Associate Director, US Local Public Affairs

Associate Director, US Local Public Affairs

Location:

Clayton, NC, US

At Novo Nordisk, we want to make a difference. For more than 100 years, we have led the way in diabetes care. Being part of Novo Nordisk allows our employees to embark on the opportunity to help improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.

In NC, we operate three pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities that are responsible for fulfilling different steps in our injectable and oral treatment supply chains. Our Product Supply Aseptic Manufacturing (PS AM) facility in Clayton, NC is a 457,000 square foot aseptic "fill and finish" site that is responsible for producing innovative, injectable diabetes and obesity treatments. At PS AM, you’ll join a global network of manufacturing professionals who are passionate about what they do.

• Leading pay and annual performance bonus for all positions
• All employees enjoy generous paid time off including 14 paid holidays
• Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance - effective day one
• Guaranteed 8% 401K contribution plus individual company match option
• Family Focused Benefits including 14 weeks paid parental & 6 weeks paid family medical leave
• Free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed pharmaceutical products
• Tuition Assistance
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Employee Referral Awards

The Associate Director, US Local Public Affairs leads the Local Public Affairs team in advancing Novo Nordisk's US manufacturing priorities by protecting current operations and enabling future site growth. The role collaborates with the USO Public Affairs team to develop and execute proactive local and state government affairs strategies focused on protecting manufacturing facilities and operations, which includes infrastructure, utilities, permitting, zoning, construction impacts, expansion incentive negotiations, and relevant regulations.

It also leads external issues management in partnership with site leadership and internal functions to anticipate risks, support incident response, and ensure consistent stakeholder engagement. In addition, the position oversees relationships with state and local elected officials, community and industry partners, and broader alliance-building efforts that strengthen workforce readiness, community reputation, and social license to operate. The role serves as a key advocate for Novo Nordisk's manufacturing interests and ensures compliance with lobbying and reporting requirements.

Reports to the Director of DPM-US Public Affairs & Communications

• Set strategy and execute local government affairs priorities across US GMS sites to reduce risk and support operations and business growth
• Lead and develop the local public affairs team by setting expectations, managing performance, and building succession strength
• Manage the site external affairs operating model, including planning, priorities, KPIs, and budget/vendor oversight
• Monitor policy and regulatory developments affecting site operations and align internal stakeholders on actions and messaging
• Guide alliance-building with business, industry, education, and community partners to support workforce, infrastructure, and reputation goals
• Lead engagement with government stakeholders to build understanding of Novo Nordisk’s manufacturing priorities and community impact
• Own the stakeholder engagement model and maintain senior relationships with key local county and town officials and decision-makers
• Lead external issues management by setting response plans, escalation paths, and stakeholder strategies for site-related issues
• Mitigate issues that delay, prevent, or stop construction permitting, zoning, infrastructure planning, and other construction-related engagement with local authorities and internal teams
• Set community engagement and investment strategy to strengthen the sites’ reputation and social license to operate
• Lead economic development and incentives efforts that support site expansion, sustainability, and cross-functional execution
• Provide stakeholder intelligence and risk/opportunity insights to help leadership prioritize decisions and…