Head of US Communications

Lonza • Morristown, NJ

3d

About The Position

As Executive Director, Head of US Communications, this role serves as Lonza’s senior communications leader in the United States and as the dedicated communications lead for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions. The position provides strategic counsel to US executives, business leaders, and site leaders on employee engagement, media, crisis management, and stakeholder matters.

The role leads Lonza’s internal and external communications and crisis response across the United States. For strategic transactions, it develops and executes communications strategies aligned with Lonza’s global business objectives and reputation priorities, under the direction of the Global Head of Communications and in coordination with global communications leaders. The role leads communications from confidential planning and announcement through closing, Day 1, integration, or separation, and supports US stakeholder communications in alignment with global narratives and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

The position also prepares executives and senior leaders for media interviews and stakeholder engagement, builds relationships with US journalists and other stakeholders, and acts as spokesperson for global media inquiries. Lonza describes its work as grounded in science and emphasizes ethical conduct, respect for people and the environment, and developing solutions that help bring therapies to patients.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of strategic communications leadership experience, with sound judgment in reputation-critical environments and highly regulated industries.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Business, or Science.
• Crisis and issues management capability across multiple markets and stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated experience leading communications for complex M&A, divestiture, and integration programs, including confidential and time-sensitive transactions in the US market.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and management skills.
• Excellent writing, editing, and content development skills across executive, financial, media, and social channels.
• Proven ability to advise senior executives and manage sensitive stakeholder communications.
• Experience working in media relations and/or for a top-tier PR agency.

Responsibilities

• Lead and be accountable for Lonza’s internal and external communications and crisis response across the United States.
• Develop and execute communications strategies for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions, aligned with global business objectives and reputation priorities.
• Own and lead the communications workstream for transactions and related integrations or separations, from confidential planning and announcement through closing and Day 1.
• Lead US crisis and issues communications readiness and response, with timely escalation and coordination with global communications leaders.
• Develop and execute US stakeholder communications plans for employees, media, customers, communities, and other priority audiences.
• Ensure communications are consistent with the global narrative and aligned with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Advise and prepare executives and senior leaders for media interviews, stakeholder engagement, and reputation-critical communications related to the US market.
• Identify, build, and maintain relationships with key US journalists, external stakeholders, and communications partners.
• Act as spokesperson for global media inquiries.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive