Communications Manager

Job Description

An exciting opportunity for an experienced communications professional to join the team as Communications Manager on a one-year fixed-term contract. This role will lead product communications, above-brand campaigns and disease awareness initiatives across the therapy area portfolio in Ireland, aligned with business priorities, patient access objectives and the wider healthcare communications environment.

This is a strategic role, working closely with local leadership and cross-functional therapy area teams to build and protect the organisation’s reputation, support product launches, contribute to policy-shaping activities and deliver impactful communications to external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will be a creative, strategic communicator with strong stakeholder management skills, experience engaging patient groups and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, fast-moving healthcare environment. Experience in digital communications and media relations is desirable.

Please note if you would like to apply for this role internally it can be offered as a Career Progression Assignment.

Bring energy, knowledge, innovation to carry out the following:

• Develop and deliver integrated communications programmes aligned with Ireland priorities, raising awareness of disease burden and the value of innovation.
• Design and implement multi-channel above-brand and disease awareness campaigns supporting franchise, product and broader communications objectives.
• Advise the commercial business on communications strategy for the current and future therapy area portfolio.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including patient groups, healthcare organisations, professional bodies and media.
• Represent the organisation in external engagements, policy forums and industry events.
• Provide strategic counsel to cross-functional teams and senior leaders.
• Partner with internal teams across market access, medical, regulatory, government affairs and commercial functions.
• Monitor the external environment, identify risks and opportunities, and manage issues proactively.
• Ensure all activity is compliant with the IPHA industry code, company policies and ethical standards.
• Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks to demonstrate impact.

Skills and education you will bring:

• Degree qualified, or equivalent experience, preferably in journalism, media, arts, health, political or life/social sciences.
• Advanced degree or professional PR qualification desirable.
• Minimum 6 years’ experience in corporate and/or product communications.
• Experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare or health PR agency environments preferred.
• Proven track record in delivering strategic, multi-channel communications campaigns.
• Strong digital and social media experience.
• Established network across healthcare, patient advocacy and media stakeholders in Ireland preferred.

We keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world's most challenging healthcare needs.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. Please don't hesitate to contact the Talent Acquisition Advisor assigned to this role should you need any support during our recruitment process.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

Required Skills:

Communication Strategy Development, Communications Writing, Content Creation, Digital Media Strategy, Event Management, Graphic Design, Healthcare Policies, Media Relations, Multichannel Communications, Public Speaking, Research Development, Social Media Management, Strategic Advisory, Strategic Planning, Video Production

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Temporary (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

11/2/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.

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