At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications to drive brand preference and business impact at Leica Microsystems.
- Company: Join Danaher, an inclusive employer committed to innovation in life sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a culture of belonging.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with passionate colleagues across Switzerland, UK, or Austria.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in life sciences while shaping the future of microscopy and imaging.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in communications with leadership experience; degree in relevant field required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This job is with Danaher, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Bring more to life. Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology? At Leica Microsystems, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact. You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.
At Leica Microsystems, we have been shaping the future for over 175 years with groundbreaking optical and digital solutions. With a culture rooted in customer focus, innovation, and teamwork, we lead the market in microscopy, imaging, and analysis, unveiling the invisible and empowering our customers to build a better, healthier world. Joining Leica Microsystems means contributing to scientific discoveries and supporting surgeons in making critical decisions. Our advanced microscopes and AI-based image analysis solutions enable users to gain profound insights into development and engineering challenges. Here, you will work on meaningful projects alongside passionate colleagues, driving progress and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
The Head of Communications, Leica Microsystems is an operating company business leader responsible for driving brand preference and business impact for Leica Microsystems (LMS) and Danaher through strategic communications with measurable impact across priority stakeholders. This role has overall responsibility for the integrated external and internal communications plan for LMS and oversees the communications team that delivers communications initiatives for the operating company with contributions to Danaher’s overall life sciences platform business. They are the go-to strategic partner for the LMS President and their leadership team, providing strategic counsel and leadership communications. This position will report to the VP, Life Sciences Communications and is part of the Life Sciences Communications Leadership Team and the LMS Leadership Team. The role can be located at one of the Leica Microsystems sites in Switzerland, UK, or Austria. The role requires job performance on-site at one of the posted locations. For qualified internal candidates, the company may consider the possibility of remote or non-posted sites given their current employment location, based on business needs and company policy.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Serve as a business leader and trusted go-to strategic partner for the LMS President and their leadership team, providing senior communications counsel.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive integrated communications strategy for LMS to drive brand preference, scientific leadership and associate engagement.
- Develop and implement a leadership communications strategy for the LMS President to drive thought leadership and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
- Lead change communications strategy and execution for LMS change initiatives, including building advocacy for change and coaching leaders and people managers.
- Provide strategic counsel and rapid response capabilities for LMS level issues, to mitigate risk and protect brand equity.
- Build and maintain robust crisis protocols and scenario planning, aligned with the global enterprise issues framework.
- Establish robust metrics linked to business outcomes and brand preference to measure the impact of communications initiatives and optimize future initiatives.
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team of communicators who deliver business impact for LMS, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, innovation and accountability.
- Empower the team to leverage advanced communications technologies, including AI, to enhance delivery of strategic communications.
The essential requirements of the job include:
- 10+ years of progressive experience in communications, marketing or related field preferably in diagnostics, life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotech or healthcare sectors.
- At least 5 years of leadership experience, including ability to coach leaders, manage execution through others and lead teams.
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Proven success in executive thought leadership, corporate communications.
Head of Communications, Leica Microsystems employer: Danaher
Leica Microsystems, a part of Danaher, is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of belonging and innovation, where your unique perspective is valued. With over 175 years of experience in life sciences and biotechnology, employees are empowered to work on meaningful projects that make a tangible impact on health and science. The company offers robust growth opportunities, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the chance to collaborate with passionate colleagues in a dynamic environment located in Switzerland, the UK, or Austria.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications, Leica Microsystems
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Leica Microsystems or Danaher. Attend events, webinars, and join relevant online communities to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Understand how Leica Microsystems is shaping the future in life sciences and think about how your skills can contribute to their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your unique viewpoint! In your conversations and interviews, don’t be afraid to share your ideas and perspectives. Companies like Leica Microsystems value innovation and fresh insights, so let your personality shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team at Leica Microsystems.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications, Leica Microsystems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Communications role. Highlight your relevant experience in communications, especially in life sciences or healthcare, and show us how you can drive brand preference and engagement.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership experience shine through! Share examples of how you've led teams, coached others, and executed successful communication strategies. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to inspire and drive results.
Be Data-Driven:Incorporate metrics and outcomes from your previous roles to illustrate the impact of your communications initiatives. We love seeing how you've used data to optimise strategies and achieve business goals—so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It ensures your application gets to the right people and shows us you're serious about joining our team at Leica Microsystems. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Danaher
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Leica Microsystems and Danaher's mission. Understand their products, values, and recent news. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Communications, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in communications or related fields. Highlight your ability to coach and inspire others.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Given the role's focus on change communications, be ready to discuss your experience with managing change initiatives. Think of examples where you've built advocacy for change or coached leaders through transitions. This will showcase your strategic thinking and adaptability.
✨Metrics Matter
Be prepared to talk about how you've measured the impact of your communications initiatives in previous roles. Discuss specific metrics you've used to link communications efforts to business outcomes, as this aligns with their emphasis on measurable impact.
