Director, Business Partnering Communications

Summary

Do you have a passion for people, and the skills and capabilities to design, develop and implement communications strategies and programmes that will help us to inspire different audiences as AstraZeneca enters an exciting phase in its growth journey?

As a key member of the Global Internal & Business Partnering Communications team in Global Corporate Affairs (GCA), you’ll have the opportunity to do just that. You’ll provide high-quality strategic communications advice, challenge and support to the business areas you work with. By creating strong and trusted partnerships, and by building influential networks, you’ll act as the critical link between GCA and the business – ensuring communications is at the heart of planning and decision-making.

With a broad communication experience and skill set, you’ll develop and deliver integrated communications plans and strategies, drawing on the various disciplines from across GCA, and ensuring effective collaboration and co-ordination from the outset. In addition, you’ll enable long-term communication planning and horizon scanning. By building specialist knowledge within the areas you support, you’ll help GCA to proactively manage risks and opportunities, and influence decision-making at all levels.

As the Director of Business Partnering Communications, you will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that directly support the objectives and priorities of Global IT. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, and the ability to drive impactful communication initiatives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. It also requires an individual who can work in real time with the Chief Information & Digital Officer to create strong visually compelling presentations that elevate the role of Technology, Digital and AI, while aligning with AstraZeneca’s corporate brand.

In doing so, you 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 Global IT and at all levels of seniority. You must also be able to gain the trust and respect of internal stakeholders who rely on your advice and guidance on communications matters. 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 IT and digital desirable recognising you will lead and provide counsel on messaging.

The often sensitive material content involved, means that you will be required to demonstrate exemplary personal judgment, initiative, agility 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 IT Communications Strategy and Annual Plan, including senior leader conferences, all employee webcasts, CEO/Global IT awards.

Develop and create strong visually compelling presentations in support of the CIO/CDO to elevate the role of Technology, Digital and AI, while aligning with AstraZeneca’s corporate brand.

Lead the development and delivery of integrated communications plans to advance organisational transformation.

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).

Leverage the IT communications network to maximise the impact of priority campaigns, activities and initiatives at the functional and enterprise-wide level.

Fully realise the engagement potential of AZ’s digital channels and strive to build their effectiveness, including delivery of improvements, rationalisation and simplification.

Foster collaboration with other teams across GCA and the business (including IR and HR) to ensure consistent and aligned messaging, to ensure Global IT contributes too, and pulls through global campaigns.

Lead communications related to IT issues and site level incidents when required.

Support development of communications strategy, governance and capabilities across Global IT and ensure alignment with external communications activities.

Measure the effectiveness of communication approaches and identify and deliver value-adding solutions to drive improvements.

Serve 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.

High levels of proficiency and speed in MS PowerPoint – with the ability to partner with CIO/CDO and confidently build content together in real-time.

Demonstrated levels of design sensibility, paying close attention to layout, use of white space, colour matching etc., and overall design aesthetics.

Extensive stakeholder engagement experience, ability to build relationships at all levels and influence and present to, and influence, senior leader groups.

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

Significant digital experience – with specific experience in intranet/portal, AI, remote and cloud-based technologies desirable - experience with or in a graphic design role/capacity, a plus

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

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

Strong written and verbal communications skills, backed by comprehensive digital skills, and comfort using remote technologies.

Excellent stakeholder management, communication and presentation skills, with strong and influential personal credibility.

Excellent project management skills with proven ability to manage budgets, accounts and forecasts.

Sound judgment combined with strong interpersonal and influencing skills.

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

Inquisitive mindset with well-developed critical/analytical abilities.

Strategic thinker looking outside for learning and ideas to ensure the most effective approaches are identified and considered.

Ability to instil confidence in others.

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.

Excellent eye for detail and upholding visual and verbal identity.

Resilient with a flexible approach.

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

WHY JOIN US?

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.

Help to shape our journey towards becoming a tech-enabled enterprise. Encouraged to look to the future, think strategically and innovate, we influence progress today. We are constantly introducing new solutions and technology through on our quest to grow through innovation. We love it here because put simply, we make a meaningful impact.

Technology at AstraZeneca is a home for purposeful disruptors. Apply now to learn more about this exciting opportunity with a world-renowned pharmaceutical brand

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience – it is the only way that our Recruiter and Hiring Manager can know that you feel well qualified for this opportunity. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please share this posting with them.

Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office is purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.

Great People want to Work with us Find out why:

Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing .

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Date Posted

11-Jun-2024

Closing Date

27-Jun-2024

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