External Communications Manager

My client, a global healthcare organisation is looking for a creative External Communications Manager to join the UK&I team at their office in West Sussex. This is a strategic and tactical role bringing to life their world-renowned innovation and life-saving technologies.

As part of a small, experienced and supportive team you will enhance and protect their reputation, liaising with media and a variety of audiences to tell their story.

Key tasks:

• Set external communications strategy
• Take the lead on the content strategy for the website and social media channels
• Identify proactive media opportunities and ensure company’s interests and concerns are represented in relevant debates
• Manage issues/crisis communication to protect and enhance brand reputation
• Provide strategic communications advice to the business working closely with Public Affairs, Medical Affairs, Healthcare Development, Marketing, Global and regional teams
• Manage agency relationships e.g. PR and media monitoring

Experience & Personal Attributes:

• Proven external communications experience gained either in-house or agency
• Excellent media management skills with a strong news sense
• Success in digital channel and content development – creating engaging content that influences behaviour across channels
• Knowledge and expertise of current trends and best practise in digital and social
• Solid Corp Comms experience dealing with crisis and issues
• Demonstrable experience creating and executing integrated communications campaigns
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders
• Experience working with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds – culturally sensitive with the ability to build strong trusted relationships internally and externally
• Ability to understand and assimilate highly technical and scientific information and translate it into layman's speak – a great writer
• Team player