Sr. Manager, Media and Issues

Johnson & Johnson MedTech; Raynham (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson MedTech in Raynham, MA is seeking a senior communications leader to drive global media relations, issues management, and crisis readiness for DePuy Synthes following the planned separation. This role partners with senior leaders, legal, regulatory, quality, and regional teams to anticipate risk and shape external narratives.

The Sr. Manager will guide messaging during high‑visibility matters, influence decision‑makers, and lead cross‑functional communications across complex

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred (Communications, Public Affairs, Business Administration, or related field).
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in media relations, issues management, corporate communications, or public affairs, including leadership at a senior manager level.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior executives and managing high‑risk, high‑visibility situations in regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead global media relations and issues management strategy for DePuy Synthes, including proactive storytelling and reactive response.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders on reputational risk and external narratives.
• Develop and execute crisis and issues management plans with messaging frameworks and spokesperson prep.
• Manage media inquiries related to product quality, safety, regulatory actions, litigation, and business transformation.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Legal, Regulatory, Quality, Medical Affairs, HR, and Commercial teams for aligned communications.
• Monitor external media landscapes to identify risks and opportunities and provide insights.
• Lead development of executive briefing materials, Q&A, statements, and talking points for high‑visibility situations.
• Support enterprise initiatives, including business transformation and separation activities, with clear external messaging.

Skills

Media relations

Issues management

Corporate communications

Crisis communications

Executive counsel

Writing and editing

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Job Function

Communications & Corporate/External Affairs

Job Sub Function

External Communications

Job Category

Professional

All Job Posting Locations

Raritan, New Jersey, United States of America, Raynham, Massachusetts, United States of America

Job Description

Johnson & Johnson announced plans to separate our Orthopaedics business to establish a standalone orthopaedics company, operating as DePuy Synthes. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed within 18 to 24 months, subject to legal requirements, including consultation with works councils and other employee representative bodies, as may be required, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions and approvals. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the transaction, you would be an employee of DePuy Synthes and your employment would be governed by DePuy Synthes employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by DePuy Synthes at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.

DePuy Synthes is recruiting for a(n) Sr. Manager, Media and Issues, located in Raynham, MA, US121 NJ RARITAN - 1000 HIGHWAY 202 S

The Sr. Manager, Media and Issues is a strategic communications leader responsible for protecting and strengthening the reputation of DePuy Synthes through proactive media engagement, issues management, and crisis preparedness. This role partners closely with senior leaders, legal, regulatory, quality, and regional communications teams to anticipate risk, shape narratives, and ensure clear, timely, and accurate communications across complex and highly regulated environments.

This is a high‑impact role for a seasoned communications professional who thrives in fast‑moving situations and brings strong judgment, influence, and leadership to sensitive and high‑visibility matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead global media relations and issues management strategy for DePuy Synthes, including proactive storytelling and reactive response.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders on reputational risk, emerging issues, and external narratives.
• Develop and execute crisis and issues management plans, including message frameworks, escalation protocols, and spokesperson preparation.
• Manage media inquiries related to sensitive topics such as product quality, safety, regulatory actions, litigation, and business transformation.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Legal, Regulatory, Quality, Medical Affairs, HR, and Commercial teams to ensure aligned and compliant communications.
• Monitor external media, social, and stakeholder landscapes to identify potential risks and opportunities; provide regular insights and recommendations.
• Lead the development of executive‑level briefing materials, Q&A, statements, and talking points for high‑visibility situations.
• Support enterprise‑level initiatives, including business transformation and separation activities, with clear and consistent external messaging.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required (Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field).
• Master’s degree preferred (Communications, Public Affairs, Business Administration, or related field).

Required

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in media relations, issues management, corporate communications, or public affairs, including leadership at a senior manager level.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, high‑risk, and high‑visibility issues in a regulated industry (medical devices, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or similar).
• Proven ability to counsel senior executives and influence decision‑making under pressure.
• Strong understanding of global media landscapes and crisis communications best practices.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with attention to accuracy and clarity.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with legal, regulatory, and compliance partners.

Preferred

• Experience supporting global or regional communications strategies within a matrixed organization.
• Familiarity with orthopedic, medtech, or healthcare industry dynamics.
• Prior experience with business transformation, mergers, acquisitions, or corporate separations.
• Experience serving as, or preparing, spokespersons for media engagement. Demonstrated people leadership or project leadership experience.

Other