Director, Internal and Corporate Communications, BioPharma in Cambridge

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. At AstraZeneca, we are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.

The Director, Internal and Corporate Communications BioPharma has two key roles: define and lead the internal communications and employee engagement strategy for the BioPharma Business Unit (BBU) and shape and deliver communications that strengthen understanding of, engagement with, and belief in the BioPharma strategy. The role includes serving as a key functional support and counsellor to the EVP, BBU and providing strategic communications support to key BBU LT members, specifically Global Insights and Business Excellence (GIBEX) and Global Market Access and Pricing (GMAP).

The successful candidate will bring deep communications expertise and have strong internal communications experience. Excellent writing, project management, planning and multi-channel communications capabilities, alongside the ability to influence senior leaders and provide trusted counsel on business issues. The sometimes sensitive content involved means that the role holder is required to demonstrate exemplary personal judgment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads internal communications and channel management to bring the BioPharma narrative to life, reflecting evolving developments and opportunities to increase understanding and belief in BBU and BioPharma R&D.
• Designs and delivers multi-channel campaigns, content and assets in partnership with colleagues in the BioPharma Corporate Affairs team.
• Defines operating principles and implements the BioPharma internal communications channel strategy to enable best-practice internal communications.
• Defines and leads delivery of the BBU internal communications strategy, ensuring employees understand and engage with business strategy, performance and priorities.
• Works with the BBU EVP, leaders within the BBU and Corporate Affairs colleagues to articulate and visualise the BBU performance, news and priorities.
• Delivers effective, compelling business cycle communications, including quarterly financial results, engagement surveys, annual objectives/scorecard roll-outs and year-end communications.
• Leads key BBU meetings and events, including townhalls and annual awards, and serves as a vital team member to delivering flagship BioPharma events.
• Partners with business leaders to develop and deliver priority internal and external communications initiatives.
• Provides strategic counsel to internal stakeholders, including senior management, on events/issues that need to be communicated internally.
• Develops and coordinates development and delivery of accurate, and clear internal communications materials across media.
• Maintains strong relationships with agencies and contractors to support varying resource needs.
• Establishes and implements approaches to measure and improve communications effectiveness, including KPIs, metrics, ROI and externally validated outcomes.
• Contributes to broader BioPharma and Global Corporate Affairs priorities beyond immediate role responsibilities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field is required; scientific and/or advanced degrees a plus.
• Extensive background working in a fast-paced global internal communications team with experience in pharmaceuticals and product communications.
• Track record of developing and delivering innovative and highly engaging internal communications to achieve tangible outcomes.
• Extensive direct experience of employee and leader communications, employee engagement plans and campaigns and change communications.
• Strong event management and production capability; track record for successfully running virtual and live events.
• Experience serving as a senior counsellor and effective business partner to senior executives/leaders.
• Significant experience of handling different stakeholder relationships and confident at forging trusted relationships.
• Excellent writing skills. Strong technical skills across digital/multi-media communications.
• Strong at translating new or evolving strategies into effective communications.
• Expertise in ‘above brand’ and corporate communications for biopharmaceutical organisations.
• Direct experience in developing and implementing employee, digital and leader communications, campaigns, business partnering, change communication and event management.
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks for communications (eg the UK Pharmaceutical Code of Practice).

In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility.

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer! The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, a performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics.