Head of Communications

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come.

Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love.

That’s what makes us Roche.

The Opportunity

Roche Pharma in Johannesburg is seeking a strategic and dynamic communications expert to enhance Roche South Africa’s corporate reputation, engage key stakeholders, and drive impactful external and internal communications.

Alongside the day-to-day role, and thanks to Roche’s no-borders approach,the successful candidate will have the opportunity to frequently collaborate on ambitious initiatives with colleagues from other countries, regions, and areas of the business to expand Roche’s presence and build a better tomorrow.

Key Challenges

• External Communications
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen Roche’s reputation among industry, patients, media, and influencers
• Lead partnerships, programs, and executive communications to enhance brand visibility
• Support Roche product portfolio strategies by creating and implementing disease awareness and education campaigns to the general public and providing feedback into the business as required
• Act as the primary media contact, ensuring alignment with Roche’s disease area priorities
• Proactively manage issues and crises in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Advise senior leaders on communication strategies and storytelling, provide them with high-impact executive content (speeches, statements, etc.) and enable leaders and employees to act as brand ambassadors
• Create and implement internal communication strategies that engage and inspire employees
• Measure communication impact through metrics and feedback loops
• Lead the communication response to crises and issues, ensuring alignment with the company’s crisis management plan. Provide strategic counsel, coordinate messaging, and engage with internal and external stakeholders to protect and uphold the company’s reputation
  
  

Internal Communications

• Develop and implement an internal communication strategy, incorporating digital solutions
• Write, edit, and oversee internal communications, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with Roche’s voice
• Works closely with the executive management team and departments to keep abreast of company developments and trends
• Provide input to executive management with regards to communication of a sensitive and critical nature.
  
  

Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement

• Design and execute an 'outside-in' stakeholder strategy aligned with Roche’s business priorities
• Engage with policymakers, regulators, and industry groups to shape the public agenda
• Work closely with medical, policy, and market access teams to drive consistent advocacy efforts
• Strategic oversight and management of patient advocacy group strategies,
• Manage the implementation CSI and ad hoc projects
• Digital & Social Media
• Oversee Roche SA’s digital presence, ensuring strategic alignment with business goals
• Develop high-impact digital campaigns, leveraging analytics for continuous improvement. Refine and iterate digital campaigns based on data and insights.
• Continuously assess and implement new or existing communication platforms to ensure strategic, innovative, and effective engagement
  
  

Who you are as our ideal candidate:

Key Skills & Capabilities Required

• Strategic Leadership – Strong business acumen; mobilizes teams and stakeholders behind a shared vision
• Adaptability & Influence – Thrives in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities effectively
• Media & Stakeholder Engagement – Proven expertise in public affairs, storytelling, and corporate reputation management
• Content Creation – Exceptional writing skills across media, speeches, and digital channels
• Digital & Social Media – Experience in campaign execution, analytics, and engagement strategies
• Network builder – Works across business units (Pharma, Diagnostics, Group) to drive impact
  
  
  

Experience & Qualifications

• Completed Degree in Public Relations, Communications, or Similar
• 10+ years in healthcare corporate communications with a proven leadership track record in managing strategic communication efforts
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.
• Demonstrated ability to align communications strategy with business objectives and drive impact
  
  

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.