At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications and patient advocacy strategy across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Ipsen, a purpose-driven organisation focused on improving patient lives.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, inclusive culture, and impactful CSR initiatives.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare communications and make a real difference for patients.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in healthcare communications and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Creating real impact for patients and society. Ipsen is looking for a senior leader to shape and deliver an integrated communications and patient advocacy strategy across the UK and Ireland. This is a high impact role, part of the UK and Ireland Leadership Team, with accountability for embedding the patient voice at the heart of our strategy and strengthening Ipsen’s external reputation.
The role
- Define and lead communications and patient advocacy across the UK and Ireland, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and representing Ipsen externally with patient organisations, media and industry bodies.
- Drive programmes that raise disease awareness, strengthen partnerships and support patient access, while ensuring high standards of compliance and governance.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the UK and Ireland communications and patient advocacy strategy aligned with global priorities.
- Build and sustain strategic partnerships with patient advocacy groups and key stakeholders.
- Drive disease awareness and patient activation through innovative, multi-channel campaigns.
- Lead external communications including media relations, thought leadership and crisis management.
- Embed patient insights into business strategy and decision making.
- Work alongside the Head of External Affairs and V&A to create and deliver United Forces strategies and plans to achieve patient access.
- Lead the internal communications efforts, for both UK and Ireland affiliate and the Global London Hub – partnering with HR and Facilities.
- Shape and deliver impactful CSR initiatives across the UK and Ireland.
- Provide expert counsel and media training to senior leadership.
About you
- Extensive experience in communications and or patient advocacy within healthcare or pharma.
- Proven leadership track record with strong stakeholder influence at senior level.
- Deep understanding of the UK and Ireland healthcare landscape.
- Strong experience in media relations, reputation management and strategy execution.
- Ability to translate complex science and policy into clear, compelling messaging.
- Passion for improving patient outcomes and amplifying the patient voice.
Why Ipsen
At Ipsen, we are committed to improving patients’ lives through innovation and collaboration. You will join a purpose driven organisation where your work will have a direct and meaningful impact on patients, healthcare systems and society.
If you are a strategic leader ready to shape the future of communications and patient advocacy in the UK and Ireland, we would love to hear from you.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported; where we embrace “The Real Us”. The value we place on different perspectives and experiences drives our commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities. When we include diverse ways of thinking, we make more thoughtful decisions and discover more innovative solutions. Together we strive to better understand the communities we serve.
This means we also want to help you perform at your best when applying for a role with us. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let the recruitment team know. This information will be handled with care and will not affect the outcome of your application.
Head of Communications and Patient Advocacy UK & Ireland employer: Ipsen-Ltd
Ipsen is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving patients' lives through innovation and collaboration. Located in London, this hybrid role offers a dynamic work culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters inclusion, ensuring every employee feels heard and supported. With a strong focus on professional growth and impactful initiatives, Ipsen provides a unique opportunity for leaders to make a meaningful difference in healthcare while advancing their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications and Patient Advocacy UK & Ireland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to patient advocacy and communications. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make those valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand online by sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn. Post articles or comment on relevant topics in healthcare and patient advocacy to demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Ipsen’s values and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to improve patient outcomes and how you can contribute to their communications strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Ipsen team and making a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications and Patient Advocacy UK & Ireland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Communications and Patient Advocacy role. Highlight your leadership experience and understanding of the healthcare landscape in the UK and Ireland.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for improving patient outcomes shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've amplified the patient voice in previous roles, as this is a key aspect of the position we're looking to fill.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep your language clear and to the point. Avoid jargon where possible and ensure your messaging is compelling, as you would when communicating with stakeholders or the media.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures it reaches the right people and gives you the best chance of being considered for this impactful role at Ipsen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ipsen-Ltd
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Ipsen thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives in patient advocacy and communications. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in healthcare or pharma. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders and led successful campaigns, as this role requires strong strategic direction and stakeholder management.
✨Emphasise Patient Advocacy
Since this role is centred around patient advocacy, be prepared to discuss your passion for improving patient outcomes. Share specific instances where you've successfully embedded the patient voice into strategies or campaigns, showcasing your commitment to making a real impact.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Given the importance of media relations and messaging in this role, practice articulating complex ideas simply and clearly. You might even want to prepare a brief pitch on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively under pressure.
