At a time when Global Operations is embarking on the next phase in its strategic journey, building employee understanding and belief in Operations 2025, supporting change, and enhancing AstraZeneca’s reputation as a supply chain leader is critical to long-term success.

The role of Director, Global Operations Communications makes an important contribution to that effort, by leading the development, delivery and evaluation of senior leader engagement activities and strategy communications at a global level. In addition, the role holder will lead on external communications, working closely with colleagues across Global Operations and Corporate Affairs to actively manage AstraZeneca’s reputation.

The Director, Global Operations Communications works with senior leaders and communicators from across all parts of Global Operations Global Corporate Affairs to deliver timely, relevant and compelling communications collateral and programmes that deliver tangible outcomes.  In doing so, she/he must be proactive, willing to identify and develop innovative and appropriate solutions to meet the needs of the business and audiences across all parts of the organisation and at all levels of seniority.

The role holder must be able to gain the trust and respect of internal stakeholders who rely on her/his advice and guidance on communications matters. Excellent writing, project management, planning and multi-channel communications experience (particularly digital communications) is essential, with a sound Pharma background and a working knowledge of manufacturing and supply chain desirable recognising the role holder will lead and provide counsel on messaging. The often sensitive and material content involved, means that the role holder is required to demonstrate exemplary personal judgment, initiative and collaborative skills while working as part of a close-knit, high-performing and flexible team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead execution of prioritised global communications activities in line with the Global Operations Corporate Affairs Strategy and Annual Plan, including senior leader communications (senior leader webcasts and in person/virtual senior leader meetings) and change communications.

• Lead execution of Operations 2025 strategy communications, including identifying priority themes/topics to be communicated internally to relevant audiences to build understanding and belief in the strategy and drive action.

• Develop, maintain and promote Global Operations speaker kit and contribute to the development of the AZ enterprise message framework.

• Global Operations/Supply Chain Thought Leadership - Support relevant Operations leaders to tell our Operations story through LinkedIn profiles, traditional news/media opportunities and industry/leading speaker platforms.

• External Communications – Deploy relevant and timely content across corporate digital/social channels including AstraZeneca website, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

• Lead communications related to crisis, supply/quality issues (Oncology brands) and site level incidents (Americas, Biologics) when required.

• Support development of communications strategy, governance and capabilities across the global operations and ensure alignment with external communications activities.

• Proactively identify, develop and deliver accurate, clear and compelling communications materials, campaigns and activities spanning all business activities and cultures in a timely way.

• Advise, coach and counsel internal stakeholders, including senior management, on events/issues that need to be communicated internally (including copy writing and speech writing for high-profile internal communications platforms).

• Measurement of effectiveness of communication approaches and identification and delivery of value-adding solutions to drive improvements.

• Deputises for Head of Corporate Affairs, Global Operations & IT and serves as a flexible Global Corporate Affairs needs when timely resource / prioritisation is required.

• Engage and lead management of contract resources to support effective execution of communication activities as required. Oversees quality and compliance of work.

Knowledge and experience

• Significant experience of working in a fast-paced global communications team or similar corporate communications environment.

• Track record of developing and delivering innovative and highly engaging communications to achieve tangible outcomes.

• Extensive experience of employee and leader communications and engagement plans and campaigns, digital and change communication and event management.

• Significant experience of managing different stakeholder relationships and confident at forging trusted relationships at a senior level.

• Experience of managing complex issues/crises with international dimensions.

• Practical understanding of financial reporting and disclosure requirements at a UK publicly listed company a distinct advantage.

• Experience of working in a highly regulated sector.

Capabilities and behaviours

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, backed by strong channel management, digital/social media skills and comfort using and advising others in remote communication technologies.

• Sound judgment combined with strong interpersonal and influencing skills.

• Excellent eye for detail, including visual and verbal identity.

• Ability to manage conflicting priorities, stakeholder & colleague expectations and deliver consistently high-quality outputs.

• Inquisitive mindset with well-developed critical/analytical abilities.

• Strategic thinker looking outside to bring new approaches to continually reinvigorate outputs and improve the effectiveness of approaches.

• High level of integrity, able to handle highly confidential information.

• Ability to instil confidence in others in a high-pressure situation.

• Proactive with high levels of self motivation and personal accountability, bringing enthusiasm and energy to team, peer group and tasks.

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

• Resilient with a flexible approach.

• Able to develop and maintain networks across business and cultural boundaries.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.
 

So, what’s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!
 

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=enr
 

Job open date: 08/09/2021

Job closing date: 15/09/2021