M&S Communication Lead

About the job

At Opella, the Consumer Healthcare business unit of Sanofi, we have one overarching mission – to work passionately, challenging ourselves and our industry every day, to drive what we believe is the next health revolution: evolving from simply serving consumers, to helping people help themselves – bringing “Health in Your Hands”.

Our mission is to enable better self-care for individuals and communities, while also contributing to a healthier planet. We strive to act as a force for good by integrating sustainability along our business and employees’ mission and operate responsibly from both a social and environmental point of view. To achieve this, we need people who can shape the future of our business and help us on our journey to becoming the best fast-moving consumer healthcare company in and for the world.​

Because we are a manufacturing business, we pride ourselves on producing trusted and loved brands that connect with hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide. This is what we do at M&S, for Manufacturing and Supply, with a global network of 13 manufacturing sites, 4 specialized science and innovation centers, external manufacturing partners, and dedicated industrial support functions. Opella M&S network brings together more than  5 000 talented people in about 40 countries and delivers support the sales of around 2 billion boxes per year - quality & safe, affordable, sustainable products, rooted in science. 

As Opella M&S Communication Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing Opella’s reputation and narrative in support of Opella’s mission, ambition, business and sustainability strategy. Reporting directly to Head of Manufacturing and Supply and functionally reporting to the Global Head of Corporate Communication, you will be responsible for developing and executing integrated communications strategy focused on M&S function. This position requires a well-developed business understanding, with leadership and communication skills.

Main responsibilities

In close collaboration with the Global M&S Leadership Team, and the Global Head of M&S, the Group Corporate Communications Team, as well as the local/regional communications network, key responsibilities will be to:

Develop and design the strategic M&S narrative that will support Opella’s overall corporate communications, positioning and differentiation.

Enhance Internal and Transformation Communication

• Ensuring that all Manufacturing and Supply Chain team members are well-informed about ongoing activities, changes, and initiatives. This role will facilitate communication across departments, fostering collaboration, understanding and engagement. Regular updates, newsletters, townhalls, M&S Global Forum preparation support, internal network ( Engage, Teams, …) and reports tailored to our team's needs will help maintain alignment and drive performance. Designing a yearly M&S exposure fair to communicate and educate on M&S for M&S and full Opella (eg GH Social Days).

Strengthen External Communication

• Enhance our communication with suppliers, customers, and industry partners. By developing positive relationships and maintaining open channels of communication, we can strengthen our partnerships and ensure our messaging aligns with our corporate values and goals. This role will also collaborate with media relations teams to manage public communications, ensuring that our supply chain's achievements and innovations are effectively communicated.

Create Content

• Oversees the creation of high-quality content that highlights our achievements and innovations, positioning us as leaders in the industry.

Prepare Leadership Comms

• Lead Global Head of Manufacturing & Supply  executive communications ( internally and externally ) through messaging, social media (LinkedIn, …), speaking opportunities in Industry Conferences (Garnter, Zero100, …), M&S Townhalls.

Manage Crisis communications

•  Additionally, you will be responsible for supporting crisis communication to address any disruptions or emergencies swiftly and effectively.

Measure & report Performance

• To ensure our communication strategies are effective, the Communications Business Partner will establish metrics to measure his/her impact. Regular reporting to senior management will provide insights into the success of these initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

Manage key Stakeholders

• Work closely with Communications and HR in the countries, to co-create, roll out strategic M&S programmes.

About You

• Four Year Degree in related field, Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in corporate communication with a focus on internal audiences, and with proven ability to develop and execute successful integrated communication strategies.

• Experienced in leadership communications, transformation and change communications.

• Proven success in crisis communication and issues management.

• Experience in FMCG and/ or Health Care.

• Experience in Industrial sites or strong willingness to invest time and learn about Manufacturing and Supply

• Strong ability to build and work effectively on cross functional, multi-cultural teams and diverse projects.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially for business communication.

• Global business perspective with local appreciation; proven advisory and influencing skills.

• Strong leadership & project management skills, with interpersonal and relationship-building skills. You build bridges between in and external audiences and bring disciplines together in pursuit of an integrated goal.

• Fluent in English and French, any other language is a plus.