Global Head of External Communications

Alfasigma is a privately held global healthcare company founded over 75 years ago in Italy, where it remains headquartered today in Bologna and Milan. The Group operates in over 100 markets spanning Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa.

Over three years ago, we embarked on a transformative journey to become a truly global innovative healthcare company with a leading focus on Gastrointestinal (GI) health. We have experienced remarkable growth, nearly doubled our revenues, expanding geographically, and integrating several key acquisitions. We have also evolved our portfolio, expanded into rare and specialty segments, and strengthened our pipeline and people's capabilities.

But our journey is far from complete! In fact, this is just the beginning of a bold new chapter in Alfasigma's history. We are committed to advancing innovation and leveraging our deep expertise to provide better health and a better quality of life for patients and consumers worldwide and expand our reach across diverse markets.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Global Head of External Communications to help share our story with external world!

Join us and help shape and drive our continued success!

Scope of the role:

As a key member of Alfasigma’s Communications & Public Affairs Leadership Team, Global Head of External Communications will be responsible for defining and leading the global external communications strategy to enhance, protect, and amplify the company’s reputation on the world stage.

This is a highly visible and strategically critical leadership role, working closely with the CEO and Executive Team to shape a reputation that reflects Alfasigma’s purpose, advances enterprise priorities, and supports business growth. By building trust and credibility with key external stakeholders (including global media, investors, industry influencers, prospective talent, and the broader healthcare ecosystem). The person in the role will position Alfasigma as a respected, innovative leader in healthcare, with reputation serving as a catalyst for competitive advantage and long-term value creation.

Your role:

Corporate Reputation & Strategic Planning

• Define and deploy company-wide strategy to build, protect, and elevate Alfasigma’s reputation at both global and market levels.
• Lead complex, cross-functional initiatives to ensure cohesive and seamless execution across geographies, business units, and stakeholder groups.

Strategic Communications, Media & Thought Leadership

• Cultivate and sustain robust relationships with key Italian and international media outlets to amplify Alfasigma’s strategic narrative.
• Architect and implement integrated, multi-channel strategic communications plans (online and offline) that align tightly with evolving business objectives and corporate priorities.
• Elevate the CEO and senior leadership’s public profiles through targeted thought leadership programs, proactive media engagement, and participation in premier global forums (e.g., World Economic Forum, JPM Conference and relevant high-profile forums in Italy).
• Establish and lead a center of excellence to drive consistency, best practice sharing, and flawless execution of communications strategies across markets; build and scale a high-performing corporate press office.
• Own and lead external messaging and communications related to financial results, M&A activity, and capital markets engagement.

Crisis & Issues Management

• Design, implement, and continuously refine comprehensive crisis communications and issues management protocols, including escalation frameworks and response playbooks.
• Collaborate strategically with Public Affairs, Risk, and Legal teams to anticipate, mitigate, and manage reputational risks, ensuring organizational resilience and preparedness.

Leadership & Global Collaboration

• Lead, mentor and grow a high-performing internal communications team and manage global agency partners, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Facilitate strong cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Medical, Corporate Affairs, and other key stakeholders to ensure unified messaging and reputation strategy alignment across all regions.
• Influence senior market leaders and key stakeholders to adopt and implement strategic communications plans, building their capabilities and commitment to Alfasigma’s brand and business objectives.

Who are you?

Qualifications:

• At least 15 years of experience in external communications within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with a proven track record of developing and executing communications strategies that drive business success and reputation management.
• Background in content development and strong experience in media relations. at a global, regional and local level
• Extensive expertise in crisis communications, managing high-profile corporate issues at a global level, with a demonstrated ability to lead crisis response and navigate complex issues while protecting the company’s reputation.
• Strategic thinker and hands-on implementer, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability; able to take timely decisions.
• Strong background in senior stakeholder management, with a proven ability to influence, engage, and collaborate with C-suite executives and other senior leaders across business functions
• Proven ability to lead and manage culturally diverse and remote teams, including both in-house staff and agency partners, while ensuring alignment with global communications strategies and business priorities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, delivering results with a strong sense of ownership and accountability, requiring little support or direction from CCAO.
• Strong business acumen and a clear understanding of how reputation management supports business objectives.
• Native proficiency in Italian, excellent command of English both written and verbal.  
• Experience of working within a growing business to manage financial external comms around M&A, divestments desirable.  

Location: Milan

Salary range 150.000€ - 190.000€ 

The compensation range indicated in this job posting represents an estimated average range for the position. The final remuneration will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, in accordance with applicable EU pay transparency and pay equity requirements 

Why Join Alfasigma:

At Alfasigma, we foster a culture where the courage to innovate is key to our success.
 We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and extensive opportunities for professional growth and development.

Our commitment to people and patients is at the heart of everything we do. We value diversity and welcome individuals with unique perspectives and experiences. We believe that open-mindedness, collaboration, and a shared passion for innovation are essential to achieving meaningful progress.

Join Alfasigma and become part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of the pharmaceutical industry.