About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about leading communications and patient advocacy efforts for Novartis in the UK. You'll be shaping the company's public image, managing media relations, and advising senior leadership while overseeing a team. It's a strategic, high-level position rather than an entry-level or support role.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in communications and patient advocacy, particularly in regulated industries. Strong leadership skills and a strategic mindset are crucial, along with a background in public policy or related fields.

Worth noting

The position sits on the Country Leadership Team, indicating significant influence within the company. It's a hybrid role, which may appeal to those seeking flexibility, but it also comes with high expectations for performance and impact.

Job Description Summary

Head of Communications & Patient Advocacy, UK

#LI-Hybrid

Location: London, United Kingdom

Drive the voice and reputation of Novartis UK at a pivotal moment in healthcare and innovation. As Head of Communications & Patient Advocacy, UK, you will shape how we engage with patients, media, policymakers, and society—translating insight into impact. Sitting on the Country Leadership Team, you will influence strategic decisions, lead a high-performing team, and deliver integrated communications and patient advocacy strategies that elevate our reputation, accelerate business outcomes, and ultimately improve patients’ lives across the UK.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Communications and Patient Advocacy strategy, aligning with UK business priorities and enterprise objectives
Serve as trusted advisor to Country President and leadership team on communications and reputation matters
Drive integrated corporate, therapeutic area, and patient advocacy campaigns using data-driven insights
Build and manage strategic relationships with media, patient groups, influencers, and key external stakeholders
Oversee crisis and issues management, ensuring timely and effective response and mitigation strategies
Collaborate across functions and geographies to deliver consistent, impactful and integrated communications
Represent Novartis UK externally as spokesperson in industry forums, partnerships, and media engagements
Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and growth

Essential Requirements:

Degree required; advanced degree preferred (Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Communications, or related field)
Extensive experience in communications and patient advocacy within complex, regulated environments
Proven expertise across corporate communications, media relations, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement
Strong leadership capabilities with experience building and developing high-performing teams
Strategic mindset with the ability to translate insights into impactful business outcomes
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired

Business Strategy, Communication Medium, Computer Network, Computer Programming, Creative Direction, Creativity, Leadership, Manufacturing Production, Media Strategy, Press Releases, Social Media, Team Player

Aplyr's read

Novartis is a Swiss-based global healthcare leader, known for its focus on innovative medicines and commitment to addressing patient needs through diverse roles.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Novartis invests heavily in research and development, driving innovation in pharmaceuticals.
•The company offers a wide range of global career opportunities across various fields.
•Strong focus on cutting-edge therapies, including gene therapy and AI-driven solutions.

What to watch

•Regulatory challenges can impact the speed of drug approval and market entry.
•High competition in the pharmaceutical industry requires constant innovation to maintain market position.
•Complex organizational structure may slow decision-making processes.

Why Novartis

•Novartis has a robust pipeline of innovative medicines, setting it apart in the healthcare sector.
•The company emphasizes a diverse and inclusive workplace culture across its global operations.
•Novartis is a leader in digital transformation within pharmaceuticals, integrating AI and data science.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Novartis

Novartis

novartis.com

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Novartis is a global healthcare company based in Switzerland that provides solutions to address the evolving needs of patients worldwide. It focuses on innovative medicines, generics, and eye care.