VP, Head of Communications, International Business Unit

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Job Description

A senior leadership role based in Zurich Switzerland, responsible for driving strategic communications, reputation and brand for Takeda's International Business Unit globally.  

Reporting to the Chief Communications & Governance Officer, this leader will be a thought partner to the President of IBU, sit on the IBU leadership team, and will be responsible for leading a talented and diverse team of communications professionals, organized by geographic area of the business. This team is responsible for developing and executing integrated external and internal communications and brand strategies, leading digital strategies, managing issues and promoting community, sustainability, and social responsibility programs. 

This position is considered one of the key successor roles to the Chief Communications & Governance Officer. 

How you will contribute:

• Provide strategic communications counsel, and be thought partners with, the President of IBU and the relevant IBU LT members. Be an active and accountable member of the IBU LT. 
• Develop and implement global focused communications plans (both annual and long range) that deliver business outcomes and shape the external environment, in alignment with Takeda's reputation and brand as an innovation-driven company and highlight the value and differentiation of Takeda's pipeline and portfolio.  
• Lead and coordinate global communications for key milestones, such as data readouts, regulatory approvals, launches, life-cycle management, community and sustainability program and issues management. 
• Establish meaningful community, social responsibility, and sustainability communications programs in local markets, in collaboration with CSR and Sustainability teams. 
• Collaborate with Government Affairs/Public Affairs on policy communications and integrated public affairs campaigns that enhance Takeda’s policy and advocacy positions. 
• Build and keep strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including media, analysts, patient advocacy groups, professional societies, and industry associations.  
• With the IBU LT, drive the transformation initiatives, helping leaders and employees adjust to the business changes, market challenges, while ensuring employee engagement and motivation. 
• Restructure and lead regional and country communications teams to ensure alignment and consistency of processes, procedures, global messages, and best practices, and to support local execution of communications activities.  
• Develop crisis-management communication planning, anticipation, readiness, and response capabilities. Manage and oversee the global communications budget, resources, and agencies.  
• Use insights and the latest communications technologies and tools (digital and AI-forward thinking to meet patients and stakeholders where they are with campaigns on Takeda and its products.  
• Establish clear roles and responsibilities, performance expectations, and development plans for the team, ensuring alignment with the business goals global communications vision and strategy.  
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of communications professionals, fostering a culture of business acumen, agility, consistency, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.  
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and learning, using best practices, measurement, and feedback to optimize communications effectiveness and outcomes.  
• Be a role model for Takeda's values and leadership behaviors, promoting diversity, inclusion, and empowerment.

Requirements:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred.  
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in communications, reputation building and branding, preferably in the biopharmaceutical industry.  
• Experience leading Communications teams in international (o-US) business units and regional structures, with direct experience in local markets. 
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategic communications plans for complex and diverse product portfolios and pipelines, across multiple therapeutic areas and geographies, with meaningful business outcomes. 
• Ability to counsel and advise CEOs and other senior management, scientific experts and patient advocates appropriately, with confidence and ease.  
• Deep understanding of the global biopharmaceutical landscape including the scientific, regulatory, commercial, and policy aspects.  
• Exceptional written and oral communications skills, with the ability to craft and deliver compelling messages for various audiences and channels.  
• Strong media relations skills, with established relationships with key global and trade media outlets and influencers.  
• Strong digital and social media acumen, with experience overseeing targeted campaigns and influencer strategies 
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across all levels of the organization and with external partners.  
• Ability to influence others and drive alignment across diverse teams in matrix environments.  
• Strategic and creative thinking, with the ability to anticipate and address opportunities and challenges in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.  
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a diverse and global team.  
• Exceptionally high degree of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
• Willingness to live and travel internationally. 

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For information about our benefits, please click here.

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