External Media Lead– Global Communications

Role Overview

This role will support the Global Head of Brand and Corporate Communications in strengthening high impact media engagement and strategic communications. This role requires strong organisational ability, media coordination experience, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced global environment. The ideal candidate will be able to understand the media landscape in the healthcare/ pharma/ biopharma industry. The candidate should be able to interact with the agency and the media if required, enable smooth scheduling, flawless execution of media interactions, and professional representation of the company to stakeholders across markets.

Key Responsibilities

Media Engagement and External Coordination

• Serve as the second point of contact for journalists, media agencies, and industry bodies.
• Schedule interviews, press briefings, and public appearances and ensure all interactions are planned, documented, and followed up on. These would be primarily for CEO, CFO and sometimes the Chairperson. CHRO and the Global head for Brand and Comms are the other two stakeholders for who scheduling, public appearances and press briefings need to be managed.
• Manage relationships with media partners, external vendors, and ensure service quality across global markets.
• Oversee and maintain the media database and stakeholder contact lists.
• Work in close collaboration with the External Media Content Lead

Content, Messaging, and Materials

• Organise briefing documents, Q and A notes, and post engagement summaries for executive media interactions. The content team provides the content for Talking Points and Speeches.
• Manage documentation of media coverage, correspondence, press materials, and communication assets.
• Ensure consistency with brand voice and corporate communications standards in all external materials.

Monitoring, Insights, and Reporting

• Track global media coverage and sentiment and prepare regular reports with insights and trends.
• Stay updated on global and regional media landscapes and competitor activity and identify opportunities for proactive media outreach.
• Support crisis communications readiness by coordinating rapid response logistics when urgent media activity is required.

Events and Executive Engagement Support

• Host visiting media representatives and partners and create a professional and engaging experience.
• Work closely with the social media team to ensure that there is a social media presence of important news and information.
• Coordinate logistics for on-site and virtual media engagements and communication events.
• Support media training and briefing sessions for spokespersons and senior executives.

Operational Support

• Coordinate domestic and international travel for visiting media and media related partners.
• Support the executive's calendar during media periods and external media events.
• Track action items, monitor pending deliverables, and support timely closure of tasks.
• Be responsible for creation, tracking and management of Media Agency Task list.
• Manage vendor coordination and assist with budget tracking related to media activities.
• Work with the person in team and finance to ensure timely payments of media related agencies and parties.
• Blocking and Managing Calendars for all spokespersons and organising venues for external media and external media related vendor interactions.
• Track action items, follow up on pending deliverables, and ensure timely closure of tasks.

Confidential Support

• Handle sensitive information with discretion and uphold the highest standards of confidentiality.
• Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Communications, or related field.
• 10 + years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a global or corporate communications environment. Corporate environment experience is preferred to agency experience. Workign with large corporate organisations (multiple spokesperson) will be preferred.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience in working with global cross-functional teams and ability to interact with senior executives, media, and diverse external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with scheduling tools.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines and manage projects.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Communications, or related field.
• 10 + years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a global or corporate communications environment. Corporate environment experience is preferred to agency experience. Workign with large corporate organisations (multiple spokesperson) will be preferred.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience in working with global cross-functional teams and ability to interact with senior executives, media, and diverse external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with scheduling tools.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines and manage projects.

Key Competencies

• Discretion and integrity in handling sensitive matters.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Work closely across teams and businesses when required.
• Proactive problem-solving
• Cultural awareness and adaptability in a global work environment.