Program Manager, Global Communications & Brand Function

The Opportunity:

At Avantor, people are the most important part of our success because they drive our global performance. That’s why our Operations, Lab Services, Sales, and many other Avantor teams rely on our talent acquisition initiatives to attract, engage and hire the right talent. Avantor’s communication vertical is a crucial part of this mix, enabling all our internal teams worldwide to grow beyond their limits.

We recently announced plans to transform our business by implementing a new operating model and advancing a multi-year cost optimization initiative. Under the new model, Avantor will transition from three geographic segments to two complementary business segments focused on customer needs: Laboratory Solutions and Bioscience Production.

We are seeking a skilled and strategic Program Manager to spearhead key initiatives as we transform our Global Communications & Brand function to drive all aspects of Avantor’s global external communications strategy at scale to support key business priorities, interact with critical executive business partners. The leader will have an excellent track record of successes in developing and executing global reputation strategies that build, protect and defend the enterprise. The role will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and maximize efficiency.

The Program Manager, Global Communications & Brand, is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of our annual communications strategy and ensuring the seamless operation of our projects. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the communications leadership team, enhancing organizational efficiency, tracking progress against strategic goals and ensuring the delivery of high-impact communication programs.

The Program Manager, Global Communications & Brand is a highly visible role within Avantor’s Global Communications & Brand team that reports directly to the SVP, Global Communications & Brand and works closely with the other members of the function’s leadership team and their direct reports.

What we’re looking for:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, or related field. Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in program or project management, preferably within the life sciences, healthcare, or technology sectors.
  • Proven track record in developing and managing strategic communication programs, with a comprehensive understanding of the global business environment.
  • Prior experience in operational management, with familiarity in using metrics and scorecards to assess and drive performance.

Who you are:

• Digitally driven, with understanding of digital media platforms to develop and drive creative, engaging content
• Strong presence while working in a team matrix organization
• Ability to jump in and learn the business
• Committed to building relationships and capable of influencing without authority
• Strong writing and editing skills a must with a focus on quality control
• Excellent presentation and speaking skills
• Proactive, highly energetic personality, ability to think creatively
• Flexible with problem solving and analytical skills
• Understands and embraces a constant improvement culture
• Demonstrates high emotional intelligence
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities, coupled with an ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage effectively at all levels within the organization.

How you will create an impact:

Strategic Program Development and Execution:

• Lead the development and refinement of the annual communications strategy, aligning with Avantor's overarching strategic goals.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of communication programs, ensuring they meet the set objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication initiatives, adjusting strategies as necessary to meet organizational goals.

Leadership and Team Collaboration:

• Facilitate regular meetings and workshops with the communications leadership team and key stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment and the successful execution of programs.
• Prepare and present detailed reports and updates on program progress, challenges, and outcomes to the leadership team.

Operational Excellence and Project Management:

• Implement and manage project timelines, resources, and budgets, ensuring the efficient operation of the Global Communications & Brand department.
• Develop and refine operational processes and systems to improve the team’s effectiveness and efficiency.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional project teams, ensuring alignment with Avantor’s strategic objectives and delivery of project outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Management:

• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, facilitating communication and collaboration across projects.
• Gather and integrate stakeholder feedback to inform the ongoing development and optimization of communication programs.

Other:

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.
• Effectively manage issues/crises for the business and/or its brands as needed
• Travel internationally and domestically 5–10%.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.

The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.

We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW Poster, EEO is the Law Poster Supplement, and Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.