Head of Communications and Patient Advocacy UK & Ireland in London

Head of Communications and Patient Advocacy UK & Ireland in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead communications and patient advocacy strategies to make a real impact on patients' lives.
  • Company: Ipsen, a purpose-driven organisation focused on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, inclusive culture, and the chance to shape healthcare communication.
  • Other info: Commitment to diversity and inclusion, with support for all applicants.
  • Why this job: Join a team that amplifies patient voices and drives meaningful change in healthcare.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in healthcare communications and strong leadership skills required.

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 in London 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.

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Contact Details:

Ipsen-Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Communications and Patient Advocacy UK & Ireland in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that dream role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for patient advocacy! Share stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to improving patient outcomes. This will resonate well with Ipsen's mission and values.

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 serious about joining our team at Ipsen.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications and Patient Advocacy UK & Ireland in London

Strategic Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Communications Strategy
Patient Advocacy
Media Relations
Reputation Management
Crisis Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Communications and Patient Advocacy. Highlight your experience in healthcare communications and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Ipsen!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about patient advocacy and how you can make a real impact. Be sure to mention specific examples of your work that demonstrate your strategic thinking and stakeholder influence.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and specific outcomes to illustrate how you've driven disease awareness or strengthened partnerships in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Ipsen!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ipsen-Ltd

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Ipsen's mission and values, especially their focus on patient advocacy. Familiarise yourself with recent campaigns and initiatives they've launched in the UK and Ireland. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led communications or advocacy strategies in the past. Highlight your experience in building partnerships and influencing stakeholders at a senior level. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses for clarity.

Emphasise Patient-Centricity

Since this role is all about embedding the patient voice, be ready to discuss how you've previously integrated patient insights into your strategies. Share any innovative campaigns you've led that raised disease awareness or improved patient access, as this will resonate well with Ipsen's objectives.

Prepare for Tough Questions

Expect questions around crisis management and media relations. Think about challenges you've faced in these areas and how you overcame them. Being able to articulate your thought process and decision-making will demonstrate your readiness for this high-impact role.