Head of Communications, EUCAN & International

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company dedicated to unlocking the power of what science can do for people, society and the planet. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the seemingly impossible a reality.

AstraZeneca is seeking a Head of Communications for Europe-Canada & International to lead internal and external communications.

Reporting to the VP, Head of EUCAN & International Corporate Affairs, this position plays a leadership role to:

• Proactively shape and protect our corporate reputation
• Shape the future of healthcare, with a focus on climate, health equity and healthcare system resilience
• Engage employees on our purpose and growth strategy
• Build industry-leading communications capabilities

In this role, your responsibilities include:

FUNCTION LEADERSHIP

• Accountable for the communications strategy, in close alignment with global, regional and in-market business goals
• Lead in continually ‘levelling up’ communications capabilities across markets, by setting clear standards and expectations, developing frameworks/tools to support excellence, engaging business leaders and creating an environment to support learning, development and best practice sharing 
• Be a visible, active contributor on the Global Corporate Communications Taskforce, providing valuable insights and shaping global strategies and approaches
• Advance digital communications externally, internally and with employees and champion continuous innovation, including the use of AI
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership
• Manage the communications budget, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources

REPUTATION & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

• Oversee the measurement and proactive management of our reputation and the application of the AstraZeneca brand
• Develop and amplify corporate communications strategies and content, including campaigns, narratives, speaker decks, infographics and videos, to drive proactive storytelling on our impact on people, society and planet in our markets
• Act as a corporate brand ambassador, ensuring consistency with global brand guidelines, ensuring regional/market relevance and supporting localisation of our brand positioning
• Drive a thought leadership agenda on the future of healthcare, with particular focus on climate, health equity and healthcare system resilience
• Support visits by the Senior Executive Team to countries within the region 
• Support crisis and issues management, preparing communications recommendations and content, including reactive statements, reports and Q&As

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

• Oversee internal communications, including senior executive communications, change management and channel management/development
• Support the delivery of major milestones, including quarterly results updates, senior leader meetings, leadership country visits, campaigns and town halls

CAPABILITIES AND BEHAVIOURS

• 15+ years public relations and communications experience working in a fast-paced global in-house or agency communications team
• Experience leading impactful communications and high-performing teams across countries in the Europe-Canada and International regions
• Impeccable written and verbal English communications skills 
• Expertise in developing and delivering innovative and impactful communications strategies
• Sound judgment combined with strong interpersonal and influencing skills
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities, stakeholder & colleague expectations
• Self-starter with proven ability to work independently and flexibly, think ahead, engage proactively and take initiative
• Strategic thinker looking outside to bring new approaches to continually reinvigorate ways of working, drive productivity and efficiency and improve the effectiveness and impact of approaches
• Able to develop and maintain networks across business and cultural boundaries
• Track record of developing high-performing teams
• Capable of achieving results in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, often on short deadlines
• Comfortable operating in a matrixed environment, act as a trusted advisor and handle sensitive information

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.