Communications Manager role

Pancras Square – London

Competitive Salary & Benefits

Advert Closing Date: 13th Sept 2023

Do you have expertise in, and passion for Communications? Would you like to apply your expertise to impact the service in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life-changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

We use our influence across the enterprise to craft our external interactions. Working across different markets and functions, we listen to all voices, which allows us to reliably represent them when we communicate our products externally.

Our move to Pancras Square offers us the strongest possible platform to transform the lives of patients in the UK, as the country’s leading biopharmaceutical company. It will bring AstraZeneca UK closer to our customers, partners and collaborators in the UK’s healthcare environment, as well as develop greater collaboration with the wider AstraZeneca footprint.

As the key member of the AZ UK Communications Team, you will develop and deliver communications activities to support key medicines in our portfolio, incorporating external and internal communications, as well as working to support other Communications Team activities where required. You will work collaboratively with colleagues from the franchise teams and the Communications Team to support our commercial and reputational objectives, providing outstanding communications counsel and quality in terms of critical thinking and tactical delivery.

What will you be doing?

• Deliver communications activities to support (in line with business priorities) one of our franchises (in the Biopharmaceuticals Business Unit), and our company reputation externally and internally

• Handle third parties where applicable to support delivery of communications activities, including robust management of timelines, quality of work and budgets

• Ensure all activities align with AZ Governance Framework elements (CDTI) and ABPI Code of Practice

• Provide communications support to the AZ UK Communications team for enterprise-wide initiatives that may sit within the remit of communications

• Work collaboratively with colleagues from the wider Directorate (which includes Policy and Government Affairs) to amplify work from across the Directorate

• Act as an ambassador for communications across the organisation, to demonstrate the value of communications

• Lead on internal and external communication activities for key medicines within one of our franchises demonstrating data, regulatory turning points and creative campaigns to drive brand or disease awareness amongst target audiences

• Balance multiple customers/collaborators to deliver operational accountabilities through effective relationship building and resource management

• Drive standard methodology and simplification of channel use to drive effective communication

• Engage and brief suppliers in line with AZ procurement guidelines

• Deliver activities efficiently through robust budget and supplier management

• Deliver activities compliantly, in line with the ABPI Code of Practice and AZ policies

• Drive innovation and excellence in communications through understanding current trends and channel evolution, and sharing of best practice with communications colleagues

Essential requirements:

• Relevant background knowledge in Communications, PR or life sciences

• Must demonstrate requisite proficiency level experience

• More years of working in the healthcare/pharma communications field

• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills

• Self-starter, able to work with ambiguity/without the full picture

• Consistent record to collaborate with and influence colleagues (including senior leaders) across an organisation

• Can optimally delegate and manage third parties to deliver outputs

• Consistent record to work under pressure, handle time timelines, and prioritise accordingly

• Consistent track record to operate, empower and lead in a multi-disciplinary, multi-faceted business

Desirable requirements:

• Experience of working in a PR agency

• Relationships with/understanding of UK media

• Policy/corporate comms background

Other information:

• AZ UK offices in Pancras Square, London

• We currently operate a hybrid working policy with an expectation to be in the office 3 days a week

• Occasional work travel will be required

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 envisioning yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

• Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

• If still interested, we encourage your application no later than 18th November 2022

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.