategy for Federal and State officials and will develop and implement strategies to communicate the Company’s position to Federal and State elected officials, other policymakers, other outside interests and industry stakeholders designed to drive the Company’s business interests to maximize the Company’s business goals and objectives. A key objective will be legislative and policy approaches to facilitate procurement of the Company’s products.

The Head of Government Affairs will attend Congressional hearings, press briefings, legislative briefings and committee mark-ups, where necessary, and fully participate in advancing the Company’s policy and procurement agenda. In addition, this individual will be active in Executive Branch procurement activity, including all branches of the military and the State Department as well as procurement activity for State and local government and first responders.

This role focuses on driving government contracts and revenue growth, while ensuring compliance with government procurement rules and fostering partnerships across different government healthcare sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the company’s government sales strategy, focusing on expanding market share and growing revenue through government channels.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with federal and state agencies, including the VA, DoD, CMS, and public health departments.
• Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with key government stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Develop/maintain the Government Revenue and operating expense budgets
  
  

Government Contracting

• Lead efforts to secure government contracts, including pricing negotiations, contract management, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Navigate the complexities of government procurement processes, including GSA Schedules, Federal Supply Schedules, and other government contracting vehicles.
• Develop relationships with state and federal legislators, regulators, and trade associations and their respective staffs to represent and articulate the interests, goals and objectives of the Company.
• Develop, lead, advise and participate (as necessary) in coalitions that benefit Company activity; act as Company liaison to various trade associations, groups/projects, etc.
• Organize, track and administer Company employee interaction with state and federal elected and appointed officials
  
  

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with regulatory, legal, and compliance teams to ensure the company’s offerings meet all government regulations and standards.
• Partner with marketing, product, and market access teams to develop customized solutions and value propositions tailored to the government sector.
• Liaise with internal teams on policy changes and government initiatives that impact product positioning and opportunities.
• Engages with the direction of the Company’s General Counsel outside consultants and lobbyists when necessary
• Act as Company’s internal lobbyist and coordinate and administer the Company’s PAC, including fundraising
  
  

Market Intelligence & Advocacy

• Stay current on trends, legislative changes, and evolving needs within the government healthcare system to identify potential sales opportunities.
• Act as a thought leader and advocate for government sales within the organization, providing insights and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Identifies key government and regulatory issues and response actions to support the Company’s businesses; advises senior management on public policy issues and regulatory matters of note and identifies potential public policy risks to the Company.
  
  

Team Development & Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing government sales team. Provide mentorship, coaching, and performance management.
• Drive the team towards achieving and exceeding sales targets in the government sector.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public policy, healthcare, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred)
• 15 years of experience in government sales
• Strong knowledge of federal and state government procurement processes, government healthcare programs (VA, DoD, CMS, etc.), and regulatory environments
• Demonstrated ability to secure large-scale government contracts and negotiate favorable terms.
• Proven leadership skills, with experience building and managing successful sales teams
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with a proven track record of building relationships with government entities.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization
• Minimum 5 years’ experience with legislative and regulatory groups, lobbying, coalitions, testimony, etc.
• Demonstrated expertise in public policy and political and legislative process
• Relationships with top level legislators and Executive Branch appointees
• Knowledge of tax, trade regulation, military procurement and medical devices
• Knowledge of Global Military and Defense Industries and practices
• Ability to register as a lobbyist
  
  

Key Competencies

• eep understanding of the government healthcare landscape
• Strong business acumen and financial literacy
• Relationship-building and influencing skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Leadership and team development
• Diplomacy and tact.
  
  

Actual base compensation may vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to geographical location and experience. In addition, this position is part of the Annual Performance Bonus Plan, and may be eligible for the Long Term Incentive Plan. Employees are eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs which include medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; and the employee assistance program. Employees also receive various paid time off benefits, including vacation time and sick time.

The compensation and benefits described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company, or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Notice To Agency And Search Firm Representatives

Sun Pharmaceuticals (Sun) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Sun employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Sun. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.