Introduction to role:

Join us at AstraZeneca as a Policy and Communications Lead, a key member of the AZ UK Corporate Affairs Team. You will have the opportunity to develop and deliver policy and communications activities that support our Vaccines and Immunotherapies portfolio. This role is not just about supporting our commercial and reputational objectives, but also about providing outstanding communications counsel and quality in terms of strategic thinking and tactical delivery. Are you ready to lead the way in shaping the external environment?

Accountabilities:

As a Policy and Communications Lead, you will be responsible for delivering communications activities that align with our business priorities. You will handle third parties to support the delivery of these activities, ensuring all activities align with AZ Governance Framework elements and ABPI Code of Practice. You will also provide policy and communications support to the AZ UK Corporate Affairs team for enterprise-wide initiatives. Your role will involve working collaboratively with colleagues from the wider Directorate to amplify work across the Directorate. You will also act as an ambassador for the function of corporate affairs across the organisation, demonstrating the value of communications.

• Lead on external policy communication activities for key medicines within our vaccines and immunotherapies business unit demonstrating data, regulatory turning points and creative campaigns to drive brand or disease awareness amongst target audiences
• Support activities that drive external and internal communications across the enterprise within the corporate affairs team
• Balance multiple customers/collaborators to deliver operational accountabilities through effective relationship building and resource management
• Drive standard methodology and simplification of channel use to drive effective communication
• Engage and brief suppliers in line with AZ procurement guidelines
• Deliver activities efficiently through robust budget and supplier management
• Deliver activities compliantly, in line with the ABPI Code of Practice and AZ policies
• Drive innovation and excellence in policy and communications through understanding current trends and channel evolution, and sharing of best practice with communications colleagues

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Degree level of education, ideally in Public Affairs, Communications, PR or life sciences
• 8+ years working in the healthcare/pharma field
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter, able to work with ambiguity/without the full picture
• Consistent record to collaborate with and influence colleagues (including senior leaders) across an organisation
• Can optimally delegate and manage third parties to deliver outputs
• Consistent record to work under pressure, handle time timelines, and prioritise accordingly
• Consistent track record to operate, empower and lead in a multi-disciplinary, multi-faceted business

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience of working in public health and or vaccine policy in the UK
• Experience of working in corporate communications
• Experience of working in a PR or Public Affairs agency
• Relationships with/understanding of UK media
• Policy/corporate comms background
• Relationships with/understanding of national health systems e.g. DHSC, UKHSA, JCVI and NHS

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!

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, you’ll be part of a team that is valued and essential to our growth. We are committed to investing in your growth and development. Here you have the remit to work on things that you wouldn’t get at other large organisations. It means there’s even more potential to impact the business through specialist capabilities, technical expertise and strategically important work. We get to apply our skills for good, working here we have a big passion for patients and how we each can contribute to people’s lives, society and our planet.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and join us in our journey to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines!