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, en