Communications & Public Affairs Partner

About the Role

Roche is seeking a Communications & Public Affairs Partner for Roche Diagnostics Saudi Arabia. This full-time role, based in Riyadh, involves leading internal and external communications, public affairs, and reputation management for the affiliate. The successful candidate will report directly to the country's General Manager and collaborate closely with the Middle East Communications and Public Affairs Head.

Role Context and Focus

A primary focus of this position is internal engagement, change management, and internal events. The partner will design experiences to align, inspire, and mobilize employees. This role serves as a strategic partner to the Saudi Lead Team, enabling and driving their leadership agenda, shaping culture, and guiding the affiliate through transformational journeys. Collaboration with regional and global colleagues on broader Middle East communication initiatives is also a key aspect.

Key Accountabilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to the General Manager and the Saudi Lead Team, translating leadership vision into actionable communication strategies.
• Design, implement, and lead internal communication and change management strategies to support organizational transformations and cultural shifts.
• Concept, plan, and execute internal events, town halls, and engagement initiatives to foster collaboration and boost employee morale.
• Develop external positioning strategies to enhance the reputation of Roche Diagnostics, its products, and its value within the Saudi healthcare ecosystem.
• Partner with and coach the affiliate’s media spokespersons and leadership team for public engagements and interviews.
• Collaborate with the Middle East Regional Communications Lead to align national strategies with regional frameworks.
• Direct and manage partner agencies, event organizers, and creative vendors to ensure high-quality project delivery.

Key Success Factors

• Ability to influence and guide senior leaders as a strategic communication partner.
• Proven capability to guide organizations through change with clarity and impactful storytelling.
• Proactive engagement with diverse internal and external stakeholders to build high-trust relationships.
• Active integration into the broader Roche network, sharing best practices and repurposing initiatives.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Saudi National.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Arabic, with experience in local media navigation and executive communications.
• 6–10 years of progressive corporate communications experience, preferably within matrixed Healthcare or FMCG multinationals.
• Proven experience counseling General Managers and executive leadership to translate business strategy into clear narratives.
• Track record of designing and leading communications for cultural transformations and organizational restructurings.
• Experience executing interactive events, town halls, and campaigns that drive employee alignment and morale.
• Strong understanding of the Saudi healthcare landscape, Ministry of Health priorities, and Vision 2030 alignment.
• Experience leading external PR, brand positioning, and crisis management, supported by a strong local media network.
• Skilled at preparing and coaching corporate spokespersons for media interviews and public appearances.
• Adept at managing external creative agencies and collaborating with regional/global teams.

Work Environment

This full-time position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role involves working within a networked, no-borders approach, requiring regular collaboration with regional and global colleagues.