Closing date: 16 July 2026

Location: London (hybrid working)

Reporting to: Director, Media and Communications

Department: Corporate Affairs and Strategy

Salary: Competitive

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About the ABPI

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The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and access medicines and vaccines to improve patient care.

We represent companies of all sizes that invest in discovering and developing medicines and vaccines that enhance and save the lives of millions of people around the world.

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Our members and affiliates include established research-based pharmaceutical companies, specialist service providers supporting pharmaceutical R&D, and organisations that work closely with the pharmaceutical industry across the UK.

Working in partnership with government, regulators and the NHS, we help patients gain faster access to innovative treatments and vaccines. We also collaborate across the wider life sciences ecosystem to make the UK an attractive place to invest, innovate and grow.

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We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and value the unique skills and perspectives each individual brings.

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We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be pleased to support you.

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Job purpose

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Reporting to the Director of Media and Communications, the Senior Communications Manager plays a leading role within the ABPI's communications function, helping to shape and deliver the organisation's media relations, messaging and external engagement.

The role sits at the heart of a high-profile, fast-moving press office operating within the UK life sciences and pharmaceutical policy environment.

The successful candidate will bring significant experience across strategic communications, including:

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• Proactive and reactive media relations
• Political and policy communications
• Stakeholder engagement
• Digital and social media
• Senior spokesperson support

The postholder will operate with a high degree of autonomy and deputise for the Director of Media and Communications where required.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced communications professional looking to progress towards a Director-level role within one of the UK's leading trade associations.

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Key responsibilities

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Strategic communications leadership

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• Work closely with the Director of Media and Communications to develop and implement the ABPI's communications strategy.
• Help shape the organisation's external narrative across key policy and government affairs priorities.
• Deputise for the Director at senior internal meetings, member forums and external engagements.
• Support team planning and help manage workload across the communications function.

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Media relations and press office

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• Lead day-to-day media relations, including proactive story generation, reactive enquiries and journalist engagement.
• Oversee the quality and accuracy of press releases, statements, briefing notes and media materials.
• Develop relationships with national, broadcast and trade journalists.
• Monitor breaking news, parliamentary developments and policy announcements, ensuring timely communications responses.
• Participate in the out-of-hours media rota.

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Proactive campaigns and policy communications

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• Lead communications campaigns supporting key policy priorities including:
  
  • Commercial environment
  • Patient access
  • Health data
  • Clinical research
  • UK life sciences competitiveness
• Translate complex technical and regulatory issues into compelling communications.
• Identify proactive media opportunities across ABPI activity.
• Develop media lines and supporting briefing materials.
• Lead communications activity around key ABPI events and conferences.

Digital, social media and content

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• Oversee social media activity across LinkedIn and other relevant platforms.
• Work with the Head of Digital to maintain engaging website content.
• Commission and produce written, digital and video content.
• Monitor performance, report on KPIs and use insight to improve communications activity.

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Spokesperson support and stakeholder engagement

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• Prepare briefing packs, Q&As and talking points for senior spokespeople.
• Support media interviews and provide briefing and feedback.
• Build relationships with:
  
  • Member communications teams
  • Patient organisations
  • NHS communications teams
  • Government press offices
  • Other external stakeholders
• Provide communications advice across the organisation.

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Skills, experience and qualifications

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The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Significant experience in a senior media and communications role, either in-house or within an agency.
• Strong strategic and operational media relations experience.
• Proven experience handling reactive and crisis communications.
• Excellent relationships with national, broadcast and specialist media.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience preparing and supporting senior spokespeople.
• A sound understanding of the UK political and policy landscape.
• Experience delivering digital and social media communications.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience within health, life sciences or pharmaceuticals is desirable but not essential. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to quickly understand complex policy issues.
• A collaborative working style, sound judgement and confidence operating with senior stakeholders.

Inclusion

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The ABPI is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone who works with us, visits our offices or engages with our content.

We provide:

• Step-free access
• Hearing support
• Accessible restrooms
• Accessible digital content

We are PIF TICK certified, ensuring our health information is evidence-based, trusted and accessible.

We also actively seek to work with partners and suppliers who share our commitment to accessibility and disability inclusion.

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How to apply

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For the full job description, salary and benefits information, or to apply for this opportunity, please send your CV together with a covering letter to:

Joshua Gray Joshua@ellwoodatfield.com or submit via the online portal

Closing date: 16 July 2026

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