THE POSITION Animal Health Communications Lead 7 month contract Part time Boehringer Ingelheim, a successful, family owned company, is driven by the desire to serve humankind by improving human and animal health. In order to support the business as it continues to grow and prepare for an impressive number of launches over the next 5 years, a 7-month opportunity has arisen to provide temporary cover for the Communications Lead in Animal Health for the UK & Ireland. This is a senior role that will support the launches and leadership in the Animal Health business as well as be a key member of the Corporate Affairs team. We are looking for communications leaders with proven experience across product or therapy area communications, corporate communications and issues management. The successful candidate will possess the maturity and skills profile to be a trusted and flexible strategic partner to the Animal Health business, as well as contribute to the strength of the Corporate Affairs team. Experience or understanding of the animal health environment would be an advantage, but is not a pre-requisite. This is a Head Office based role, requiring two days per week in Bracknell. TASK & RESPONSIBILITES Develop and implement the AHBU communications strategy and activities aligned with the business and brand strategies to build awareness, reputation and understanding of our animal health business and what we stand for. Drive engagement with our external stakeholders through powerful storytelling. Working with digital communications, leverage innovative digital and social media strategies to support impact. Accountable for content and channel strategy and coordination in support of AHBU and implementation of communications activities. Develop strategic leadership visibility initiatives driving thought leadership and participation in key industry conversations. Support the Head of Corporate Affairs UK & IE in maintaining, developing, and further strengthening the description and positive perception of the AH narrative and ensure close alignment with the Global Comms Strategic Agenda, working closely with corporate comms. Develop and implement communication plans in support of the AHBU strategy and aligned with the needs of internal and external AHBU stakeholders. Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders including colleagues in Corporate Affairs, for a coordinated and integrated communications approach. Oversee an integrated approach to all AH corporate affairs activities, including ensuring that PGA work is aligned with AH business priorities. Develops and implements an internal and leadership communication strategy aligned with business priorities, positively impacting employee engagement and business performance. Aligns and coordinates with leadership to ensure communication strategies effectively drive expected results. Support AH business initiatives and transformation approaches with professional communications campaigns to ensure alignment and high-level information flow across the organisation. Manage AH issues preparedness and response. Develop product related crisis communication management plans and procedures within the AHBU, in line with UK and global BI crisis policies, and establish an infrastructure to rapidly take action as required. Partner with global communication colleagues to ensure rapid response that minimises negative impact and protects reputation. Partner with commercial teams on product communications to support disease awareness (where there is resource). Prioritise where efforts should lie given limited resource for this. As a Comms Leader, actively contribute to the Corporate Affairs HR Framework to help develop talent, support career development and be a coach to other team members. REQUIREMENTS Proven experience of communication leadership experience from setting direction, leading, mentoring, and coaching communication professionals and teams in a top-tier organization. Track record of proactively handling corporate external/internal communication including media/press management, corporate brand, reputation, digital communication, as well as crisis and change management. Master’s degree within a relevant field. Expertise and detailed knowledge and understanding of the relevant codes for UK and Ireland. WHY THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK. Being certified as a Top Employer confirms our dedication to a better world of work, delivered through excellent HR policies and people practices. To learn more visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk/careers/uk-careers/why-great-place-work