As the Country Head of Communications & Patient Engagement (C&E), you will be responsible for all external and internal communication for Novartis Innovative Medicines (IM) in South Africa including Associate Engagement, External Engagement/Corporate Reputation, Therapy Area (TA) / Product Communications and Patient Engagement. You will be responsible for developing strategic high-impact programs that drive leadership across key therapeutic areas and build trust and corporate reputation amongst key stakeholders.
You will play an active role in providing strategic communications advice and counsel to the therapeutic and functional teams, collaborating with the regional team and sharing best practices while also leading, coaching and mentoring the local C&E team and building in-country capabilities
- Lead the country Communications & Patient Engagement function, to develop and execute cross-divisional communications plans which are in line with country and corporate strategic goals and desired market position for key brands.
- Shape the external environment for business success by developing and implementing medium to long-term strategies to increase Novartis IM share of voice.
- Manage and own positive relationships between Novartis and key external stakeholders including general public, media, patients, patient organizations and relevant vendors.
- Providing strategic communications and patient engagement advice, participating in decision-making and leading on individual projects as agreed by the Teams.
- Build relationships with senior business partners and senior communications colleagues.
- Elevate the voice of patients within the company, to highlight patients needs and opinions to the leadership team and customer facing functions, particularly medical, marketing and sales teams.
- Align work on biggest impact opportunities and ensure best in class programs and ways of working, shared across the region.
- Establish effective mechanisms to measure the effectiveness and business impact of Communications & Patient Engagement.
- Develop and implement the external engagement strategies for Communications and Patient Engagement.
- Develop key strategic programs to support Novartis external communications objectives including leadership and reputation, increasing positive awareness of Novartis, its mission and public service efforts.
- Oversee internal and external corporate communications channels, particularly identifying opportunities with digital/social media.
- Develop crisis-management communication planning, readiness and response capabilities.
- Lead proactive external communications activities in support of environment shaping initiatives including media events, press releases, conferences, speeches and interviews, including Executive Communications.
- Manage all external communications agencies and ensure the effective management and success of outcomes to achieve maximum impact.
- Develop a detailed understanding of the IM Business Franchise needs in terms if brand communications to drive awareness and advocacy for key strategic brands.
- Build partnerships with patient groups to capture and represent the patient voice among media, the general public and other external stakeholders, in accordance with local and global guidelines.
- Build, strengthen and maintain relationships with patient groups who have a strong share of voice in the policy environment to create alignment around the common goal of patient access to innovative medicines.
- Lead on internal communications, associate engagement and change management.
- Collaboratively develop the internal communication strategy, along with the P&O group, and plan and implement effective communication of key internal messages.
- Help to build culture by engaging associates in communications campaigns being developed that inspire pride and purpose.
- Drive adoption of new communication channels and innovative content creation.
- Lead on working cross-divisionally with Novartis Corporate Communications to create synergies and secure provision of IM content to the wider organization.
- Lead the function in terms of strategic vision, aligned to the Global, Regional and local business objectives.
- Manage the day-to-day operational performance of the function including, budgets, resource planning, risk management, alignment to Novartis policies and procedures.
We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Minimum Requirements
Education:
- University (degree or higher) educated, in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related fields
- High proficiency in the English language
- Extensive experience (+8 years) in PR or Communications
- Excellent written and oral communications skills
- Communications agency and/or client service experience preferred
- Knowledge of the pharma industry, government and legal regulations as well as an understanding of Pharma communication concerns regarding public, media, shareholder and employee relations
- Strong interpersonal skills and proven experience in managing and fostering positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders
- A good understanding of the South Africa media landscape, with a proven track record in managing issues and building and nurturing media relationships.
- A good team player and business partner, with the ability to effectively collaborate with team members and functions
- A proven track record leading teams and developing talent
- An ability to problem solve and experience in crisis management
Comms & Engagement
Business Unit
Communications & Engagement
Country
South Africa
Work Location
Gauteng
Company/Legal Entity
Novartis SA (Pty) Ltd.
Functional Area
Commercial & General Management
Job Type
Full Time
Employment Type
Regular
Shift Work
No
Early Talent
No
