Director of communications

Ellwood Atfield is delighted to be partnering with the Bio Industry Association (BIA) on the appointment of a Director of Communications - a high-profile leadership role at the heart of the UK’s innovative life sciences and biotechnology sector.

The Bio Industry Association is the trade association for the UK’s innovative life sciences and biotechnology sector, representing a dynamic community of companies, investors, researchers and advisers working at the forefront of scientific and healthcare innovation.

At a pivotal moment for the UK life sciences sector, the BIA plays a leading role in shaping debate across industrial strategy, innovation policy, investment, regulation and the wider growth of UK biotech. Working closely with government, industry and the wider ecosystem, the organisation champions the role of innovative life sciences in improving health, driving economic growth and strengthening the UK’s global competitiveness.

The opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join the BIA in a high‑profile leadership role focused on shaping how the organisation communicates its priorities, strengthens its influence and engages audiences across the UK life sciences ecosystem.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Director of Communications will lead the development of integrated communications strategies that support the BIA’s advocacy priorities, member engagement and organisational growth. The role will play a central part in shaping the organisation’s external narrative and profile during a period of significant transformation across life sciences, innovation and industrial policy.

Working closely with the CEO, Director of Policy and External Affairs and wider leadership team, the successful candidate will oversee strategic communications, media relations, campaigns, thought leadership and stakeholder engagement activity across the organisation.

The role will suit a senior communications, corporate affairs or public affairs leader with strong political and media instincts, excellent strategic judgement and experience operating within complex stakeholder environments.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the BIA’s strategic communications and external narrative across government, industry and media.
• Deliver integrated campaigns, thought leadership and stakeholder engagement activity that strengthens the organisation’s influence and profile.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership and support the BIA’s wider advocacy objectives.
• Build strong relationships across national, trade and sector media.
• Work collaboratively across policy, membership and external affairs teams to deliver coordinated communications activity.

Person specification

• Significant experience within communications, corporate affairs, public affairs or advocacy‑led environments.
• Strong strategic communications and media experience, ideally within complex or stakeholder‑rich sectors.
• Excellent understanding of the UK political, policy and media landscape.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into compelling narratives.
• Confident advising senior stakeholders and operating within fast‑moving environments.
• Experience within life sciences, healthcare, innovation or policy‑led sectors would be advantageous.

How to apply

Please contact Felicity (felicity@ellwoodatfield.com) or Joshua (joshua@ellwoodatfield.com) at Ellwood Atfield for further information and briefing on the role. The candidate pack is available here.

To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV. Closing date: 22nd June – 23:59

We will only be able to consider applications submitted via the online link attached and not sent via email.

Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations throughout the process.