Head of Operations Communications

393299BR

**Head of Operations Communications**:
Switzerland

**About the role**

Location: Basel, Switzerland
Alternative location: US
As the Head of Operations Communications, you will have the exciting opportunity to lead the development and execution of Novartis’ Operations enterprise-wide communications efforts. Novartis Operations consists of global product manufacturing and supply chain, global procurement and global Data Digital and IT organizations. Your experience in influencing and partnering with senior leaders in the Operations community and media on best-in-class communications initiatives will ultimately enhance the company’s competitive position and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities:

- Act as the business partner for Operations and advise on communications topics as part of the global Operations leadership team.
- Counsel the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and guide the development of high-impact internal and external executive communications, including strategy, messaging, talking points, presentations, questions and answers and function-level communications. Has responsibility for Global Operations town halls, placement in external conferences, media, and creation and execution of the COO's LinkedIn strategy.
- Develop a communications strategy that highlights Novartis Operations as a key competitive advantage. Proactively seek, bring to life, and scale Novartis stories such as manufacturing wins like the replenishment lead time turn around, demonstrating our resilience and agility managing the ongoing issues, sustainability wins, reimagining manufacturing for the future, etc. Execute with a strong newsroom mindset and editorial strategy to cut through with stakeholders across all internal and external channels - from content for our intranet and other digital tools, to awards and best practice media outlets.
- Ensure engagement and inspiration among all of our Operations people around the world by spotlighting and celebrating the work of our people both internally and externally. Recognize the vast talent at Novartis, inspiring and energizing teams to be proud to be part of the Novartis community, and entice new people to join our teams. Drive global patient, purpose and culture stories to connect the dots for floor associates in a language that resonates and elicits pride.
- Create a global network of professionals at sites to align initiatives and messaging and ensure cascades of information are effective and implemented.
- Foster Novartis’ standing in communities where we live and work by providing tools to sites to promote Novartis as employer of choice, as well as support the transformation of Novartis manufacturing and supply chain by aligning our people to the bigger picture and ensuring there is understanding among our people about what needs to change, and why. Support change management efforts.
- Develop a narrative for Novartis Data, Digital and IT to position the department as the company’s tech backbone and positively highlight the role Data Digital and IT plays in the success of the company. Develop content supporting the narrative and ensure visibility both internally and externally.
- Educate our procurement people on our desired procurement future state and how it fits with the overall enterprise strategy. Drive clarity about our expectations and what competitiveness means today.
- Lead operations issues and crisis in partnership with global corporate and crisis communications, including disaster and business continuity issues, etc.
- Work with country communications and public affairs to develop and execute communications plans for acquisition and divestiture of Novartis sites, as well as collaborate with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) office and Global Health communications to support ESG efforts and reporting.

**Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion**:

- We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve._

**Role Requirements**
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree required.
- Several years of experience working in corporate communications preferably in manufacturing, supply chain or site communications.
- Excellent people and communication skills along with several years of experience in managing, coaching, and developing high performing teams.
- Excellent project management skills, accompanied with strong analytical skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong influencing, partnering and negotiation skills, with ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agency partners and key stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with strong reporting skills and the ability to identify and highlight opportunities or trends for continuous improvement.
- Fluency in English, with strong verbal and writing skills.

Nice to Have:

- Advanced degree is a plus.
- Knowledge of additional European language is a plus.

Why Novartis