Job Description

As the Associate Director Corporate Communications (m/f/d), you will be responsible for developing and executing impactful communication strategies for both internal and external communications. These strategies enhance the organization's reputation, align with our corporate and market strategic priorities, and foster a data-driven, innovative and compliant communication approach.  This role requires a strong leader with excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of corporate communications including earned media relations, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Reporting to the Director of Communications, you will serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders, act as the spokesperson for the company, and lead and mentor a team of corporate communications experts. 

Your Responsibilities and Primary Activities:

Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive corporate communication strategies that align with the organization's goals and objectives. Ensuring for all strategies and tactics high compliance standards. 

Media Relations: Focussing on corporate topics, build and maintain relationships with key media contacts, manage various media communications, and oversee media inquiries to ensure positive coverage of the organization. The role serves as spokesperson for Human Health Germany. Strong collaboration and alignment with the Communications Team for our different therapeutic areas. 

Issue Preparedness/Crisis Management: Contribute to the development and execution of issue preparedness and crisis communication plans to protect the organization's reputation during challenging situations. Including scenario planning and core messaging. 

Brand Management: Based on our global brand strategy, refine, and steward a compelling corporate brand strategy and positioning that promotes our company's reputation and builds trust among all stakeholders in our market.  

Internal Communications: Develop and execute internal communications strategies, build and maintain internal channels and events to enhance internal communication strategies, promoting a culture of transparency, employee engagement, and alignment with organizational goals. 

Agency Management and Content Creation: Edit and oversee the creation of high-quality corporate content for various internal and external channels and audiences. Manage agency partners and lead the development of impactful messages, narratives, and stories that effectively convey the corporate brand and values, ensuring alignment with overall communication strategies. 

Ensure Data-Driven Insights: Emphasize the importance of shaping environments by leveraging data to inform communication strategies and tactics, model trends, and anticipate upcoming developments, fostering a proactive and predictive mindset. Be aware of and incorporate new technologies and tools in corporate communications processes and executions. 

Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of communication professionals, providing guidance and support in their professional development. 

Cross-functional collaboration: Partner with internal stakeholders (e. g. Marketing Communication, Therapeutical Area Communication, Policy, Marketing & Sales, HR, Medical, GCTO) to ensure consistent messaging that protect, defend, and enhance our corporate brand identity.  

Your Profile:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. 

Minimum of 5 years of experience in Corporate Communications, Public Relations, or a related field with a strong background in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and health sector. 

Proven record of influencing at a senior level and navigate complexity. 

Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, in both German and English with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively. 

Experience in crisis communication and reputation management is a plus.  

To excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following attributes/skills: 

Proactive: A self-starter who takes initiative and drives projects to successful completion. 

Collaborative: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and engage with diverse stakeholders. 

Adaptable: Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities effectively. 

Execution Excellence: Translating strategic priorities into operational success; ensuring high compliance standards; establishing ongoing measurement systems to ensure that strategic priorities yield measurable and sustainable results. 

Networking & Partnerships: Initiating and maintaining strategic relationships with stakeholders and potential partners inside and outside the organization. 

Our Benefits:

Flexible working hours.

Attractive compensation package (13 monthly salaries plus target bonus).

Company pension scheme.

Holiday allowance (€1.200 per annum).

30 days annual leave.

Company car.

Employee benefits.

Company bike/bike leasing.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

People with severe disabilities and their equivalents will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Communication, Communications Programs, Communications Strategy, Communication Strategy Development, Corporate Communications Strategy, Corporate Communication Strategies, Crisis Communication Management, Crisis Public Relations, Internal Communications, Leadership, Media Communications, Media Relations, Media Relations Management, Online Public Relations, People Management, Public Relations (PR), Public Relations Services, Social Collaboration, Social Media Communications, Special Event Planning, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Communication Planning, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking

 Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

08/3/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R357163