Workforce Engagement Team Lead

R&D Workforce Engagement Team Leader

The R&D Workforce Engagement Team Lead will inspire, guide, and empower the Workforce Engagement team to craft compelling internal messaging across multiple media formats and channels. This team will contribute to the development and execution of R&D's Workforce Engagement internal plans and strategies.

This role demands a leader who can energize and motivate team members, cultivate strong local and global partnerships, champion open and positive communication, and build a culture rooted in continuous learning and growth.

The key responsibilities include:

Be the Point of Contact for Workforce Engagement in HYD

• Partner with the Global Head of R&D Workforce Engagement to deliver global and local engagements.
• Serve as primary interface with Global and Local functional teams for R&D Workforce Engagement.
• Communicate creative concepts and strategic recommendations with clarity, effectively selling ideas to diverse internal stakeholders.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with R&D leaders and key stakeholders across the organization, establishing credibility and influence at all levels.
• Act as a strategic partner to R&D functions, proactively engaging with leadership to scope, shape, and execute functional deliverables, including planning, organizing, and executing high-impact engagement activities (e.g., townhalls, leadership meetings, open mics, site visits, R&D Week celebrations, and recognition/awards programs)
• Represent the R&D Workforce Engagement team in key forums and leadership discussions, amplifying the team's voice and visibility across the organization.
• Support the HYD R&D Hub Head in planning and executing site-wide engagement and communication activities.

Oversee everyday operations and manager/prioritize deliverable pipeline

• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of initiatives, tracking Progress and dependencies, including developing and executing communication and engagement strategies
• