Communications Director, China

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Director, China

🔹 Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific

🔹 Location: Shanghai, China

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Communications

🔹 Date Posted: May 19, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and leading an integrated internal and external communications strategy to enhance corporate brand and reputation.
• Providing strategic communication direction to country leadership and business partners.
• Driving communication initiatives for corporate reputation and internal engagement to support business growth.
• Collaborating with stakeholders and managing media relations to elevate the company's voice.
• Optimizing communication processes and platforms to deliver strategic and measurable communication.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and stakeholder management skills. It is ideal for an experienced communications professional looking to make a significant impact in a global organization.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Developing and implementing strategic communication plans, impactful storylines, and messaging themes to enhance industry leadership and brand awareness.

✅ Developing and delivering a company-wide internal communication strategy, including engagement campaigns and ongoing awareness and education of company programs and initiatives.

✅ Providing strategic communication consulting to business and country leadership, and partnering with key stakeholders for China Leadership’s positioning, engagements, and communications.

✅ Cultivating relationships with key media contacts and outlets, and representing Thermo Fisher China in external forums and media opportunities to elevate the company’s voice.

✅ Executing a social media strategy, including platform prioritization and growth initiatives across owned and paid social channels, in alignment with overall communication goals.

✅ Optimizing communication processes and platforms, advancing technology, and developing new ways of working to deliver strategic and measurable communication through all company platforms.

✅ Managing media inquiries, drafting press releases, providing executive media training, responding to media, and serving as the on-call spokesperson for issues management and crisis communications.

✅ Driving collaboration between enterprise and business communications in a highly matrixed environment to ensure alignment in messaging and delivery for maximum impact.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of both internal and external communications, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or other applicable field.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in external and internal communications with a blend of public relations, internal communications, social media, employee communications, and marketing communications experience desired.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of science and technology and/or experience working within a large, publicly-traded company.
• Problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze current practices, identify root cause problems, and formulate a range of achievable options.
• Results orientation, with a financial and general eye for business and a focus on operational and process improvement to work efficiently.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a multinational corporation or a global role.
• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in a global or multinational environment and proficiency in Mandarin Chinese may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Industry standard for a Communications Director role in Shanghai, China, with 10+ years of experience is RMB 600,000 - 800,000 per year. This estimate is based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's final offer.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a global organization.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and resources in the life sciences industry.

Working Hours: Standard (Mon-Fri), with occasional evenings and weekends as needed for events or crises.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's final offer.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Thermo Fisher Scientific operates in the Biotechnology Research industry, focusing on serving science to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.

Company Size: With over 90,000 employees worldwide, Thermo Fisher Scientific is a large organization that offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: The company was founded in 1956 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.

Company Description:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of approximately $40 billion.
• The company's mission is to enable its customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.
• Its global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience, and pharmaceutical services through its industry-leading brands.

Company Specialties:

• Analytical Instruments
• Laboratory Supply Chain Programs and eCommerce
• Laboratory Equipment
• Lab Services
• Specialty Diagnostics
• Life Sciences
• Pharma Services and CDMO

Company Website: thermofisher.com

ASSUMPTION: Thermo Fisher Scientific's extensive global presence and broad range of products and services provide numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the China Country President.

Reporting Structure: The Communications Director will lead a team of communications professionals and collaborate with various stakeholders across the organization.

Work Arrangement: This role is based in Shanghai, China, with occasional travel required for events, meetings, and other business needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand the role's scope and influence as the company grows in the China market.
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive business growth and enhance the company's reputation.
• Access to professional development and training opportunities within a global organization.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the company's success in the China market.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment with a collaborative and dynamic team.

Office Location(s): Shanghai, China

Geographic Context:

• Shanghai is a major commercial and financial hub in China, with a vibrant business ecosystem.
• The city offers a mix of traditional Chinese culture and modern, cosmopolitan living.
• Shanghai is home to numerous multinational corporations and provides ample opportunities for professional networking and growth.

Work Schedule: Standard office hours with occasional flexibility for remote work or alternative work arrangements.

ASSUMPTION: Shanghai's dynamic business environment and cultural diversity provide an ideal setting for this role, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
• Final interview with the China Country President
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and communication planning
• Stakeholder management and collaboration skills
• Cultural awareness and adaptability
• Problem-solving and analytical skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Thermo Fisher Scientific's business and the China market in your application materials.
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness.

ATS Keywords: Strategic communication, internal communication, external communication, media relations, crisis communication, stakeholder management, brand awareness, storytelling, messaging, leadership, team management, process improvement, technology advancement, problem-solving, results orientation, China market, multinational corporation, global role, Mandarin Chinese.

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness, as well as their ability to work effectively in a global organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media platforms (LinkedIn, WeChat, Weibo, etc.)
• Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24, etc.)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's background and the team's existing technology stack.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Quality
• Respect
• Innovation
• Performance
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on execution
• Adaptable and open to change
• Strategic and forward-thinking

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Thermo Fisher Scientific's core values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your previous roles?
• How do you approach working in a multicultural environment, and how have you adapted to different cultural contexts in the past?
• How do you balance strategic thinking with a focus on execution and results, and can you provide examples of your approach in action?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Thermo Fisher Scientific's core values and work style will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders and balancing competing priorities in a matrixed organization.
• Operating effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic business environment with frequent changes and new initiatives.
• Adapting to a new cultural context and building relationships with local stakeholders in the China market.
• Managing crises and issues that may arise, requiring quick thinking and decisive action.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who have experience navigating complex organizations, adapting to new cultural contexts, and managing crises will be best equipped to succeed in this role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other Communications Director roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in a global organization with a strong focus on science and technology.
• In the Biotechnology Research industry, this role provides a broad scope of responsibilities and the chance to make a significant impact on the company's reputation and business growth.
• Career-wise, this role offers the potential for growth and development within a large, global organization, with opportunities to take on more senior or specialized positions in the future.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are interested in the Biotechnology Research industry and have experience in a global or multinational environment may find this role particularly appealing.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic communication plan to launch a new product or service in the China market.
• Managing a crisis communication response to a negative media article or social media controversy.
• Creating and implementing an internal communication campaign to drive employee engagement and alignment with the company's strategic objectives.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of initiatives the Communications Director may be responsible for, but the specific projects will vary depending on the company's priorities and the market landscape.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the company's overall strategy for growth in the China market?
• What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the company in the China market, and how can this role help address them?
• How does the company approach working with local stakeholders and building relationships in the China market?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the company, and the China market, enabling them to make a more informed decision about their application.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness.
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness, as well as your ability to work effectively in a global organization.
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your approach to managing multiple stakeholders, adapting to new cultural contexts, and managing crises.
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.