Senior Communications Manager

The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and access medicines and vaccines to improve patient care. We represent companies of all sizes which invest in making and discovering medicines and vaccines to enhance and save the lives of millions of people around the world. Our members and affiliates include established research‑based pharmaceutical companies, specialist service providers that support pharmaceutical R&D, and organisations that work and interact with the pharmaceutical industry in the UK. We work in partnership with the government, regulators, and the NHS, enabling patients to access new and effective treatments and vaccines more quickly. We collaborate with our partners across the life sciences ecosystem to make the UK an attractive location to invest and scale. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive, and value the unique skills and perspectives you bring. We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons, from all backgrounds and from people who have disabilities. If you need any adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please let us know and we will support you.

Job purpose and background: Reporting to the Director of Media and Communications, the Senior Communications Manager plays a lead role in the ABPI’s communications function, helping to shape and deliver the organisation’s media relations, messaging and external engagement activity. The role sits at the heart of a high‑profile, fast‑moving press office operating in the UK life sciences and pharmaceutical policy environment. The postholder will bring significant experience in media relations and strategic communications, and will be able to operate confidently across the full range of communications disciplines: proactive and reactive media, political and policy communications, stakeholder engagement, digital and social media, and senior spokesperson support. They will be expected to work with a high degree of autonomy and to deputise for the Director where required. The role is designed for a communications professional who is looking to develop towards a director‑level position and who is ready to take on broader strategic responsibility within a leading trade association.

Responsibilities

• Strategic communications leadership: Work closely with the Director of Media and Communications to develop and implement the ABPI’s media and communications strategy, contributing to planning across all major policy areas and government affairs workstreams. Take a lead role in shaping the ABPI’s external communications narrative, working with colleagues across Corporate Affairs and Policy functions to ensure consistency of message. Deputise for the Director of Media and Communications as required, including at senior internal meetings, member forums and external stakeholder engagements. Support the Director in managing the communications function effectively, including contributing to team planning, briefing junior colleagues and helping to manage workload across the team.
• Media relations and press office: Lead day‑to‑day media relations activity, including proactive story placement, reactive handling and ongoing journalist engagement across national print, broadcast and specialist trade media. Take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of all press office outputs, including press releases, statements, briefing notes and background materials. Maintain and develop the ABPI’s relationships with key journalists and editors, establishing the organisation as a reliable, credible and accessible source of comment and analysis on the pharmaceutical sector. Monitor breaking news, parliamentary developments and policy announcements, keeping the senior management team briefed on relevant issues and ensuring the ABPI is positioned to respond rapidly where required. Participate in the out‑of‑hours on‑call media rota.
• Proactive campaigns and policy communications: Lead the planning and delivery of proactive media campaigns in support of the ABPI’s key policy priorities, including commercial environment, patient access, health data, clinical research and life sciences competitiveness. Work with policy colleagues to translate complex technical and regulatory issues into clear, compelling communications that resonate with media, political and public audiences. Identify newsworthy angles in the ABPI’s work and member activity, proactively pitching stories and securing coverage that advances the organisation’s objectives. Develop and maintain media position statements, lines to take and supporting evidence bases for key ABPI policy positions. Lead communications delivery at key ABPI events and conferences, including developing media strategies and managing all media engagement on the day.
• Digital, social media and content: Oversee the ABPI’s social media activity across LinkedIn and other active platforms, ensuring a coherent and purposeful digital presence that supports wider communications objectives. Work with the Head of Digital to ensure the ABPI’s website content is current, engaging and fit for a range of audiences, including media, members and policymakers. Commission and create content – including written copy, video scripts and digital assets – that maintains brand consistency and meets accessibility standards. Set, monitor and report on KPIs across media and social channels, using insight and analytics to improve performance and demonstrate impact.
• Spokesperson support and stakeholder engagement: Prepare high‑quality media briefings, Q&A documents and talking points for the CEO, Executive Directors and other senior ABPI spokespeople. Support and accompany senior spokespeople to media interviews, providing on‑the‑day briefing and post‑interview feedback. Build and maintain relationships with member communications leads, patient groups, NHS communications teams, government press offices and other relevant stakeholders. Provide communications counsel and practical support to ABPI colleagues, working groups and member company communications contacts.

Skills, experience and qualifications: Significant experience in a media and communications role, either in‑house or in a fast‑paced agency environment, with a demonstrable track record of delivering in a complex, high‑profile setting. Proven expertise in strategic and operational media relations, with experience of handling reactive and crisis communications under pressure. Strong existing relationships with national, broadcast and specialist media, with the ability to build new contacts quickly. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and compellingly across a range of formats and for different audiences. Experience of supporting and briefing senior spokespeople, including preparation for broadcast and print interviews. Sound understanding of the UK political and policy landscape, and the ability to contextualise industry issues for a range of audiences. Experience managing or contributing to social and digital communications programmes, including content planning, channel management and performance measurement. Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, prioritising effectively in a demanding environment. Experience or knowledge of the health, life sciences or pharmaceutical sector is desirable, though not essential; a demonstrable interest in and ability to get up to speed with complex technical policy areas is required. Collegiate and collaborative working style, with the confidence to operate at a senior level and the judgment to exercise appropriate autonomy.

Inclusivity: We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone who works with us, visits our offices, or engages with our content. Our workplace and events are designed with accessibility in mind, including step‑free access, hearing support, and accessible restrooms. Our online materials follow accessibility best practice to ensure they can be used by as many people as possible. We are PIF tick certified, meaning our health information is trusted, evidence‑based and easy to use and understand. We actively seek to work with partners and suppliers who share our commitment to disability inclusion, and who demonstrate good practice in accessibility and inclusive employment.