Job Summary:

The Head of Government Affairs, Health Economics, Market Access, and Regulatory Policy will be responsible for leading and shaping Stryker's strategy in these critical areas across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). This senior leadership role is pivotal in ensuring that our cutting-edge medical devices gain swift and sustainable market access while navigating the complex regulatory and broader access environment. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with deep expertise in the medical technology sector and a proven ability to influence policy and access at the highest levels. They will work closely with senior Stryker leadership to align on business priorities, develop and implement comprehensive market access strategies, engage with key policymakers, and influence regulatory frameworks to ensure our products are accessible, compliant, and positioned for success in EMEA markets. This role requires a deep understanding of EMEA healthcare systems, reimbursement pathways, and regulatory processes, as well as the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, payers, and industry stakeholders. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Marketing, and Commercial, to align health economics, policy, advocacy, and market access strategies with Stryker’s business objectives. The Head of Government Affairs, Health Economics, Market Access, and Regulatory Policy will also represent Stryker in industry forums and advocate for policies that support innovation and patient access to our technologies. This is an opportunity to lead in a dynamic, high-impact environment at the intersection of healthcare and technology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive GAMA strategy to advance the company’s interests in EMEA.

• Create a collaborative, leadership-oriented organizational culture

• Identify and develop GAMA Talent. Develop an internal advocacy academy to gain interest and development of future advocates within GAMA.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with EMEA policymakers, regulators, and key stakeholders

• Develop processes to optimize Stryker management of emerging/changing Market Access policy and intelligence trends.

• Monitor and influence legislative and regulatory developments that impact the medical device/technology industry

• Lead market access strategies to ensure the company’s products are reimbursed and adopted across key EMEA markets.

• Create &/or maintain processes to ensure new or revised Market Access requirements are assessed for impact and Divisions are prepared to adjust as needed.

• Improve and optimize internal understanding of emerging Government Affairs, Health Economics, Market Access policies and intelligence trends and the impact of/opportunities arising from such changes on the Stryker business.

• Engage in external leadership roles through trade associations, Payors collaboration, scientific communities, or other influential groups.

Qualifications/Work Experience Required:

• 15 years industry experience with a minimum of 10 years of Commercial, Marketing, Government Affairs, Health Economics or Policy experience in medical devices, drugs, biologics, or in vitro diagnostics.

• Strong strategic, decision‑making, and risk assessment abilities. Demonstrated ability to develop a strategic vision for an organization and lead the resulting process and structure changes for the organization.

• Extensive understanding of Europe, Middle East, and African (EMEA) markets and global Access policies.

• Comprehensive understanding of the external medical device regulatory and/or health system policy environment, with a strong understanding of stakeholder networks and market access policy influencers, is preferred

• Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, train, and develop direct and indirect team members.

• Demonstrated versatility and a willingness to manage and lead a team through change and ambiguity.

• Excellent interpersonal communication, collaborative teamwork, conflict management, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to present to, influence and build trusting relationships with global regulators, trade associations and industry groups.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, Business Administration, Legal, Political Sciences, Engineering, or related field required.

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, law, or a related field. MBA, PhD in Life Sciences or advanced degree preferred