Country Communications Manager Czech Republic

Position Purpose:

We are seeking an experienced Communications Manager to develop and execute impactful integrated communication strategies that support business objectives and strengthen employee engagement across the Czech Republic.

This role is responsible for both external communications (media relations, social media, brand reputation, stakeholder engagement) and internal communications (employee engagement, change management, and site-level communications).

Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver internal communication strategies to inform and engage employees across manufacturing sites, remote commercial teams and office-based teams, supporting a connected and inspired workforce.
• Partner with site leadership to ensure timely and transparent communication on operational updates, safety, and compliance, as well as support the delivery of cultural, wellbeing and CSR initiatives.  Drive employee engagement campaigns, recognition programmes, and change communications.
• Manage and produce a steady flow of high-quality, meaningful and impactful employee communications tactics and content, for all internal channels, including events, ensuring maximum reach and participation, and including on- and off-line colleagues.
• Develop, implement and execute external communication plans aligned with Corporate and country commercial and business priorities.
• Develop and deliver a media relations strategy, reactive and proactive, across traditional and digital channels, to enhance corporate reputation, position Zentiva as an employer of choice, and support commercial outcomes.  Build and maintain relationships with key Czech journalists and media outlets. 
• Plan and execute a comprehensive social media strategy that supports and drives business objectives.
• Partner with the Corporate Affairs team to support relevant activities within the Czech Republic.
• Support product launches and promotions, and commercial campaigns in collaboration with the Czech Republic Marketing team.
• Identify opportunities for executive positioning and thought leadership.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leaders.  Be a credible and reliable business partner to key country-level Function leaders and teams.  Establish and maintain cross- functional alignment.

• Ensure alignment with Corporate Communications strategy while tailoring messages for local relevance.  Cascade Corporate driven critical messages and programs as directed by the Corporate team – amplify and syndicate content when required.
• Generate up to Corporate Communications team successes and proof point stories that align to company strategy for inclusion in company-wide internal and external media/channels
• Serve as the country lead for crisis communication, ensuring timely and accurate messaging to internal and external stakeholders.  Collaborate with Corporate Communications team to manage reputational risks and maintain trust during sensitive situations.
• Maintain country Intranet and website.
• With a mindset of continuous improvement, establish KPIs and use data, feedback and industry best practice to assess and measure impact, and to evolve and improve.
• Monitor industry trends to inform communication strategies and focus areas.
• Champion contemporary tools and methodologies, including AI-enabled approaches to enhance effectiveness.
• Manage external agencies to ensure delivery of programs within budget.
• Mentor and guide other communications colleagues, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on excellence, delivery and innovation.
• Be ready to support any large scale Corporate activities and events if and when required.

Qualifications, required skills and experience:

• Minimum ten years’ experience gained across all disciplines of corporate communications, ideally in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry, with knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic external and internal communications programmes that support commercial outcomes, manage reputation, and drive employee engagement.
• Strong media relations skills; ideally with established relationships or network of media contacts in the business, healthcare /pharmaceutical sectors in the Czech Republic.
• Must have devised and delivered multi-channel internal communications tactics.  Specific experience of engaging remote or off-line or manufacturing teams an advantage.
• Experience of reputation management and crisis response preferred.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics into clear, compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with a wide range of communications platforms and tools, ideally including AI-driven solutions and digital platforms.
• Results-driven with a collaborative, proactive, positive ‘can-do’ approach and mindset.
• Must be able to think strategically, but execute effectively at the tactical level; with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels.
• High emotional intelligence, resilient and able to quickly pivot.
• Ability to influence senior leaders, and manage multiple stakeholders and concurrent projects under tight deadlines in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to prepare materials and communicate confidently in both English and Czech.  Native-level Czech required; with professional proficiency in Engligh (both written and spoken)