Head of Communications, Leica Microsystems

Leica Microsystems, a Danaher company, is looking for a Head of Communications to drive brand preference and business impact across our life sciences portfolio. The role reports to the VP, Life Sciences Communications and requires onsite presence at one of our sites in Switzerland, the UK or Austria.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Serve as a strategic partner for the LMS President and 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.
• Design and implement a leadership communications strategy for the LMS President to promote thought leadership and engage internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead change communications strategy and execution for LMS change initiatives, building advocacy and coaching leaders and people managers.
• Provide rapid response capabilities for LMS-level issues, mitigating risk and protecting brand equity with robust crisis protocols and scenario planning aligned with the global enterprise framework.
• Establish metrics linked to business outcomes and brand preference to measure impact and optimize future initiatives.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing communications team, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, innovation and accountability.
• Empower the team to leverage advanced communications technologies, including AI, to enhance strategic delivery.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in communications, marketing or a related field, preferably in diagnostics, life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotech or healthcare sectors.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience, with proven ability to coach leaders, manage execution through others and lead teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven success in executive thought leadership, corporate communications (including product, science & technology communications) and associate engagement.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and influence, gaining stakeholder trust to advance priorities.
• Robust business acumen with strong financial and commercial understanding, translating business priorities into high-impact communication strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage data and insights to measure impact, solve business problems, optimize strategies and inform decision-making.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Crisis and issues management in regulated industries.
• Change management strategy and execution.
• Use of technology and AI to optimize communications activities, with an understanding of the impact on team structure and capabilities.

Join a team that accelerates the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology.