Head of Communications, UK

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced communications leader to join our Public Affairs and Communications (PACO) team as Head of UK Communications, based at our Head Office in Manchester.

This is a senior and influential role leading our internal and external communications activity, including employee engagement. Working with a talented and enthusiastic team, you will build on the work already achieved to deliver a compelling narrative for Chiesi UK, continuing to strengthen our reputation, highlighting our contribution to society and ensuring our employees and external stakeholders receive clear, consistent and impactful communications.

Working closely with the UK Leadership Team, PACO team colleagues, cross-functional colleagues and Global Communications, you will lead integrated communications plans and campaigns that support our business priorities, long-term strategy, values and culture. You will also act as a trusted communications adviser to senior leaders, providing strategic counsel across reputation, issues and crisis management.

What you will be doing

As Head of UK Communications, you will:

•    Enhance and lead a clear, cohesive narrative for Chiesi UK, aligned with our long-term strategy, business values and tone of voice.
•    Develop and oversee integrated communications programmes and plans across internal and external audiences.
•    Advise the UK Leadership Team on communications strategy, issues management, crisis communications and reputation management.
•    Lead strategic external communications across multiple channels, including (but not limited to) digital and traditional channels, including press, social media, website content, videos, blogs, speeches and infographics.
•    Act as the primary point of contact for UK and global press releases, working closely with relevant brand teams.
•    Lead our internal communications and employee engagement approach, supporting organisational change and strengthening company culture.
•    Build effective relationships across the UK affiliate, Global Communications, other affiliates and external partners.
•    Manage agency and vendor relationships, together with communications and employee engagement budgets.
•    Lead and develop the UK communications team.
•    Ensure all communications activities are delivered to a high professional standard and comply with relevant company procedures and the ABPI Code of Practice.

About you

We are looking for a forward-thinking, enthusiastic and creative communications leader with a strong track record of developing and delivering successful communications strategies and campaigns.

You will be an engaging and credible leader who can build trusted relationships at every level of an organisation. Comfortable working within a regulated complex, cross-functional and matrix environment, you will combine strategic thinking with a strong bias for action and the ability to translate business priorities into clear and compelling communications.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

•    Significant experience of communications strategy, campaign development and implementation.
•    A proven ability to work with media professionals and deliver successful campaigns across a range of channels, which may include social media, television, radio and press.
•    Strong writing skills, with the ability to adapt communications for different audiences and channels.
•    Experience of internal communications and employee engagement.
•    Expertise in reputation and issues management, including crisis communications.
•    Strong leadership, influencing, stakeholder management and networking skills.
•    Experience of managing and developing people.
•    An understanding of sustainability themes, data analytics and marketing principles.
•    A degree-level education or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.

Experience within the pharmaceutical sector would be highly desirable. We would also welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience gained in another regulated industry.

Our Human Leadership Model is central to how we work. The successful candidate will demonstrate our four leadership traits: Drive, Innovate, Share and Care.

What we offer

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including pension, private medical and dental cover, 25 days’ annual leave and an annual bonus scheme.

About Chiesi

Chiesi is an international, research-focused biopharmaceutical group with 90 years’ experience and operations in more than 30 countries. More than 8,000 colleagues across the Group are united by a shared purpose: promoting a healthier world for our people, patients and the planet.

We are committed to thinking generations ahead and driving sustainable innovation with purpose. As a Benefit Corporation and certified B Corp, sustainability is embedded in how we operate and how we measure our impact.
Uniqueness and inclusion are at the heart of who we are. We believe our differences make us stronger and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can contribute, develop and be themselves.

Apply now if this sounds like the opportunity for you.

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!