Head of Communication

JOB TITLE

Head of Communication GCC

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

ROLE SUMMARY

Lead the internal & external Communication agendas for GCC area by driving our though leadership to strengthen corporate reputation and Therapy area Leadership while ensuring best in class employees' engagement. May contribute to regional /MEA projects to develop new communications campaigns or monitor and improve the effectiveness of existing ones.

What you’ll do

Internal communications:

• Leads the planning and delivery of the Internal Communications Plan to inform, educate, align and engage employees to deliver business strategy and priorities to drive business success
• Manages internal communications initiatives that increase employee engagement and alignment with local and broader AstraZeneca business strategy
• Manages internal communications channels and services, in line with AstraZeneca Global requirements and standards
• Incorporates new and innovative communications channels and approaches, especially Digital & Social Media, into the internal communication strategy
• Works with GCC leadership team to develop comprehensive, integrated communications plans for relevant business priorities
• Ensures all internal communications share a unified, on-brand look and feel that reflect the company’s business priorities and strategy, and are continuous, consistent and distributed through appropriate channels
• Encourages cross-functional collaboration and information exchange across GCC organization community
• Develops a values-based high-performance culture by providing engagement platforms to employees for continuous communications and excellence in day to day job in alignment with HR.

External communications:

• Leads the development and delivery of a robust external communications strategy across GCC consistent with business priorities, long term aspirations and global guidelines, or support the development of these strategies through expert technical support
• Oversees all external communications for GCC geographic areas
• Provides senior public relations counsel on an ad hoc basis to all brand teams within brand portfolio and other teams as required
• Incorporates new and innovative communications channels and approaches into communication strategy
• Supports and aligns with Government affairs teams for engagement with Government officials, stakeholders and partnership related Media activities
• Establishes a framework for external engagements through creation of country facts sheets and top stakeholders’ biographies, mapping the media landscape and creating an external engagement plan in an aim to build presence and position the organization as a leader in the healthcare industry. Ensures that key Corporate Responsibility activities are communicated for publication in annual reporting and communicated broadly throughout AstraZeneca and externally to major stakeholders.

Corporate responsibility:

• Maintains highest ethical standards and work in a spirit of AstraZeneca Code of Ethics, following rules & norms set by corporate policies
• Ensures that all conducted activities are done in accordance with local legislation and corporate standards.
• Timely reports (as per respective procedures): health/environment/wellbeing related accidents; adverse events that you became aware about; change in status of your Conflict of Interest.

Only applications based in KSA & UAE will be considered.

Essential for the role

• Higher education, preferable in communications/ journalism, otherwise certification and solid trainings in the relevant area
• Considerable internal and external communications experience with min 3 years of leading the communications function/strategic agenda
• Successful experience at supporting senior leaders through communications counsel, developing effective communication strategies and implementing integrated communication plans
• Ability to work in a global environment including understanding of cultural differences
• Strong project and change management skills
• First-rate coordination, collaboration, organization and multi-tasking skills
• Business acumen
• Strategic thinking
• Digital and social media skills

Desirable for the role

• National and global communications experience
• Knowledge of global Pharmaceutical market
• Ability to understand and interpret scientific and medical data
• Experience of healthcare communications

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.
• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram

Date Posted

14-Jan-2026

Closing Date

19-Jan-2026

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.