ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Deep experience of leading communications on complex, large-scale transformation programme.
• Significant experience of working in a fast-paced global communications team.
• Track record of developing and delivering innovative and highly engaging communications to large and varying audiences that achieve tangible outcomes.
• Experience of leading campaigns and engagement activities targeted at both internal and external audiences.
• Experience managing relationships with agencies and creative partners. Experience working in ‘blended’ teams with third parties and OSPs would also be helpful.
• Significant experience of managing different stakeholder relationships and confident at forging trusted relationships at all levels.
• Experience of managing complex communications programmes with international dimensions.
• Experience of working in a highly regulated sector.

CAPABILITIES & BEHAVIOURS

• Gravitas – taken seriously by all they engage with as a true professional.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, backed by strong channel management, digital/social media skills and comfort using and advising others in remote communication technologies.
• Sound judgment combined with strong interpersonal and influencing skills – able to engage well with people at all levels of the organisation.
• Creativity – overseeing the development of strong, compelling communications content.
• Excellent eye for detail, including visual and verbal identity.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities, stakeholder & colleague expectations and deliver consistently high-quality outputs.
• Inquisitive mindset with well-developed critical/analytical abilities.
• Strategic thinker looking outside to bring new approaches to continually reinvigorate outputs and improve the effectiveness of approaches.
• High level of integrity, able to handle highly confidential information.
• Ability to instil confidence in others in a high-pressure situation.
• Proactive with high levels of self-motivation and personal accountability, bringing enthusiasm and energy to team, peer group and tasks.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• Resilient with a flexible approach.
• Able to develop and maintain networks across business and cultural boundaries

ROLE INTRODUCTION

The role of Senior Director, AXIAL Communications will make a vital contribution to the success of the programme. This is change is on a mega scale – we will be introducing new capabilities and transforming core processes across our end-to-end supply chain, from clinical supply to collecting cash from our customers. AXIAL will change all the processes that engage with vendors and customers, all forecasting, planning and reporting both internally and externally, in finance and operations.
The role requires deep experience working on similar large-scale global transformations. The role also requires vision, energy and an understanding of building a strong programme identity.
Leading a small team of communications professionals, agility and speed of thought will be key attributes for this role. The individual must have the confidence of the leaders in the programme and beyond, particularly the global business leaders who are accountable for the business change readiness. They will also work closely with the heads of both Change and Training to ensure we deliver a seamless change experience.
The AXIAL programme is expected to last up to 8 years, so any initiatives must be sustainable and the programme’s strategic narrative must align with AZ’s future aspirations and business strategy (for example, Ambition 2030, Ops 2030 etc). Close working relations with the Global Corporate Affairs (GCA) team is essential.
The role is not just about global ‘high level’ messaging – more than 20,000 individuals must feel the communications are directly relevant to them. Therefore, it will be critical to gain a deep understanding of the ‘impacts’ and benefits of the programme, together with the Change and Training heads, to ensure that the right approach is taken to effectively engage colleagues throughout the deployment of AXIAL. The role will help to ensure that there is consistency in the communications approach taken across parallel local and global deployment activities – allowing for the need to tailor for local cultural, language and legal factors.
The role will be accountable for developing and driving very large programme meetings or engagement townhalls as well as smaller engagement with staff at all levels. Excellent writing, project management, planning and multi-channel communications experience (particularly digital communications) are essential.
This role will often mean dealing with sensitive or material business change. The role holder must consistently demonstrate exemplary personal judgment, initiative and collaboration while working as part of a close-knit, high-performing and flexible team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive AXIAL communications strategy and plan, including development and delivery of accurate, clear and compelling communications materials, campaigns and activities in a timely way.
• Lead a network of communicators across the business focused on supporting the delivery of the AXIAL programme.
• Oversee/lead the planning, development and delivery of flagship AXIAL events
• Provide valued communications counsel and support to SVP AXIAL and AXIAL Leadership Team.
• Advise and coach senior leaders on events/issues/activities that need to be communicated internally and/or externally.
• Be an active member of the AXIAL Leadership Team.
• Ensure alignment and synchronisation of transformation communication plans across the enterprise.
• Ensure all communications share a unified look and feel that reflect the company’s business priorities.
• Leverage the scale and scope of Global Corporate Affairs, where appropriate, to deliver against the strategy. In parallel represent Corporate Affairs within the programme, influencing development plans and promoting alignment of/adherence to appropriate governance.
• Ensure the AXIAL change narrative continues to evolve throughout the life of the programme – helping to articulate the benefits and impacts in a relevant and meaningful way.
• Ensure communications are continuous, consistent and distributed through appropriate channels.
• Measurement of effectiveness of communication approaches and identification and delivery of value-adding solutions to drive improvements.
• Engage and lead the management of contract resources to support effective execution of communications activities as required. Oversee quality and compliance of work.