External Affairs Director

Overview

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for the role of External Affairs Director. We are seeking a collaborative leader to lead policy development, communications, government affairs and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will be pivotal in advancing the company's business objectives, while enhancing the Company's reputation as a leading healthcare company, an employer of choice, and a trusted partner to our key stakeholders.

As part of the organisation in Ireland you will report directly to the Managing Director and be a key member of the Country Leadership Team and the Human Health Leadership Team. The External Affairs team is a key strategic function within the organisation, providing cross-divisional leadership to the heads of the business divisions across Ireland – Human Health, Animal Health, and our six manufacturing sites.

You will increase the company's visibility and reputation while building strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, patient organisations, and media representatives. You will represent the Company in external forums and lead initiatives that reflect their shared values and business priorities. Leading a team, you will cultivate an inclusive, supportive, and high performing environment. Building meaningful connections with stakeholder is a key part of this role.

Key responsibilities

- Oversee integrated strategic communications, government affairs and policy initiatives to shape and enhance the Company's corporate reputation and commercial activities within the country.
- Develop and execute an integrated external affairs strategy to support key business priorities, and therapy areas, ensuring appropriate access to and uptake of our medicines in Ireland.
- Serve as senior advisor to leaders and the business on media relations, reputational management, stakeholder engagement, and crisis/issues management.
- Establish and manage senior stakeholder relationships with a comprehensive network of external and internal stakeholders.
- Collaborate with governments bodies, politicians, payers, trade associations and other relevant entities to shape and develop clear policy objectives and government strategies aimed at fostering a favourable business environment and enhancing patient access.
- Develop and nurture strong relationships with media by coordinating national and local media relations and training local approved spokespeople to engage effectively with media.
- Act as a spokesperson for the organisation in media and stakeholder engagements and represent the Company in industry associations and relevant networks
- Lead and cultivate a diverse team by enhancing strategic and operational capabilities to align with business priorities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive, consistent, and effective communication on key topics, issues, and initiatives.
- Engage in cross-functional business collaboration and strategic leadership by working with regional and global colleagues to support initiatives and implement broader corporate communications strategies at the local level.
- Identify, contract and manage agencies engaged to support corporate affairs activities in Ireland.

Essential Skills/Experience

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in leading integrated communications programmes, managing complex reputational challenges, and providing strategic counsel to senior stakeholders. This role offers a unique opportunity to assume a hands-on leadership position within a highly collaborative and respected environment. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic corporate setting and demonstrate a proven ability to operate effectively within a matrix structure.

- 10+ years' experience in corporate communications, public relations, or public affairs, ideally in a healthcare setting.
- Experience leading Corporate Affairs for an affiliate of a larger health care company is an advantage
- Track record of providing strategic advice to senior leaders and managing complex, high-stakes communication issues.
- Robust media relations experience with a solid understanding of the Irish media and political landscape.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated leadership ability and experience managing teams and agencies.
- Highly organised, collaborative, and commercially minded.

Working Model

- Dublin-based role with a hybrid working model.
- Flexibility to attend in-person meetings with stakeholders or team members as required.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills: Advertising, Communications, Crisis Communication Management, Digital Marketing Communications, ESG, EU Policy Making, Event Planning, Leadership, Media Communications, Policy Development, Public Relations (PR) Management, Public Speaking, Stakeholder Engagement

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date: 09/29/2025

A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID: R365903

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