Associate Director, External Communications

Associate Director, External Communications 100%

This high-profile role offers a strategic communicator the opportunity to shape the global narrative of a world-leading organization. Working closely with the Head of External Communications, you will lead high-impact projects, manage global media relations, and provide expert counsel to senior leadership to protect and enhance Lonza’s reputation across the international stage.

The actual location of this job is in Basel, Switzerland. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

• An agile career and dynamic work culture.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace.
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
• In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect numerous lifestyle, family, and leisure benefits. Our full list of tailored local benefits can be found below.
• Benefits in Basel: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./3
  
  HZNGv2

• Own major communication projects from concept to delivery, collaborating across the global business to ensure a unified and powerful brand voice.
• Act as a strategic counselor to senior leaders, providing expert guidance on reputation management, messaging, and high-stakes stakeholder engagement.
• Proactively build and maintain relationships with key international journalists, pitching strategic stories and managing incoming media inquiries and interviews.
• Lead the oversight of external agencies and freelancers, managing contract negotiations and ensuring high-quality delivery against business objectives.
• Organize media trips and corporate events, taking the lead on drafting speeches, briefing documents, and executive presentations.
• Shape our social media strategy and partner with Talent Attraction to develop a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP) through creative direction and storytelling.
• Provide critical support during corporate issues or crises, helping to navigate complex situations and maintain stakeholder trust.

• Extensive experience in external communications, corporate affairs, or a similar strategic role, ideally within a global or highly regulated industry.
• A proven track record of building journalist relationships and successfully securing high-level media coverage.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and advise senior executives on sensitive communication matters and reputation management.
• Superior writing, editing, and creative direction skills, with the ability to distill complex corporate information into engaging narratives.
• Strong experience managing multi-disciplinary projects and directing external agencies to deliver results on time and within budget.
• Ability to remain calm and strategic under pressure, providing sound judgment during issues management or crisis scenarios.
• A natural relationship-builder who can navigate a complex matrix organization and adapt quickly to shifting global priorities.

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.

• Work location 4052 Basel (BS)
• Workload 100%
• Employment start Immediately
• Employment duration Permanent
• Qualification skilled
• Work experience More than 3 years
• Education Master’s degree from a university of applied sciences or equivalent
• English Orally:
  Very good knowledge;
  Written:
  Very good knowledge
• Contact
• Vacant since 27.02.2026