Head of Communications

I am partnering with a mid size Pharmaceutical client who are recruiting for a Head of communications on a maternity contract for period of 12 months , the role will be working at their London Offices 3 days per week and 2 days from home.

This leadership role blends both strategic and operational responsibilities to lead on communications for Healthcare in the UK and Ireland. It serves as part of the Leadership Team for the UK and Ireland, advising the General Manager and cross-functional leaders on communications strategy and execution. It is an influential role requiring the ability to determine, champion and prioritise projects according to business needs.

Strategic Impact:

The Head of Communications is responsible for shaping and driving our company's reputational footprint in the UK & Ireland, as well as contributing to the performance and quality of communications activities globally by defining strategies and objectives that influence both internal (including senior leaders) and external audiences. The role requires extensive professional experience and senior knowledge in the communications discipline (including extensive media handling experience) and an in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical and NHS landscape.

Key Accountabilities:

• Develop, lead and manage healthcare communications in the UK & Ireland

• Work closely with the General Manager to plan key media, social media and events for positioning and thought leadership on high-profile cross-therapy issues such as digital health

• Plan and execute globally aligned strategic communications that measurably increase opportunities for Healthcare.

Deliver consistent messaging by leveraging global campaigns and deploying them locally to deliver impact and best utilize resources. Create targeted local campaigns that support market specific goals.

• Collaborate with global Therapeutic Areas communications teams and other

• cross-functional teams, such as Marketing, Human Resources, and Legal, to ensure alignment and consistency of messaging across all communication touchpoints.

• Lead and support cross-therapy projects which further the profile and reputation of the company as directed by the General Manager and Healthcare priorities

• Advise the General Manager and Leadership Team with considered counsel on reputation and other business-related matters

• Regularly present to and consult global line management and senior level executives

• Drive reputation as well as acceptance of priority products and mitigate risk by nurturing strong relationships with key stakeholders including the media, NHS and relevant arms-length bodies, healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, general public and internal stakeholders

• Manage relationships, expectations, projects, budget and outputs of external communications agencies used to support General Manager profiling and business unit communications, ensuring high quality output offering strong value for money

• Continue to increase the exposure and positive sentiment of the company’s reputation through proactive communication, proactive issues management and crisis planning

• Create impact through successful leadership and execution of communications projects to deliver substantial impact to the business

• Ensure General Manager and Medical Director are continually trained, supported and promoted as key media spokespersons

• Ensure the value of communications is effectively measured, valued and promoted internally, aligned with the needs of the business

• Serve as the country liaison with Global and Regional Communications and ensure cross-functional alignment

• Lead, coach and manage a high performing Communications service in the UK, ensuring high quality and compliant communications are delivered across all channels (including social/digital channels)

• Focus on performance and results as well as the development of areas of responsibility

• Responsible for day-to-day management, objective setting, coaching and developing employee, performance appraisal, determining employee compensation as well as the definition of team organisation, roles and responsibilities and budget

• Provide strong leadership and define responsibilities and deadlines for communications related tasks/projects (including issues communications, launch communications, above brand initiatives, etc)

Education & Work Experience

• Degree in Communications, journalism, marketing or equivalent education

• Extensive experience in Communications in a corporate or agency environment

• Substantial experience in healthcare communications, including internal and external communications, social media, channel management and digital communications

• Substantial media relations experience both general media and healthcare branch media, product launches (including in depth understanding of UK and Ireland medicine reimbursement processes)

• Excellent writing, editing, copywriting and proofreading skills

• Hands-on, proactive and energetic ability to influence and lead people

• Demonstrated proactivity to take immediate ownership of communications service, showing initiative to integrate fully and build relationships with UK and Ireland team

• Demonstrated ability to interact with, counsel challenge and influence senior executives effectively

• Proven ability to develop and execute results-driven communications strategies that are aligned with business goals and objectives

• Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, resources, budget and project initiatives

• Extensive experience at managing other communications professionals, vendors and agencies of all levels

• Strong strategic and analytical skills, including the ability to digest complex health or regulatory information

• Ability to establish and meet deadlines, work under pressure and handle multiple priorities

• Ability to operate in a global and regional environment, translating global communications campaigns into local impactful initiatives

• Rich issues/crisis communication experience in prevention and protection