• Job Description

  Req#: R279197

  Job Description

  Join our dynamic Animal Health Communications team, driving strategic integrated communications, executive thought leadership, and reputation building. Lead impactful global strategies, collaborate with senior executives, and shape the narrative in a rapidly changing environment.

  For our Animal Health organization, we are currently recruiting an Executive Director Communications (Animal Health)

  Welcome to our team

  Our Global Communications organization leads the development and implementation of our internal and external communications strategies and programs in support of our Animal Health business for pharmaceuticals, vaccines and technology solutions across all relevant species, across the globe. This department oversees internal and external communications, ensuring consistent messaging and brand representation across diverse markets. Key responsibilities include managing internal and external communication strategies, supporting crisis management/communication when necessary and collaborating for input for social media content. To enhance and strengthen our communications strategy in the EURAM (Europe, Africa, Middle East) region, we are currently establishing a new team comprised of market-based communications professionals.

  Purpose of the role

  As a pivotal member of our Animal Health Communications leadership team, reporting directly to the US-based AVP, you play a crucial role in steering strategic integrated communications for the EURAM region. Your responsibilities encompass executive thought leadership, reputation building, and close collaboration with the global team. Leading the creation and adaptation of global communication strategies, programs, and materials for EURAM, you also oversee a newly formed market-based communications team (8 FTE, 7 direct reports). Your influence extends across functions and regions, working closely with EURAM leadership, country managers, and various departments, including Policy, R&D, Manufacturing, Finance, HR, and Legal.

  This role can be based in Milton Keynes (UK), Boxmeer (NL), Igoville, Beaucouzé (F), Unterschleissheim (D), Aprilia (I), Madrid (E).

  Tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Serve as a strategic counselor to our organization’s Regional Senior Vice President (SVP) and Managing Directors, as part of the EURAM leadership team.
  • Improve the EURAM Lead’s public profile and external engagement through participation in major conferences, media interviews, and strategic social media interactions.
  • Identify and manage key impactful speaking opportunities and events, developing a calendar for EURAM leaders in the region.
  • Create, develop, and implement an annual strategic communications plan across all markets to positively impact the region’s image and reputation.
  • Drive growth for the portfolio through communications strategies on major company developments, including regulatory approvals, policy recommendations, scientific data publications, litigation, and other sensitive issues.
  • Partner with the Global Sustainability Lead to ensure best practices are communicated throughout the company.
  • Establish and maintain favorable relations with key external thought leaders, media, and influencers in the region.
  • Act as the key media spokesperson for our Animal Health organization, leading all media relations activities for the region, aligned with global strategies.
  • Partner with the global team to maximize the use of social media in the region, generating awareness and advancing business, policy, and reputation objectives.
  • Proactively monitor and manage media issues across the region, leading issues management preparedness activities.
  • Drive industry agenda through regional industry association communications, as appropriate.
  • Build strategic relationships with key influencers and decision-makers in the Animal Health industry in the region, including media and thought leaders.
  • Advise and guide the business regarding external/internal opportunities, creating strategies to protect, enhance, and/or accelerate business strategies.
  • Manage strategically and effectively PR/Advertising agencies to drive results in communications initiatives and lead and manage a team of regional/country communications professionals for various communication objectives, including species teams support, internal communications, policy issues, issues and crisis management, country social and website communications, executive leader communications, and media relations.

  Your profile

  • Degree in communications, public relations, or journalism; Master’s degree preferred.
  • Significant experience in corporate communications, public relations agency, or a related field, specifically addressing strategic communications issues in animal health, pharmaceuticals, or a related area of healthcare.
  • Vast experience interacting with senior executives and key external stakeholders, including government officials and media.
  • Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to identify and develop talent, build an organization, and lead through influence.
  • Experience managing a global corporate brand, including associated assets, guidelines, signage, and updates to the global community.
  • Experience managing multiple projects and budgets with various international stakeholders.
  • Experience living and working in the region, along with knowledge of key regional issues impacting the animal health industry.
  • Expertise in media communications, internal communications, and social media.
  • Strong knowledge of the animal health industry, including an understanding of the roles and influence of various stakeholders.
  • Currently living close to one of our office locations mentioned above.
  • Regular travel within the region as needed to meet with leaders and the communications team.

  What we offer

  We welcome you to a truly global, dynamic and challenging environment with great opportunities for personal development. Our benefits depend on the job location but are in any case very competitive.

  Animal Health

  Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

  Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

  What we look for …

  Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us—and start making your impact today.

  Current Employees apply HERE

  Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

  Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
  Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

  Employee Status:

  Regular

  Relocation:

  VISA Sponsorship:

  Travel Requirements:

  Flexible Work Arrangements:

  Hybrid

  Shift:

  Valid Driving License:

  Hazardous Material(s):

• About the company

  Merck & Co., Inc.

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