Western Europe Communication Lead

Western Europe Communication Lead - Location - Reading UK - Hybrid

Opella, the Consumer Healthcare business unit of Sanofi, is the purest and third-largest player globally in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market.  

We have an unshakable belief in the power of self-care and the role it can play in creating a healthier society and a healthier planet.

That’s why we want to make self-care as simple as it should be by being consumer-led always, with science at our core. 

Through our unique and balanced portfolio of more than 100 loved brands, including 15 global and local high-growth challengers such as Allegra, Dulcolax and Buscopan, we deliver our mission: helping more than half a billion consumers worldwide take their health in their hands.  

This mission is brought to life by an 11,000-strong team, 13 best-in-class manufacturing sites, and 4 specialized science and innovation development centers. 

We are also proud to be the first major fast-moving consumer healthcare company to achieve B Corp certification. 

Join us on our mission. Health. In your hands.

JOB PURPOSE

The Western Europe Communications Lead is responsible for the development and execution of internal and external communications for Consumer Healthcare (CHC) activities in Western Europe (WEU).

The role serves as:

• Primary Communication Business Partner to the WEU Zone GM, and the WEU Leadership Team
• Zone Communications and Country communication Business Partner for Western Europe

This role is accountable for developing and implementing effective and integrated communications plans to support and drive business goals and raise /protect the internal and external profile ofOpella, business unit of Sanofi,in Western Europe Region.

KEY RESULTS/ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Work in a matrixed environment to develop solid working relationships with the Zone GM and his/her Leadership Team
• Develop and deliver long-term integrated communications strategy and narrative in support of the WE Zone targets and objectives as well as the global company brand, reputation and employee engagement.
• Work as trusted advisor and integral member of the WE zone Leadership Team and partner to the Head of Global CommunicationsLead to support the local business’ growth strategy. Provide strategic counsel on corporate and brand reputational risk and other implications of business policies, practices and actions, as well as strategic internal communications. Coaching the business to build capabilities in brand, leadership communications and corporate public relations.
• Deliver the corresponding communications collaterals that can be deployed throughout the zone or in specific countries. Leverage trusted translation vendors where needed.
• Align with the countries on local CHC events organization and final check of translated collaterals in local language where needed
• Media-relations: Anticipate, prepare for and support management on media opportunities and media issues (create content) 
• Employee and Tranformationcommunication:

·Support the WE CHC leadership team in navigating organisational or structural change by developing appropriate communications plans and supporting content.

·Work with global Consumer Healthcare Communications colleagues to ensure CHC WE Europe/countries is well represented in global channels.

·Develop the yearly internal communications plan and rhythm for CHC’s business in WE.

·Ensure consistent intra CHC communications through internal vehicles like newsletters, townhalls, community events, etc to help develop CHC employee awareness and understanding of Sanofi CHC position/perspective and foster engagement and drive culture.

·Provide Sanofi Country communications Lead with relevant CHC content (eg CHC GM quotes) for transverse internal communications programs (local roll-out of global campaign eg Play to Win, Diversity & inclusion, pan-affiliate townhalls)

• Oversee the strategic direction, execution, and results of outside communications agencies
• If the countries host Industrial Affairs site/Development centre, align with site heads and coordinate major communications activities with their designated point of contact who deploy these as well as they cover the routine internal communication needs.
• Overall, while fully dedicated to CHC, align with Sanofi country communications head to ensure stakeholder management (internal/external) is coordinated in the One Sanofi spirit, leveraging a “good neighbour” approach.
• Ensure alignment of the CHC Global communications strategy and narrative with WE communications strategy and objectives. Act therefore as focal point of liaison between Global Communications Team and CHC WE. Connect with all relevant parts of the WE business (e.g., LT, local consumer brand teams/marketing, manufacturing & supply chain).
• Focal point for reactive and crisis/emergency communications related to CHC WE. In collaboration with WE Public Affairs lead, shape WE-specific proactive issue management approach, deliver content and ensure local feedback loops.
• Translate insights (from monitoring/measurement data) into advice; e.g. relevant developments amongst stakeholders in WE.
• Ensure adherence to communications and branding guidelines and policies in WE market.
• Participate in Global CHC communicators network (updates, brainstorms, leverage joint initiatives, practice-sharing…)

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• CHC Western Europe General Manager and leadership team
• CHCGlobalHead of CorporateCommunications
• CHC Western Europe Country Heads
• CHC communications network
• CHC Western Europe and Global Public Affairs
• People Director Western Europe

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• 6-8 years of experience in a leadership role in Communications in CHC/FMCG/Healthcare (Internal & external) with, preferably, public relations agency experience.
• Strong business acumen
• Ability to think strategically, in a creative and innovative manner
• Ability to work in multiple countries setting, ideally experienced in this field that goes beyond her/his own country culture
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills; ability to craft messages and convey the importance of these messages to targeted audience(s)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and to demonstrate flexibility and organizational skills
• Crisis communication and issues management experience.
• Proficient in the use of digital channels (e.g., social media). Experienced in translating listening and monitoring into advice.
• Experienced in building bridges between in- and external audiences and bringing disciplines together in pursuit of an integrated goal. Self-starter/pro-active.
• Ability to counsel and interface successfully with Senior leaders, communications peers, and colleagues across functions and countries
• Excellent networking, relationship-building, and influencing skills with various levels and functions
• Media relations experience as well as digital communications experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Communications, Business Administration, Journalism required.
• Fluent in English (Spanish would also be an advantage)

When joining our team, you will experience:

• An international work environment, in which you can develop your talent and realize ideas and innovations within a competent team
• An attractive, market-oriented salary and cafeteria benefits
• Flexible home office policy, with a possibility to work up to 60% of time from home / where you can easily schedule your office days
• Collective life and accident insurance
• Yearly medical check-up
• An individual and well-structured introduction and training of new employees and we will dedicate a Buddy for you to better navigate in your first weeks
• Your own career path within Sanofi. Your professional and personal development will be supported purposefully
• Practice your language skills within our "Language Club"
• Join a great community & special events (Monthly Board Game Nights, Summer Events, Well-Being Lectures & Sport Clubs)

Pursue progress, discover extraordinary

Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

            #Sanofi #WeNeverSettle       

            #SanofiCareers

            #PursueProgress

#DiscoverExtraordinary

            #joinsanofi

            #careerswithpurpose

            #LI-CHC

         #LI-ONSITE

         #LI-HYBRID

         #LI-REMOTE

At Sanofi diversity and inclusion is foundational to how we operate and embedded in our Core Values. We recognize to truly tap into the richness diversity brings we must lead with inclusion and have a workplace where those differences can thrive and be leveraged to empower the lives of our colleagues, patients and customers. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our people, their backgrounds and experiences and provide equal opportunity for all.