Communications Manager in Southampton

Communications Manager

Duration: 12 months FTC

Location: Basingstoke (2-3 days in the office per week)

Pay rate: £25.17 and £33.56 per hour PAYE

Role Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Communications Senior Associate to join our Corporate Affairs team, supporting both external and internal communications across the Northern European Hub.

Key Responsibilities:

External Communications (60%)

• Lead daily press office operations, including media monitoring, response coordination, and proactive outreach.
• Develop and execute strategic media activities for clinical trial data and regulatory milestones across cardiometabolic, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology.
• Support and brief senior leaders for their external engagements and media opportunities.
• Develop and execute corporate campaigns on social media, primarily LinkedIn.
• Manage regular updates to corporate content on external websites.
• Collaborate with EU and global communications teams to align messaging and support regional priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, influencers, and external stakeholders.

Internal Communications (40%)

• Design and implement a strategic internal communications plan for the Northern European Hub.
• Develop engaging content that profiles the senior leadership team, and amplifies key external milestones internally.
• Drive employee engagement through consistent, transparent, and inspiring internal messaging.
• Partner with HR and business unit leads to support change communications and cultural initiatives.

Essential Attributes:

• Proven success in media relations and strategic communications.
• Experience developing and executing communications and/or public affairs campaigns.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work across multiple markets and within a global, matrixed organisation.
• Deep understanding of the regulated pharmaceutical environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in journalism, communications, public policy, or political affairs.
• Experience in neuroscience, oncology, immunology or cardiometabolic health.
• Familiarity with the healthcare and political landscape in the UK and/or Nordics.
• Proficiency with AI tools (e.g. Copilot) and data analytics platforms.
• Prior experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.