Lead, External Communications, India

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Lead, External Communications, India

🔹 Company: Pfizer

🔹 Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Pharmaceuticals

🔹 Date Posted: April 16, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Providing strategic direction for all external communications efforts in support of Pfizer India
• Executive support for India Country President and local country level external communications programs
• Collaborating with multiple business units and functions to manage proactive and reactive external communications
• Issues management and crisis communications
• Managing local country PR agencies and any outsourced communications support

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively across multiple functions and levels.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Oversee external communications function for Pfizer India market

✅ Provide strategic counsel and tactical communications support to India Country President and country marketing teams

✅ Develop and implement external communications country plans aligned with business vision, mission, and key priorities

✅ Support country implementation and cascade of Pfizer and Emerging Markets Narrative

✅ Drive country initiatives that tell Pfizer’s story externally and shape dialogue on value of innovation

✅ Product communications and disease awareness communications

✅ Corporate communications and corporate responsibility efforts

✅ Issues management and crisis communications

✅ Manage local country PR agencies and any outsourced communications support

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare regulations, and the ability to navigate complex organizations.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor degree required, preferably in communications, English, or a related field

Experience: 18 years of experience and demonstrated skills in developing, managing, and delivering communications strategies and plans in a large, complex organization

Required Skills:

• Scientific knowledge/background
• Solid external communications experience
• Strong issues management skills and experience
• Strong ability to work effectively across functions and levels
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Ability to counsel and interface successfully with senior executives
• Understanding about how to effectively use communications to influence internal and external audiences
• Able to align and integrate communications strategy with business strategy
• Ability to research, develop, deliver, and measure communications strategies and plans
• Ability to assimilate strategic information and convert it into clear and concise messages
• Expertise in communications concepts, practices, strategies, and tactics based on understanding of key audiences and corporate objectives
• Able to work to tight deadlines, manage multiple projects at once, and maintain professionalism under pressure
• Strong analytical, planning, attention to detail, and prioritizing skills
• Proactive, self-starter, and able to work independently
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills and the ability to interact with confidence with various levels and functions
• Based in India

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in healthcare/pharma sector strongly preferred
• Media relations and regional communications experience a plus

ASSUMPTION: Given the complexity of the role and the industry, a strong preference is given to candidates with experience in healthcare or pharmaceuticals.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: INR 25,00,000 - 35,00,000 per annum (Estimated, based on industry standards for a similar role and experience level)

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Employee assistance programs
• Tuition assistance
• Employee discounts

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for occasional remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a similar role and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and company policy.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Pfizer is a global biopharmaceutical company that applies science and its global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. It strives to provide access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines and health care services to the people who need them.

Company Size: Pfizer has over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment.

Founded: Pfizer was founded in 1849 and has a rich history of innovation and scientific discovery.

Company Description:

• Pfizer is committed to applying science and its global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life
• The company strives to provide access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines and health care services to the people who need them
• Pfizer is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment

Company Specialties:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Biopharmaceutical research and development
• Health care services
• Global health initiatives

Company Website: http://www.pfizer.com

ASSUMPTION: Pfizer's large size and global presence provide ample opportunities for career growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring a high degree of strategic thinking and leadership.

Reporting Structure: The India External Communications Lead reports to the Director of Emerging Markets External Communications (Asia).

Work Arrangement: This role is primarily on-site, with some flexibility for remote work.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the company
• Opportunities to work on global projects and gain international experience
• Chance to develop and mentor junior team members

ASSUMPTION: Given Pfizer's global presence and commitment to employee development, there are significant opportunities for career growth and advancement.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Pfizer's Mumbai office is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art facilities.

Office Location(s): Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Geographic Context:

• Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra and the financial capital of India
• The city is known for its diverse culture, vibrant food scene, and historical landmarks
• Mumbai offers a mix of urban and suburban living options, with a range of housing and amenities

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: Mumbai offers a dynamic and multicultural work environment, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth interviews with cross-functional stakeholders
• Final interview with the Director of Emerging Markets External Communications (Asia)

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and communication skills
• Understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare regulations
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and build relationships
• Cultural fit with Pfizer's values and work environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of Pfizer's mission and values
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership, and adaptability

ATS Keywords: External Communications, Strategic Communications, Issues Management, Pharmaceutical Industry, Healthcare Regulations, Stakeholder Management, Cross-Functional Teams, Global Experience

ASSUMPTION: Pfizer's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit with the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Cision (media database and distribution platform)
• Hootsuite (social media management platform)
• Canto DAM (digital asset management system)

ASSUMPTION: These tools are commonly used in external communications roles and may be required for this position.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Patients First
• Integrity
• Quality
• Collaboration
• Innovation

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Collaborative and cross-functional teams
• Focus on results and delivery
• Openness to new ideas and continuous learning

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong commitment to Pfizer's mission and values?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
• Do you thrive in collaborative, cross-functional teams?
• Are you results-driven and focused on delivery?
• Are you open to new ideas and continuous learning?

ASSUMPTION: Pfizer values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and candidates who align with the company's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Navigating a large, complex organization
• Managing multiple stakeholders and priorities
• Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Adapting to cultural differences and working with remote teams

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are common in large, global organizations and require strong communication, leadership, and adaptability skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other external communications roles, this position has a broader scope and higher level of strategic responsibility
• This role requires a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare regulations
• Career progression may include opportunities to take on global responsibilities or move into corporate communications or public affairs roles

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in external communications at a senior level in a global pharmaceutical company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a strategic communications plan to support the launch of a new pharmaceutical product in India
• Managing a crisis communications situation related to a product recall or safety issue
• Coordinating with global and regional teams to cascade Pfizer's corporate narrative and reputation drivers in India

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and tactical nature of the role and the need for strong communication, leadership, and adaptability skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into Pfizer's global external communications strategy?
• What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
• How does this role collaborate with other functions, such as media relations, public affairs, and corporate responsibility?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
• How does Pfizer support work-life balance for employees in this role?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role and provide insight into the company's priorities and culture.

📌 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
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership, and adaptability
• Research Pfizer's mission, values, and recent news to demonstrate your understanding of the company
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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