Brand Manager, Rare Disease

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager, Rare Disease

🔹 Company: AstraZeneca

🔹 Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

🔹 Category: Pharmaceuticals, Medical

🔹 Date Posted: July 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing rare disease brand strategies
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deploy and adapt brand strategies
• Designing and implementing marketing activities for assigned brands
• Managing relationships within the medical community
• Ensuring launch readiness and planning key activities pre/post launch

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Experience in brand management within the pharmaceutical industry is essential.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and coordinate implementation of marketing programs for assigned brand(s), including cost management

✅ Ensure launch readiness and planning of key activities pre/post launch, building solid marketing mix through delivery of appropriate channels

✅ Develop robust understanding of the patient journey to design tailored programs tackling gaps within, with special attention to patient-finding activities

✅ Suggest improvements to patient-finding and support protocols based on patient data analytics

✅ Lead forecast during business planning process, input to market research plan, and monitor KPIs for brand dashboard

✅ Contribute to development and implementation of KEE management plan

✅ Lead identification and development of marketing best practices and support implementation on the local market

✅ Demonstrate business ethics and ensure active respect of values, business ethics, local laws, policies, and Marketing procedures

✅ Manage advertising and other support agencies in implementing global communication tools and in developing local marketing materials

✅ Establish and maintain quality and trustful contacts within the relevant medical community, with opinion leaders, influencers, and deciders

✅ Support field teams’ execution of promotional events from concept design to content delivery

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and stakeholder management. Strong analytical and communication skills are crucial for success.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Completed Medical/Science Degree

Experience: 2-5 years of Brand Management experience within an innovative pharmaceutical company with a focus on specialty care businesses

Required Skills:

• Leadership skills, with the potential to develop in a more senior role
• Enhanced strategic capabilities
• Analytical skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Relationship management and networking
• Availability for local travel

Preferred Skills:

• MBA in relevant field
• Rare Disease experience
• Experience in Enzyme Replacement Therapies/Genetics/Endocrinology/Immunology/Neurology
• Understanding of the South African Healthcare environment

ASSUMPTION: Given the specific nature of this role, candidates with relevant industry experience and a strong academic background are likely to be most successful.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in South Africa typically falls between ZAR 600,000 and ZAR 900,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on industry standards for brand management roles in the pharmaceutical industry.

Benefits:

• Top Employer certification in South Africa
• Best Place to Work certification in several African countries
• Innovative workplace environment
• Comprehensive benefits package

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work as required

ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca offers competitive salaries and benefits packages for roles within their organization. The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: AstraZeneca operates in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, focusing on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for serious diseases.

Company Size: AstraZeneca is a large multinational corporation with over 77,000 employees globally. This size offers opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

Founded: AstraZeneca was founded in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc.

Company Description:

• AstraZeneca is dedicated to being a Great Place to Work, empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and unleash their entrepreneurial spirit.
• The company is committed to being a patient-focused, science-led biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases.
• AstraZeneca is accelerating the expansion of its geographical footprint in Rare Diseases following the acquisition of Alexion in 2021.

Company Specialties:

• Pharmaceutical
• Biopharmaceutical
• Innovation
• Research and development
• Global business

Company Website: http://www.astrazeneca.com

ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca is a well-established pharmaceutical company with a strong focus on innovation and patient-centric care. The company's size and global presence offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level career stage, requiring a balance of strategic thinking and tactical execution.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Manager reports directly to the Business Unit Head and works closely with cross-functional teams.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role with occasional local travel required.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a more senior brand management role within AstraZeneca
• Expansion into other therapeutic areas or regions within the company
• Development of leadership and management skills through mentorship and training programs

ASSUMPTION: Given AstraZeneca's size and global presence, there are numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: AstraZeneca's office in Johannesburg is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): AstraZeneca's South African headquarters are located in Bryanston, Johannesburg.

Geographic Context:

• Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the economic hub of the African continent.
• The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and historical sites.
• Johannesburg has a subtropical highland climate, with mild winters and warm summers.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work as required.

ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's office in Johannesburg provides a modern, collaborative work environment, with numerous opportunities for professional growth and development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the provided link
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the Business Unit Head

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Relationship management and networking abilities
• Understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and rare diseases
• Cultural fit with AstraZeneca's values and work environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
• Research AstraZeneca's mission, values, and recent news to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company

ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Rare Disease, Pharmaceutical Industry, Strategic Capabilities, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Relationship Management, Leadership Skills, Patient-Centric Culture, Market Research, Forecasting, Digital Marketing, Collaboration, Adaptability, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Compliance, Ethics

ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit with the organization. Preparation and research are key to success in the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Veeva)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca uses a range of tools and technologies to support its marketing and sales efforts. Proficiency in these tools is not required but may be beneficial for candidates.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Patient-centricity: Putting patients first in everything we do
• Science-led: Driven by the power of science to advance healthcare
• Collaboration: Working together for better patient outcomes
• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards

Work Style:

• Innovative and entrepreneurial, with a focus on pushing the boundaries of science
• Collaborative and inclusive, with a focus on working together for better patient outcomes
• Patient-centric, with a focus on improving the lives of patients with rare diseases
• Results-driven, with a focus on delivering excellence in customer experience

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a passion for improving the lives of patients with rare diseases?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, innovative environment?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative, inclusive work culture?
• Are you results-driven and committed to delivering excellence in customer experience?

ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's culture is patient-centric, innovative, and collaborative. Candidates who share these values and work styles are likely to be a strong fit for the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The rare disease market is complex and rapidly evolving, requiring continuous learning and adaptation
• Working with cross-functional teams may present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines
• The competitive landscape in the rare disease market is dynamic and unpredictable

ASSUMPTION: While there are potential challenges associated with this role, AstraZeneca's supportive work environment and commitment to professional development help mitigate these risks.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Brand Manager, Rare Disease at AstraZeneca vs. Brand Manager, Rare Disease at competitor: AstraZeneca's focus on innovation and patient-centric care sets it apart from competitors
• Rare disease market dynamics: The rare disease market is high-growth and rapidly evolving, with significant unmet medical needs
• Career path comparison: AstraZeneca offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the organization

ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's focus on innovation, patient-centric care, and professional development sets it apart from competitors in the rare disease market.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a patient-finding strategy for a newly launched enzyme replacement therapy
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to launch a new rare disease product in the South African market
• Conducting market research to identify gaps in the patient journey and developing tailored programs to address these gaps

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and tactical nature of the Brand Manager, Rare Disease role at AstraZeneca.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the reporting structure for this role and how it fits within the broader organization?
• How does AstraZeneca support the professional development of its employees, particularly in the rare disease space?
• What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I contribute to their successful execution?
• How does AstraZeneca approach collaboration and knowledge sharing across its global organization?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in the rare disease market, and how does AstraZeneca address these challenges?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's reporting structure, professional development opportunities, and the challenges and rewards of working in the rare disease market.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the provided link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
• Research AstraZeneca's mission, values, and recent news to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.