At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications and patient advocacy strategies to enhance Novartis' reputation and impact.
- Company: Join Novartis, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to innovation in healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while shaping the future of healthcare communication.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and extensive experience in communications and advocacy required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This job is with Novartis, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Drive the voice and reputation of Novartis UK at a pivotal moment in healthcare and innovation. As Head of Communications & Patient Advocacy, UK, you will shape how we engage with patients, media, policymakers, and society - translating insight into impact. Sitting on the Country Leadership Team, you will influence strategic decisions, lead a high-performing team, and deliver integrated communications and patient advocacy strategies that elevate our reputation, accelerate business outcomes, and ultimately improve patients' lives across the UK.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Communications and Patient Advocacy strategy, aligning with UK business priorities and enterprise objectives
- Serve as trusted advisor to Country President and leadership team on communications and reputation matters
- Drive integrated corporate, therapeutic area, and patient advocacy campaigns using data-driven insights
- Build and manage strategic relationships with media, patient groups, influencers, and key external stakeholders
- Oversee crisis and issues management, ensuring timely and effective response and mitigation strategies
- Collaborate across functions and geographies to deliver consistent, impactful and integrated communications
- Represent Novartis UK externally as spokesperson in industry forums, partnerships, and media engagements
- Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and growth
Essential Requirements:
- Degree required; advanced degree preferred (Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Communications, or related field)
- Extensive experience in communications and patient advocacy within complex, regulated environments
- Proven expertise across corporate communications, media relations, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement
- Strong leadership capabilities with experience building and developing high-performing teams
- Strategic mindset with the ability to translate insights into impactful business outcomes
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives.
Head of Communications & Patient Advocacy UK employer: Novartis
Novartis is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and diversity, making it a vibrant workplace for the Head of Communications & Patient Advocacy role in London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Novartis fosters a collaborative culture where innovative ideas thrive, and team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives. The company offers comprehensive benefits and rewards, ensuring that employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications & Patient Advocacy UK
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Novartis. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Novartis, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
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Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Novartis inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications & Patient Advocacy UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Novartis. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Novartis.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
