Associate Director, PDS Communications, Product Development & External Manufacturing
About The Position
At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”—a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits. This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. Reporting to the Director, CTDO & Global PDS Operations, the Associate Director, Product Development & External Manufacturing Communications, is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications initiatives that support Bristol Myers Squibb's Product Development (PD) and External Manufacturing (ExM) organizations within Product Development & Supply (PDS). This role serves as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders, translating complex scientific, technical, operational, and organizational priorities into compelling communications that engage employees, strengthen enterprise reputation, and support business objectives. The role encompasses both the innovation-focused Product Development organization, which advances therapies from discovery through clinical development and market approval, and the newly integrated External Manufacturing organization, which manages strategic partnerships across Bristol Myers Squibb's global CDMO and CMO network spanning clinical development through commercial manufacturing. The Associate Director will help communicate how these organizations accelerate patient access to medicines through innovation, development excellence, external partnerships, manufacturing readiness, and operational execution.
Requirements
- Approximately 7 to 10 years of communications experience in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, manufacturing, healthcare, or related industries, or a combination of professional experience that provides an equivalent foundation.
- Bachelor's degree required, preferably in communications, public relations, journalism, business, life sciences, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to counsel and influence senior leaders in a complex, matrixed organization.
- Exceptional writing, presentation, storytelling, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong ability to translate complex scientific, operational, or technical information into clear and engaging content for diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, operate independently, and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
- Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.
- Proficiency with digital communications platforms, content development, and social media channels.
- Understanding of ethical and effective use of generative AI in communications, content development, and employee engagement.
Nice To Haves
- Experience supporting scientific, technical, manufacturing, supply chain, operational, or business functions is preferred.
- Experience supporting organizational change, transformation, or business integration initiatives preferred.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute integrated internal and external communications strategies that support Product Development and External Manufacturing priorities, aligned with broader PDS and enterprise objectives.
- Build and maintain a deep understanding of Product Development, including supply chain, analytical sciences, development analytics, chemical process development, CMC strategy, technology transfer, and product commercialization pathways, translating complex technical concepts into clear and compelling communications.
- Develop expertise in the evolving External Manufacturing model, and help articulate how ExM enables clinical development, commercialization, launch readiness, supply reliability, operational excellence, and strategic growth.
- Provide strategic communications counsel to Product Development and External Manufacturing leadership teams, helping leaders communicate organizational priorities, change initiatives, business strategy, and key decisions effectively.
- Support development and execution of organizational communications programs that foster employee engagement, organizational alignment, and culture-building across globally distributed and matrixed teams through town halls, leadership forums, videos, employee campaigns, and digital channels.
- Partner with leaders to develop speeches, presentations, remarks, executive communications, and leadership messaging for high-profile internal and external engagements.
- Identify and execute proactive storytelling opportunities that highlight innovation in product development, patient-centric design, scientific advancement, manufacturing readiness, external partnerships, and operational excellence across the product lifecycle.
- Manage external communications initiatives that strengthen the reputation of Product Development and External Manufacturing through media relations, digital and social content, industry conferences, thought leadership opportunities, awards programs, and strategic announcements.
- Support communications associated with major organizational initiatives, including operating model changes, organizational evolution, digital transformation efforts, strategic partnerships, network changes, and business integrations.
- Provide communications support for change management activities associated with the evolving External Manufacturing organization as it brings together capabilities spanning clinical and commercial manufacturing into a more integrated enterprise model.
- Monitor industry, manufacturing, development, supply chain, and competitive trends to identify communications risks, opportunities, and emerging issues relevant to Product Development and External Manufacturing.
- Manage issues and special situations that may affect Product Development, External Manufacturing, or broader PDS operations, helping protect enterprise reputation and stakeholder trust.
- Lead communications workstreams with agency partners and cross-functional collaborators across Corporate Affairs and other enterprise functions.
- Actively pursue and participate in professional development opportunities as part of a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Work collaboratively across Corporate Affairs and PDS Communications to support a high-performance culture, drive enterprise objectives, and deliver measurable communications outcomes.
Benefits
- wellbeing support
- retirement and financial protection benefits
- insurance offerings (medical, dental, vision, life and disability)
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- 11 paid company holidays each year
- 160 hours of paid vacation annually for new hires
- 3 optional holidays
- paid sick leave
- up to two paid volunteer days per year
- summer hours flexibility
- leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, or military needs
- annual Global Shutdown between Christmas Day and New Year's Day
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
