Would  you like your next communications role to be in a company where your expertise really makes a difference?

Does a rewarding career with a progressive, world-leading company in biotech and medical diagnostics, with Fortune 500 ranking, excite you? 

If the answer is yes, we welcome you to apply for an exciting new opportunity as External Communications Manager at Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland, based in our offices in West Sussex.

Roche Diagnostics is a world leader in the development of in vitro diagnostic tests and has it’s global HQ in Switzerland. Roche has been a pioneer in detecting and managing illness for over 50 years. Today, their pioneering spirit remains strong. They have the courage and passion to keep challenging themselves to improve what they do and the way they do it. Roche design the highest quality diagnostic tests to enhance the clinical decisions made by healthcare professionals every day. They put patients at the heart of everything they do. 

Job scope

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Events, the External Communications Manager will work with the communications team to raise the profile of Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland with key audiences, through integrated communications activities, aligned to our business strategy. The External Communications Manager supports our purpose to connect people with our business focus inside and outside the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Work with the Head of Communications and Events on an external communications strategy, including key messages and content through effective channels.
• Take the lead in managing Roche’s relationship with all media; providing regular content and working with key publications to assess opportunities, collaborating with global and local subject matter experts within Roche.
• Lead on the content strategy and development for the UK and Ireland website and social media channels.
• Identify, evaluate and contribute actively to areas of public media debate of interest to Roche; ensure that Roche’s interests and concerns are represented within the debate.
• Manage issues/crisis communication for Roche Diagnostics when necessary; working as part of the business continuity team and alongside global colleagues to define and implement our strategy to protect and manage brand reputation.
• Ensure consistent adherence to the Roche brand and act as a subject matter expert and reviewer on branded materials.
• Provide strategic communications advice to the business and support integrated campaigns for key products and disease areas, working with Public Affairs, Medical Affairs, Healthcare Development, Marketing, BA Global teams and regional teams.
• Manage agency relationships e.g. PR and media monitoring.
• Support business planning with media insights.

Who you are

Qualifications and experience

• Degree level in English, Journalism, Marketing or Communications. 
• Minimum of five years external communications experience gained either in-house or agency     
• Proven success in digital channel and content development
• Proven success in the delivery of integrated communications campaigns and initiatives    
• Experience creating and delivering engaging content that can help influence behaviours across multiple channels         
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders      
• Experience of working in the healthcare sector is desirable

Knowledge, skills and personal attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of managing content and development plans for websites and social media
• Excellent media management skills and news sense
• A strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital/social media
• Relationship management - influencing, negotiation and interpersonal skills at all levels
• Solid knowledge of corporate communications practices with experience in issues and reputation  management
• Competent analytical skills to measure and interpret data
• The ability to understand and assimilate highly technical and scientific information and translate it into layman's speak
• A knowledge of content management systems and app development is desirable

Investing in you

Roche is a company that not only invests in its business – over £6.5 billion in R&D worldwide, including £460 million in the UK alone last year – but equally importantly in its people.

What this means for you is, not only a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, but also a genuine interest in your development and progression.

All of which has gained Roche 2019 Top Employer status in the UK and Europe and The 2019 Sunday Times’ Award as one of the 100 best companies to work for.