Patient Journey Partner, Rheumatology - Western Cape

Do you have expertise in, and passion for Immunology and Rheumatology, addressing high unmet need across chronic, debilitating inflammatory and autoimmune conditions that impact quality of life and long‑term outcomesand creating value for our customers and patients?  If so, AstraZeneca might be the one for you?

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, global, science-led, patient-focused Biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There is no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. Our strategic priorities reflect how we are working to deliver our strategy and achieve our Purpose. As a workforce, we are the catalyst for our values: we are entrepreneurial; we do the right thing; we play to win; we put patients first and we follow the science. As a company we appreciate and take great pride in each team member where every person is brought together through shared values, that underpins a shared purpose. There is no better place to feel inspired and energised. Answer unmet medical needs by pioneering the next wave of science, focusing on outcomes and crafting the patient ecosystem.At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in international markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.

ABOUT OUR RHEUMATOLOGY TEAM

Our Rheumatology team is driven to transform the lives of patients living with chronic, immune‑mediated inflammatory diseases. In this high‑impact specialty, we:

• Pioneer innovation by advancing science in complex immunology pathways.

• Operate as a close‑knit, cross‑functional team to solve access and adoption challenges sustainably.

• Embrace adaptability and an entrepreneurial mindset to tailor solutions to HCP and patient needs.

• Maintain a patient‑centric culture where every decision aims to improve long‑term outcomes and quality of life.

• Invest in growth and development as we build leadership in immunology and rheumatology.

What You will do

Partnering closely with the Sales Manager, Brand Manager and cross‑functional team (Medical, Market Access, Diagnostics where relevant, and Patient Support), you will localize and execute AZ’s account management strategy. The Patient Journey Partner reports directly to the Coastal Regional Sales Manager. Your focus is to generate appropriate demand with HCPs in rheumatology and relevant referring specialties (e.g., internal medicine, orthopaedics, dermatology where shared pathways exist), identify and convert eligible patients, communicate clear value propositions, and recommend patient‑centric solutions across the entire care pathway—from suspicion and referral, through diagnosis, initiation, optimization, adherence, and follow‑up.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage HCPs using science‑driven, balanced messaging on our rheumatology medicines: value propositions, approved indications, efficacy/safety profiles, monitoring and treatment protocols, to support on‑label prescribing for appropriate patients through a blended face‑to‑face and digital model. Proactively identify new patient/patients‑on‑therapy targets.

• Consistently achieve or exceed sales objectives in the assigned region; accurately track and report activities, opportunities and outcomes.

• Demonstrate strong in‑depth clinical and scientific knowledge across key rheumatology disease states (e.g., RA, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, SLE where applicable) and product mechanisms of action.

• Improve earlier identification and accurate diagnosis by mapping and addressing pathway gaps (primary care, orthopaedics, dermatology, nephrology where relevant) and executing territory development strategies and action plans.

• Deliver on three imperatives and performance measures:

• Increase disease and pathway awareness with targeted groups (rheumatologists, registrars, specialist physicians, high‑referring GPs, allied health).

• Collaborate with HCPs to identify, screen and appropriately refer/test high‑risk or undertreated patients in line with guidelines.

• Establish and nurture a Key External Expert (KEE) network in rheumatology.

• Identify and develop KEEs within the territory; liaise with Medical, Marketing, Market Access and Patient Support teams to build long‑term advocacy with KEEs, HCP accounts and external stakeholders (hospital pharmacy, funders, practice managers).

• Organize workshops, journal clubs and educational events to facilitate best‑practice sharing (guidelines, treat‑to‑target, monitoring, safety management).

• Co‑create and execute account/brand strategies with the BU Head and Brand Manager to meet promotional objectives and remove access barriers.

• Manage allocated budget responsibly; share timely field insights to strengthen positioning, promotional efforts and access to treatment.

• Ensure products are optimally utilized according to national/local rheumatology guidelines and the product label.

• Uphold AZ values and high ethical standards; ensure strict compliance with the AZ Code of Conduct, Global External Interactions Policy and Standards, local laws and SOPs.

• Perform other duties within role scope as assigned by the Line Manager.

Individual & interpersonal effectiveness

• Navigate complex, multi‑stakeholder rheumatology ecosystems and adapt engagement to HCP and patient needs across chronic care.

• Demonstrate resilience and persistence in competitive specialty markets where referral pathways and payer policies are evolving.

• Apply problem‑solving and critical thinking to address diagnostic delays, referral leakage, and adherence barriers.

• Maintain high attention to clinical detail (treat‑to‑target, biomarkers/monitoring, safety risk management).

• Display emotional intelligence and empathy toward the long‑term burden on patients and caregivers, building trustful relationships.

• Show scientific curiosity and stay current on rheumatology guidelines, therapy classes (biologics, targeted synthetic DMARDs), new evidence and safety updates.

• Communicate complex science clearly to diverse audiences (consultants, registrars, GPs, practice staff, payers).

• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional and multidisciplinary teams.

• Influence decision‑makers and build strong relationships with KEEs, HCPs and allied stakeholders.

Selling skills

• Demonstrate deep product and disease knowledge; educate HCPs on nuances of rheumatology care, patient segmentation, treat‑to‑target strategies and how treatment addresses unmet needs.

