Axial Deployment Communications and Engagement Manager - 24 Month Secondment / FTC

Introduction to The Axial Programme (Global S/4HANA implementation)

As we continue on our Growth Through Innovation journey, we must continue to work across borders and with partners and new colleagues in a fast and seamless way. The ambition, size and complexity of our company, coupled with the opportunities afforded by new technology, has led us to embark on a large-scale transformation (AXIAL) of the Business Process and IT landscape. This transformation will see us replace multiple Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems with one global solution. Our current technology is used by more than 20,000 employees daily and is central to core business processes. The AXIAL programme provides a once in a generation opportunity for real transformation that will shape our ways of working for many years to come.

Introduction To The Role

The Axial Deployment Communications & Engagement Lead is responsible for developing, testing, and implementing a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy to support the deployment of the Axial programme across AstraZeneca sites as well as affected Global Functions. This role creates communication plans and tools, collaborates with local stakeholders, and manages effective engagement with colleagues and third parties impacted by the deployment in the region. The role sits within the Axial Programme’s Change, Communications and Training (CCT) team.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the delivery of specific deployment communications and setting standards to ensure high-quality and consistent messaging across AstraZeneca’s UK businesses.
• Serve as the key point of contact for all communications and engagement initiatives supporting the Axial programme.
• Advise and guide functional and deployment leads, as well as local communications leads, ensuring alignment with the Axial programme’s communications strategy and best practices.
• Support Deployment leadership in engagement with business stakeholders including creating monthly updates for deployment leads stakeholder briefings.
• Build, adapt, and maintain communications toolkits, assets, and resources supporting successful adoption of new ways of working and ensuring alignment with key programme milestones.
• Develop and deliver communication interventions that drive behaviour change and adoption of Axial processes and ways of working among colleagues, stakeholders, and relevant third parties.
• Partner closely with HR, Change Catalyst Leads, and the CCT team to coordinate, communicate and embed key change and training activities.
• Play an active role in working sessions, PDCAs and quarterly off sites.
• Work closely with the Global Axial Communications team and relevant LT/ELT team members on developing programme communications.
• Measure the effectiveness of deployment communications, collecting feedback, evaluating outcomes, and continuously improving the communications approach for the region.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Extensive communications and engagement experience supporting transformation initiatives of significant scale, ideally within AstraZeneca and/or similar pharmaceutical operations in the UK.
• Expertise in Operations/Supply Chain and Finance communications suited to AstraZeneca’s UK context.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement regional or market-level communications and engagement strategies.
• Proven track record of delivering complex change communications to support operational initiatives, issues management, and crisis response.
• Creativity in developing and delivering engaging communications that drive tangible results.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, and relationship-building skills, with sound judgement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholder expectations, consistently producing high-quality work to agreed timescales.
• Analytical, inquisitive mindset with the ability to think strategically and seek out best practices.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with proficiency in digital communications and remote technologies.
• Strong stakeholder management and influential personal credibility, with exceptional presentation skills.
• Solid project management capabilities, including budget oversight and forecasting.
• Confidence, accountability, and enthusiasm that inspires others.
• Proactive and self‑motivated, working effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• High attention to detail in visual and verbal identity, upholding AstraZeneca standards.
• Resilient, adaptable, and flexible in approach.
• Excellent collaboration across global teams.
• Experience managing third‑party vendors for communications and translation services.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel between UK sites as required.
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
• A Communications professional qualification is desirable but not essential.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we are one purpose‑led global organisation. We are the enablers and innovators, ensuring that we can fulfil our mission to push the boundaries of science and discover and develop life‑changing medicines. We take pride in working close to the cause, opening the locks to save lives, ultimately making a massive difference to the outside world. Ready to make a difference? Join us in this exciting journey of transformation and innovation!