Patient Journey Partner, Rheumatology - Western Cape

Location Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Job ID R-258181 Date posted 12/08/2026

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 pati