• Articulate value beyond clinical efficacy, including functional outcomes, quality of life, productivity, steroid‑sparing, and healthcare system impact.

• Show strong understanding of reimbursement and funder criteria for rheumatology therapies; support market access objectives and handle objections.

• Address cost and safety concerns using robust, evidence‑based outcomes and real‑world insights where available.

• Partner with Patient Support to track adoption and adherence, and help resolve patient barriers (administration, monitoring, co‑pay where applicable).

• Understand patient advocacy and the rheumatology patient journey from symptom onset to long‑term management.

• Engage multiple stakeholders (rheumatologists, pharmacists, funders, practice managers) to support access, uptake and continuity of care.

• Tailor strategies by account and HCP needs, integrating insights from the field and cross‑functional teams.

• Use analytics to identify trends and support scientific discussions with KEEs and HCPs.

• Proactively manage objections on efficacy, safety, positioning, and guidelines, using balanced evidence.

• Practice active listening and effective questioning to uncover unmet needs and maintain constructive tension.

Results driven

• Prioritize accounts using data and available tools; set SMART customer and account objectives.

• Identify decision‑makers and influencers across clinics, hospitals and networks.

• Identify opportunities to improve positioning of AZ’s rheumatology portfolio.

• Drive collaboration across functions/regions to leverage account management capabilities.

• Share insights and expertise with sales colleagues and cross‑functional partners.

Drives the business

• Build and adapt sales plans to deliver impact and achieve goals in a timely manner.

• Adjust approach in response to market, guideline and payer changes.

• Seek opportunities and actions aligned with strategic objectives.

• Deliver sales performance while managing budgets.

• Implement key account strategies and business plans successfully, mobilizing cross‑functional resources for targeted outcomes.

Business acumen

• Understand the broader healthcare and payer environment and reflect this in territory action plans.

• Apply business principles (e.g., SWOT) to support sales efforts.

• Analyze internal/external data to inform strategy.

• Position market access solutions within AZ’s value proposition (e.g., documentation for funder authorizations, diagnostic/monitoring pathways where appropriate).

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of reimbursement, budgeting and formulary processes in the specialist ecosystem.

Knowledge: healthcare environment

• Show detailed knowledge of the rheumatology ecosystem, referral networks and shared‑care models.

• Understand how broader healthcare issues and trends (guidelines updates, biosimilars, real‑world evidence) affect customer decision‑making.

• Keep abreast of industry developments and regulations.

• Where applicable, understand diagnostic/monitoring environments (e.g., imaging, labs, safety monitoring) and barriers to effective treatment.

• Understand the local rheumatology patient pathway and individual HCP roles.

• Map decision‑making units and their drivers/objections within priority accounts.

• Understand customers’ styles and preferences; build long‑term relationships with senior stakeholders in high‑value accounts.

• Engage influential stakeholders across the specialist ecosystem to co‑create win‑win‑win solutions.

• In private sector, manage basic medical aid scheme discussions at the practice level where appropriate.

• Follow procedures and SOPs for all activities and meetings.

• Act ethically and transparently in all interactions.

• Ensure use is aligned with national/local guidelines and the product license.

• Comply with AZ Code of Conduct, Global External Interactions Policy and Standards, and Privacy Policy and standards.

Disease, science, therapy, product & competitors

• Demonstrate solid scientific knowledge in rheumatology diseases and therapeutic classes.

• Continually develop scientific and disease knowledge.

• Possess detailed knowledge of relevant clinical trials, guidelines and evidence.

• Maintain extensive understanding of our portfolio and competitor options, including biosimilars where relevant.

• Responsible for promptly collecting and reporting any adverse events and product quality complaints received from any source. All such cases must be documented accurately and submitted to the designated department within one business day of becoming aware of the information, ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Responsible for completing Adverse Event training during initial onboarding and then annually thereafter.

If this sounds appealing, please read on to understand the experience and skills we’re looking for…

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Completed Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Sciences, Life Sciences and/or Human Anatomy (e.g., B.Sc).

• Cape Town based must reside in WC and be willing to travel to EC & KZN for country trips.

• 3–5 years of proven specialist sales experience in Immunology/Rheumatology (or closely related immunology specialties) with a track record of top‑tier performance.

• Valid driver’s license and own vehicle.

• Experience engaging rheumatologists and high‑referring specialists (e.g., internal medicine, dermatology for PsA overlap, orthopaedics for inflammatory back pain referrals) is highly regarded.

• Proven project management experience.

• Passion for science and patient impact; curiosity and learning agility.

• Strong influencing skills with mid‑ and senior‑level specialty care professionals and key accounts.

• Proactive, solution‑oriented; strong analytical skills.

• Collaborative, inclusive; high ethical standards.

Why AstraZeneca?

We are proud to have achieved Top Employer certification in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, for 2026. This distinction is a confirmation of our commitment and ability to sustain people, partnerships, and employee engagement and foster an innovative workplace environment.

At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in international markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

Click the link to apply no later than 20 August 2026 and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Our social media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Close Date: 20 August 2026

Date Posted

13-Aug-2026

Closing Date

20-Aug-2026

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.