Lead, External Corporate Communications
About Astellas
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.
Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?
We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.
Location and Working Environment
This position is hybrid and will require you to be onsite once per quarter in our Bourne office, UK.
Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines Statement - At Astellas we recognise the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimise the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
Purpose & Scope
Join Astellas as Lead, External Corporate Communications and shape how a global biopharmaceutical leader is seen and heard. In this high-impact role, you’ll drive the external communications strategy, lead media and digital efforts, and strengthen the company’s global reputation.
Reporting to the Chief Communications and Investor Relations Officer, you’ll partner with senior leaders to craft compelling narratives that highlight innovation and patient impact. This is an opportunity for a strategic, hands-on communicator to lead in a complex global environment and make a meaningful difference.
Role and Responsibilities
· Set and lead Astellas’ global external communications and reputation strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities, growth ambitions, and risk considerations while guiding high-impact positioning decisions.
· Build and empower a high-performing global team, establishing strong governance, operating standards, and long-term capability to support enterprise-wide communications excellence
· Develop and oversee a unified external communications strategy that aligns with corporate, functional, and regional goals, ensuring clear, consistent messaging across all channels.
· Lead the global media relations strategy, fostering strong connections with key media, industry journalists, and influencers to promote Astellas' corporate story and scientific leadership. Oversee major announcements and high-profile media efforts to enhance Astellas’ visibility and reputation.
· Lead the global social media and digital strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate messaging and stakeholder engagement. Oversee the integration of digital platforms to enhance corporate positioning and boost global brand visibility.
· Ensure a consistent corporate narrative that aligns with Astellas' mission and values, resonating with diverse audiences. Continuously adapt the narrative to reflect evolving business priorities and stakeholder expectations.
Continued: Role and Responsibilities:
· Lead crisis communications, developing proactive response strategies and messaging to safeguard and strengthen Astellas' reputation during challenging times. Work closely with internal teams to ensure timely and effective communication throughout crises.
· Establish and track performance metrics to evaluate the impact of external communications initiatives, making data-driven improvements. Monitor and report on key reputation metrics to gauge how Astellas is perceived by different external stakeholders and audiences.
· Own the global external communications budget strategy and agency governance model, including selection, performance management and resource allocation to maximise impact.
· Provide leadership across regions to ensure consistent external messaging and unified reputation management. Identify opportunities for synergy across teams and initiatives to maximise content impact and optimise resources for greater reach.
· Create and execute strategies to establish Astellas as a thought leader in the life sciences, including securing speaking opportunities and media interviews. Advise executive leadership at key industry, medical events, and strategic external engagements.
Required Qualifications
· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or equivalent.
· Extensive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations, with proven experience in leadership.
· Extensive track record in developing and executing successful external communications strategies that enhance corporate reputation and visibility.
· Strong media relations experience with established relationships in healthcare and industry media.
· Proven experience in leading end-to-end external communication campaigns from conception through implementation.
· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information.
· Experienced in crisis management, reputation monitoring, and navigating complex situations.
· Proven ability to lead and coach team members to develop their communication knowledge and skills.
· Ability to manage large-scale program budgets and coordinate multiple agencies effectively.
Preferred Qualifications
· Experience in integrating multi-channel planning and digital strategies into external communications initiatives.
· Experience partnering with and activating communicators across a global company
· Experience in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology sectors.
· Fluency in Japanese (native or full business capability) is a plus.
What awaits you at Astellas?
· Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
· Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
· Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
· A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.
Our Organisational Values and Behaviors
· Impact
· Innovation
· Integrity
· One Astellas
· Accountability
· Courage
· Sense of Urgency
· Outcome Focus
Benefits
Careers | Astellas
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Beware of recruitment scams impersonating Astellas recruiters or representatives. Authentic communication will only originate from an official Astellas LinkedIn profile or a verified company email address. If you encounter a fake profile or anything suspicious, report it promptly to LinkedIn's support team through LinkedIn Help.
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