Senior Director, International Communications - Diabetes and Obesity in Basingstoke

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life‑changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Cardiometabolic Health (CMH) is a major growth driver for Eli Lilly and Company, with important new treatments advancing across global markets. As we expand, our communications strategy must evolve to match the pace of scientific innovation and support relevant impact for the CMH community. We are equally dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive workforce where every employee can thrive.

Role Overview

The Senior Director for International CMH Communications will serve as a critical advocate for affiliate business needs, informing global CMH communications strategy while driving strong execution across the International Business Unit (IBU). This leadership role is responsible for external communications—including earned media, thought leadership, advocacy partnerships, and integrated campaigns—designed to engage the public, inform stakeholders, and prepare healthcare systems for future innovation. The successful candidate will champion collaboration with in‑country teams to ensure consistent, impactful communication and localization of global plans. They will build capabilities in traditional and digital media, ensuring best‑in‑class PESO (Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned) delivery and flawless execution across regions. This position requires strong strategic thinking, hands‑on delivery, and extensive cross‑functional partnership. This role includes considerable international travel and may be based in any major Lilly affiliate location.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop creative, impactful communication campaigns aligned with global strategies to strengthen Lilly’s CMH brand and enhance innovation readiness for upcoming launches.
• Serve as the primary communications counsel for CMH leaders in international affiliates and IBU business partners.
• Act as the main liaison between Global Communications CMH and IBU communicators.
• Enhance earned media opportunities across IBU markets for clinical, data, and regulatory achievements.
• Handle traditional and digital media relations, including A‑list media interactions, spokesperson duties, and issues/crisis management.
• Conduct and support interviews with local, national, and international media outlets.
• Drive communications capability development across IBU and affiliates, promoting best‑practice sharing and continuous learning.
• Lead all aspects of PR agency relationships, including onboarding, day‑to‑day management, and ensuring excellence in execution.
• Provide hands‑on support to affiliate teams for campaign execution and issue management.
• Lead development and editing of communication materials such as press releases, Q&A, videos, fact sheets, and key messages.
• Handle cross‑functional stakeholder engagement and project delivery across all organizational levels.
• Ensure all activities align with Lilly policies, procedures, and external regulations.

Basic Qualifications

• Significant senior‑level experience designing and delivering multi‑country communications campaigns.
• Strong background in media handling (e.g., journalism, PR, corporate communications).
• Shown experience in traditional and social media management, including reactive handling and spokesperson duties.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Literature, or related field.

Additional Skills & Preferences

• Expertise in strategic and creative communications planning, including digital and social media.
• Confirmed issue and crisis leadership skills.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams and building consensus.
• Strong cultural adaptability and experience working across countries/regions.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and negotiate effectively.
• Skilled in project and budget management.
• PR agency management experience.
• Ability to shift seamlessly between strategic planning and hands‑on execution.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Understanding of how communications drives business outcomes.
• Familiarity with emerging media technologies and openness to adopting new tools.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response. Lilly does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.