External Corporate Communication Manager

The External Corporate Communications Manager plays a crucial role in developing and implementing comprehensive corporate communication strategies that enhance AstraZeneca's public image and stakeholder engagement. This role emphasizes effective communication with external audiences through all channels, supporting AstraZeneca's corporate goals and objectives. You will develop and manage activities related to the overall company reputation strategy, including media relations, institutional positioning, and corporate social media channels. Ensuring compliance with policies and procedures related to AZ brand exposure to external audiences, you will handle all corporate messages and campaigns associated with TAs and brands or specific corporate project communications, including Employer Branding, D&I, sustainability & ESG external campaigns/initiatives/events, ensuring a strict collaboration with all the relevant internal functions.

Accountabilities

•    Develop and execute strategic corporate communication plans to enhance brand reputation and public perception.
•    Manage the creation and dissemination of corporate communications, including press releases, corporate statements, and executive communications.
•    Serve as a primary liaison with public relations agencies to ensure alignment with corporate communication objectives.
•    Provide expert guidance and strategic counsel on corporate communications to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
•    Oversee the measurement and analysis of communication program effectiveness to ensure alignment with corporate objectives.
•    Ensure consistent messaging and AZ branding across all external communication channels.
•    Manage crisis communication strategies and serve as a deputy spokesperson for the company as needed, supporting directly the Head of External Communications and Patient Advocacy.
•    Develop and maintain relationships with key media contacts and stakeholders to enhance engagement and collaboration.
•    Participate in the planning and execution of corporate events and initiatives aimed at enhancing company visibility and stakeholder relations.
•    Manage the corporate communications budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources.

Essential Skills/Experience

•    Bachelor's degree in Communications or a related field.
•    Extensive experience in corporate communications, including media relations and public affairs. Experience in international corporate affairs roles is a plus.
•    Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans.
•    Strong skills in managing media relations and crisis communication.
•    Experience working with public relations agencies and managing vendor relationships.
•    Budget management experience.

Desirable Skills/Experience

•    Background in public relations or journalism.
•    Experience in the healthcare industry.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we play a critical role in making our pipeline accessible to patients. Being a research-driven enterprise means there's always something new to work on; new indications and securing access for new medicines to reach even more patients in need. Our knowledge of patients, combined with our forward-looking mindset and innovations, helps us spot opportunities, get involved earlier, and approach access sustainably. We thrive on autonomy and collaboration, always finding new ways to explore, innovate, and impact the healthcare ecosystem. 

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.