Head of Communications HPBU

As Head of Communications HPBU, you will shape and drive an integrated external and internal communications strategy aligned with the HP Business Unit’s priorities and the Global Corporate Affairs agenda.

This position provides a unique opportunity to shape a strong, consistent business unit narrative, support key transformation initiatives, and act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders – strengthening reputation, alignment, and impact across a complex global environment. In this role, you will be a member of the Corporate Affairs Leadership Team and report directly to the Global Head of Corporate Affairs.

Tasks & responsibilities

• Define and drive an integrated internal and external communications strategy for the Human Pharma Business Unit, fully aligned with business priorities and the Global Communications and Public and Governmental Affairs agendas.
• Take a leading role in maintaining, developing, and further strengthening the HPBU narrative and its positive perception, ensuring that it is embedded in the Global Corporate Affairs Strategic Agenda.
• Partner with Therapeutic Areas and TA Asset Leads to develop an integrated, cross-therapeutic-area disease awareness and product strategy, ensuring a consistent approach that delivers focus, impact and consistency across international brand plans.
• Build, lead, and develop a strong product communications team, leveraging agencies where required and collaborating closely with Corporate Communications, Public and Governmental Affairs, Corporate Brand Management, and key HPBU stakeholders.
• Oversee BU issue management plans and procedures in line with Corporate Communications and global Boehringer crisis policies, ensuring readiness, alignment, and rapid response capabilities.
• In close collaboration with Group Sustainable Development Communications, anchor the HPBU communication strategy to the Sustainable Development “More Health” ambitions and position the Business Unit as a key player in Sustainable Development.
• Act as trusted advisor to the business and the HP BU leadership team, supporting executive communications for key leaders in the business as part of the overall Corporate Affairs executive communications plans, including media preparation, speeches and presentations.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Long-term functional communications leadership experience, including setting strategic direction and leading a group of diverse communications professionals, mentoring, and coaching communication professionals and teams
• Extensive knowledge of the human pharma industry
• Proven track record in business unit and product communications, including media/press management, corporate brand, reputation, digital communication, as well as crisis and change management
• Solid international experience in global roles or environments with significant international exposure
• Strong business and market understanding, enabling the development of effective and relevant key messages
• Strategic, creative and business-savvy communicator with the capability to advise and influence senior leaders on the best communication practices for any given situation
• Fluent in English and preferably fluent in German and other languages

Applications from persons with severe disabilities are warmly welcomed. In cases of equal qualifications, such applicants will be given preferential consideration in the selection process.