Director, Communications Lead – Cell Therapy Development & Operations (CTDO)

The Communications Lead for Cell Therapy Development and Operations (CTDO) at AstraZeneca will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing communication strategies that align with organizational priorities. This position requires visionary leadership, change management and stakeholder engagement expertise, and the ability to drive high-impact communication initiatives across internal and external platforms.

The role demands a strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of change management and the ability to drive impactful communication initiatives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.  Excellent writing, project management, planning and multi-channel communications experience (particularly digital communications and analytics) is essential, with a sound Pharma background and a working knowledge of manufacturing and supply chain desirable recognizing you will lead and provide counsel on messaging.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that support CTDO’s objectives.
• Advise and counsel senior leadership on communication approaches for internal and external audiences.
• Lead execution of communications activities including employee townhalls, functional events and leader communications.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives, including change management, to enable delivery of CTDO strategy to advance organizational transformation.
• Partner with the BPO and CTDO LT on timing, messaging and tactics for internal communications.
• Drive innovative solutions and actively leverage AZ’s digital channels to communicate and bring to life CTDO strategy, priorities and scorecard performance.
• Prepare briefing books and coordinate with Media Relations team for external or high-profile presentations by CTDO leaders.
• Actively engage and collaborate with Global Operations, R&D and Business Unit communications leaders to build visibility for CTDO and it’s strategy, to ensure consistent and aligned messaging and to ensure CTDO contributes to and is pulled through in global campaigns. 
• Manage communications related to supply chain, quality issues, and site-level incidents when required.
• Measure communication effectiveness and implement strategic improvements based on insights.
• Serve as a flexible communications team member when timely resource / prioritization is required.

Education & Experience Requirements

• 12+ years of experience (BS) or 10+ years (MS/MA/MBA or equivalent) in communications.
• At least 8 years in internal/external communications within multinational companies, preferably pharmaceutical or biotech sectors.
• Extensive stakeholder engagement experience, with the ability to influence senior leaders across functions.
• Experience in change management, in employee and leader communications, engagement plans and campaigns, change communication and event management.
• Proven track record in delivering innovative communication initiatives, achieving tangible business outcomes.
• Strong working knowledge of digital communication technologies with track record of use in internal communication activities.
• Experience in managing complex crisis communications within a highly regulated industry.
• Proficiency in financial reporting and disclosure regulations (preferred for UK-listed companies).

Capabilities & Leadership Behaviors

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, backed by strong digital capabilities.
• Strategic thinker who can anticipate communication trends and industry shifts.
• Influential stakeholder management, fostering credibility and engagement.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and execute high-quality communication strategies under tight deadlines.
• Proactive, adaptable, and results-driven, bringing energy and enthusiasm to team environments.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively, leading cross-functional engagement.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in sensitive or high-impact situations.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $138,400 to $207,600. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles).

Our Benefits:

Benefits offered include:

• A qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• Paid vacation, holidays, and paid leaves
• Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

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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.