Director, Internal Communications

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Reporting to the VP, Internal Communication, the Internal Communication Director works closely with the President of Global Operations and President of Global Quality and Regulatory Affairs and their leadership s to create and execute effective communication programs, including communication strategies and plans that support the success of the organisations' strategic objectives in the context of the broader Smith+Nephew strategy.  He or she provides best practice internal communication counsel, strategy, planning and tactical execution. This is a hands-on role, where the individual is expected to be equally strong at both technical and strategic aspects of communication.

What will you be doing?

Develop and implement communication plans and strategies

• Creates and executes communications strategy to support business objectives.

• Crafts communication materials and tools to ensure clear, concise information is shared in a

   timely manner to key stakeholders throughout the business.

• Works closely with communication team to ensure message consistency and effective cross-

   Company communication.

• Liaise closely with Change Management to ensure comprehensive and integrated programs for  key initiatives.

• Working closely with change management, lead the development and implementation of a communication and change strategy to drive operational excellence within Global Operations.

• Develops effective and innovative communication processes, methods, and measurement to ensure that objectives are achieved.

• In alignment with company digital communication strategy, proposes and uses digital and

   social media tools to convey information and encourage open communication/dialogue in

   support of business objectives.

Provide executive communication support

• Provides communication coaching and strategy to drive internal engagement and brand of Presidents of Global Operations and Q/RA

   • In cooperation with Corporate Affairs, arranges media training where necessary and ensures communication policies and processes are understood and followed.

• Creates and executives executive leadership engagement strategy, including planning of

   employee meetings, internal leader forums, etc., drafting of talking points and presentation

   materials, preparation and administration of follow-up measurement tools.

• Proactively demonstrates Communication expertise based on best practice and recommends

   initiatives and tactics as needed.

• Gathers and presents feedback for purposes of coaching and improvement.

• Takes lead role in planning of Global Executive Town Halls and other major internal strategic employee meetings to ensure meeting objectives are achieved.

Supports Company-wide communication initiatives and programmes

• Works closely with and contributes to the company communication team and cross-

   company communication initiatives.

• Ensures global functional stategic communication messages are received by broader company stakeholders.

• Refines and localizes Company messages and initiatives to ensure relevance to  functional

   stakeholders.

• Maintains and ensures delivery of plans within budget.

• Manages communication agencies and external partners as needed.

Manages and develops team

• Lead site-based communication specialists, providing coaching and best practice adoption

• Ensure site communication efforts are aligned and support the broader global function communication strategy

• Performance manage team for continuous improvement, development and delivery of business objectives

• Role model S+N culture and behaviors

Location: Andover, MA, Fort Worth, TX or Pittsburgh, PA  

What will you need to be successful?

Proven 7-10 years' experience in related role, preferably in a multinational organization; healthcare/medical technology experience a plus, but not necessary

Proven experience in coaching executive communications.

Proven experience in internal communication strategy and implementation for multinational company.

Knowledge of, and preferably, experience with Lean/Six Sigma; in particular, communication strategies and tactics that drive this discipline across the entrprise.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Multimedia communication skills (design, video, podcasts, etc.) a plus.

In-depth knowledge strategic internal communication best practices and emerging trends.

Ability to analyze data and insights to drive internal communication outcomes.

Familiarity wit