Oncology Portfolio Communications & Public Affairs Leader

J&J Family of Companies; England; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A major pharmaceutical company seeks an EMEA Oncology Portfolio Communications & Public Affairs Leader to enhance visibility and reputation. This role involves leading communication strategies, managing patient advocacy, and coordinating responses to crises in Oncology. Candidates should have at least 10 years in pharmaceutical communications, a proven track record of launching innovative medicines, and excellent interpersonal skills. A university degree in a relevant field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in product and portfolio communications.
• Proven success in launching innovative medicines in EMEA.
• Strong interpersonal skills and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead Oncology portfolio communications in EMEA.
• Develop patient advocacy and public affairs strategies.
• Oversee communications for regulatory milestones and product launches.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Media relations

Crisis management

Communication skills

Education

University degree in Sciences, Medical or Communications

Master’s degree

Job description

As the EMEA Oncology Portfolio Communications & Public Affairs Leader at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (IM), you will be responsible for advancing, protecting, and enhancing the company's portfolio visibility and reputation, and strengthening patient advocacy in Oncology Solid Tumours and Precision Medicine across the EMEA region.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead Oncology Solid Tumours Portfolio CPA in EMEA
  • Design and execute EMEA‑specific, insights‑driven CPA strategies in support of J&J's Oncology Solid Tumors TA priorities and market needs
  • Develop/adapt and implement J&J's Oncology TA and Precision Medicine positioning, narrative and messaging in EMEA
  • Lead pre‑launch, launch and post‑launch in‑market communications, data and regulatory milestones communications and public affairs, through integrated, multi‑channel communications plans (media, social/digital, congresses, etc.)
  • Represent EMEA Operating Companies' voice in J&J Global Oncology forums and strategic planning processes, ensuring feedback and alignment
• Lead Oncology Solid Tumours Portfolio Patient Advocacy & Public Affairs in EMEA
  • Serve as single point of contact for regional Patient Advocacy Groups in oncology solid tumour indications, leading and shaping short‑ to long‑term support and partnership activities
  • Develop disease‑specific strategies to enhance access across key therapeutic areas, collaborating with Patient Engagement & Advocacy, Public Affairs and Government Affairs & Policy teams
  • Lead the development of co‑created advocacy activities (e.g., disease awareness campaigns, patient and caregiver education initiatives)
  • Drive external alliance‑building and third‑party advocacy to secure faster patient access to key pipeline assets, continuously identify and recruit partners, co‑design advocacy asks and multi‑channel campaigns, orchestrate stakeholder engagement and external communications, and translate intelligence into targeted policy and reimbursement interventions
• Oversee Oncology Solid Tumours and Precision Medicine Business & Leadership Communications
  • Oversee Thought Leadership activities to position J&J as a pharma leader in Oncology and Precision Medicine in alignment with the EMEA Business & Leadership Communications team and relevant leaders
  • Oversee relevant strategic internal Communications activities in support of critical business priorities, including major product regulatory milestones, HTA and clinical trial developments
• Co‑lead EMEA execution of joint flagship campaigns in Oncology & Haematology
  • Partner with the Haematology CPA Lead to develop and execute comprehensive Oncology‑wide communication strategies (e.g., In Front of Cancer campaign) that resonate with the EMEA region while aligning with global objectives
  • Identify and leverage storytelling opportunities that showcase commitment to cancer care and treatment innovations, elevating brand presence within the oncology community
  • Lead the creation of compelling content across various channels, including social media, press releases and internal communications, ensuring messages are impactful and aligned with campaign goals
• Develop Oncology PCPA and PEA Capabilities and Community in EMEA
  • Shape and co‑lead the EMEA Oncology Portfolio Communications & Public Affairs community to promote strategy consistency and effectiveness across markets, ensuring markets' needs are considered in everything we do
  • Establish and continuously improve PCPA and patient advocacy capabilities across the region, aligning with global and regional standards and best practices
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of regional playbooks, messaging toolkits, trainings and materials tailored for local Operating Companies' needs
• Lead Research and Insights
  • Generate and leverage key insights from audience research to continuously refine and improve impact of PCPA and PEA strategies in Oncology
  • Monitor and analyze industry and reputational trends and competitive benchmarks to drive competitiveness
  • Implement and track standardized metrics (KPIs) aligned with global CPA and EMEA CPA Measurement Framework to monitor performance and refine strategies
• Lead Issues Communications and Crisis Management
  • Provide strategic counsel and lead coordination of local or regional Oncology Solid Tumours product‑related issues and crisis communications, ensuring timely responses to reputation risks in collaboration withMEA Reputation Lead, global and local teams
• Leadership Responsibilities
  • Lead, coach and develop the EMEA Oncology solid tumours CPA PEA team, including 1 direct report and co‑leadership of the EMEA Oncology PCPA Community with 25‑30 people, facilitating priority setting and cross‑functional work through squads
  • Collaborate with EMEA Haematology CPA and PEA leads on cross‑Oncology TA planning and initiatives
  • Lead initiatives supporting key Therapeutic Area priorities as a member of the EMEA PCPA Team
  • Represent the CPA and PEA function within key internal business groups and committees

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in product and portfolio communications, public affairs, patient and/or a similar role within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry
• Proven success in launching innovative medicines in EMEA, media relations, digital strategy, congresses and crisis management at a senior level
• Experience in early market shaping is desirable
• Strong leadership and excellent interpersonal skills, capable of operating at senior level with high strategic thinking, creating and maintaining relationships with a variety of stakeholders and mobilizing teams around ambitious and innovative projects
• Experience in leading, mentoring and developing direct reports preferred, with expertise in managing cross‑functional collaboration within matrixed organizations

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking abilities, with experience building relationships with senior stakeholders across multiple markets
• Experience and/or interest in leading transformation and agile ways of working
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• In‑depth understanding of media, digital, social media and AI platforms
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑evolving and complex environment, balancing multiple priorities while aligning with business goals
• University degree in Sciences, Medical or Communications, or a related field; a Master’s degree preferred
• Fluency in English; additional language skills in EMEA are a plus

Preferred Skills

• Brand Reputation Management, Communications Measurement, Corporate Communications Management, Corporate Communications Strategy, Corporate Management, Cultural Competence, Developing Others, External Communication, Inclusive Leadership, Leadership, Media Relations, Organizational Knowledge, Quality Assurance (QA), Relationship Building, Social Awareness, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Thinking, Team Management