Head of US Communications

Lonza Group Ltd.; Morristown (NJ); On-site; USD 230,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Lonza Group Ltd. in Morristown, NJ seeks an Executive Director, Head of US Communications to lead Lonza’s US communications strategy and crisis response.

You will guide executives on employee engagement, media, and stakeholder matters and manage communications for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions. You will develop US-focused plans, ensure regulatory alignment, and act as a spokesperson for global media inquiries, collaborating with the Global Head of

Qualifications

• 10+ years of strategic communications leadership in regulated environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Business or Science.
• Crisis and issues management capability across multiple markets and stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated experience leading communications for complex M&A, divestiture and integration programs in the US.
• Strong Leadership, coaching and management skills.
• Excellent writing, editing and content development for executive, financial, media and social channels.

Responsibilities

• Lead and be accountable for Lonza’s internal and external communications and crisis response across the United States.
• For M&A and other strategic transactions, develop and execute communications strategies aligned with Lonza’s objectives.
• Advise and prepare executives for media interviews and stakeholder engagement; build relationships with key US journalists and external partners.

Skills

Strategic communications leadership

Crisis & issues management

M&A communications

Executive counsel

Media relations

Strong writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Business or Science

Job description

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences, operating across three continents. While our work is grounded in science, our success is driven by talented people collaborating to develop innovative solutions that help businesses bring therapies to patients. In return, we empower our employees to take ownership of their careers—encouraging ideas, both big and small, that make a meaningful impact on the world.

As Executive Director, Head of US Communications, the role serves as Lonza’s senior communications leader in the United States and as the dedicated communications lead for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic transactions. This includes providing strategic counsel to US executives, business leaders and site leaders on employee engagement, media, crisis management and stakeholder matters

Key responsibilities

Lead and be accountable for Lonza’s internal and external communications and crisis response across the United States. For M&A and other strategic transactions, the role develops and executes communications strategies aligned with Lonza’s global business objectives and reputation priorities, under the direction of the Global Head of Communications and in close coordination with the Global Head of External Communications and Internal Communications. Own and lead the communications workstream for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, integrations, separations and other strategic transactions, from confidential planning and announcement through closing, Day1, integration or separation. Lead US crisis and issues communications readiness and response, ensuring timely escalation and close coordination with the Global Head of Communications and the relevant global communications leaders. Develop and execute US stakeholder communications plans for employees, media, customers, communities and other priority audiences, ensuring consistency with the global narrative and alignment with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Advise and prepare executives and senior leaders for media interviews, stakeholder engagement and reputation‑critical communications related to the US market. Identify, build and maintain relationships with key US journalists, external stakeholders and communications partners, and act as spokesperson for global media inquiries.

Key Skills

10+ years of Strategic communications leadership and sound judgment in reputation‑critical environments and highly regulated industries Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Business or Science degree Crisis and issues management capability across multiple markets and stakeholder groups Demonstrated experience leading communications for complex M&A, divestiture and integration programs, including confidential and time‑sensitive transactions in the US market Strong leadership, coaching and management skills Excellent writing, editing and content development skills across executive, financial, media and social channels Proven ability to advise senior executives and manage sensitive stakeholder communications Experience working in media relations and/or for a top tier PR agency

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically. People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Every day, our teams across the world work together to turn scientific breakthroughs into life‑changing medicines that reach up to 100 million patients a year.

Lonza is a place where people can make a unique impact, grow their careers and belong.

You will feel at home at Lonza if you:

• Take ownership, step forward, and enjoy meaningful responsibility
• Love solving problems and thrive in a complex, fast‑moving environment
• Are curious, always looking to learn and improve
• Work collaboratively, contributing to something bigger than yourself
• Are motivated to make a difference through work that impacts customers and their patients

Why Lonza:

We are a place of unique opportunity, where your ideas, expertise and ambition can make a real difference. Here, you will have the freedom to grow, the support to succeed and the chance to contribute to work that matters. We are the makers of the medicines of tomorrow.

Join us. Be you.