Head of Media Relations

Head of Media Relations 

About the role

How do you build visibility for an innovative company with a strong legacy that is not yet widely known at a global level and turn our story into something that captures attention and interest? 

We are looking for a Head of Media Relations to define and drive Orion Pharma’s media engagement from our headquarters in Espoo. This is a highly visible senior role within the Corporate Communications, Brand & Public Affairs team, with responsibility for strengthening our position in Finnish media while building international visibility from the ground up.

This role combines strategy and hands-on execution, from developing our global media approach to engaging journalists directly, shaping stories, managing issues, and supporting executive communications. As our media relations expert, you will play a key role in shaping how our company is seen and understood by external audiences, partnering closely with senior leaders across the business.

Your key responsibilities

Build international media presence from the ground up

• Develop and drive an effective approach to increase Orion Pharma’s visibility in tier-1 international media (e.g. global business and healthcare outlets) in close collaboration with the US market
• Proactively identify and develop stories that position Orion Pharma as a credible player in innovation-driven healthcare
• Build and maintain relationships with influential international journalists and media stakeholders
• Secure impactful media opportunities that strengthen corporate positioning and long-term reputation at corporate and country level

Build local media understanding and engagement

• Own and lead media relations in Finland, building strong relationships with key national journalists and outlets
• Increase awareness and understanding of Orion Pharma and the pharmaceutical industry through proactive storytelling and engagement
• Design and deliver media events, briefings, and formats that make complex topics accessible 
• Actively shape narratives that connect science, business, and societal impact in a way that resonates locally

Media strategy and execution

• Develop and implement proactive and reactive media strategies aligned with corporate priorities, using data and insights to guide decisions

• Support media relations related to financial results and corporate disclosures in close collaboration with Investor Relations
• Provide expert counsel to integrated planning across corporate and policy-related topics
• Lead day-to-day media engagement, including press outreach and spokesperson coordination
• Act as a key point of contact for media and internal trusted advisor to ensure consistent, high-quality interactions
• Translate complex scientific and business topics into clear, compelling narratives

Issues and crisis management

• Lead media aspects of issues and crisis communications, ensuring fast, accurate, and coordinated responses
• Monitor and anticipate issues and develop preparedness plans, messaging, and scenarios in close collaboration with Public Affairs Head
• Partner closely with legal, regulatory, and public affairs teams to ensure compliant and effective communication

Executive visibility and thought leadership

• Help shape and deliver the CEO and other senior leaders’ media visibility
• Identify and secure high-quality media opportunities and speaking engagements
• Provide strategic media counsel, briefings and coaching for executives and spokespersons
• Strengthen the visibility and credibility of Orion’s leadership externally

Data, insights and performance

• Monitor and analyze media coverage, sentiment, and trends to inform media strategy
• Translate data and insights into actions that strengthen positioning and impact
• Measure the effectiveness of media activities and continuously optimize
• Identify emerging issues and opportunities through media and stakeholder monitoring

What we offer

• A senior, high-impact role shaping both local and global media presence
• The opportunity to build international visibility from scratch
• A collaborative, purpose-driven organization focused on innovation and impact

Our expectations

• Extensive experience in media relations either in a corporate setting or as a journalist with a strong track record of securing media outcomes
• Proven experience working with international media landscapes
• Experience from a regulated industry (e.g. pharma, biotech, healthcare, or similar)
• A strong network of journalists and the ability to build new relationships quickly
• Experience developing and evolving media relations strategies that have strengthened visibility 
• Experience supporting communications in a listed company environment
• Fluency in Finnish and English (native or near-native level) 

How to apply and additional information

Please submit your application with your CV and a motivation letter through our recruitment system by August 9, 2026. Please note that we only consider applications submitted through our portal during the application period.

For more information about the role, please contact Christina Weber-Villumsen, VP, Corporate Communications, Brand & Public Affairs at +358 50 4635247 until 17 July due to vacation.
An approved medical examination, which also includes drug testing, is required prior to employment. We will also carry out a security clearance for the selected candidate before employment begins.

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.

We’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we’re proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.

About Orion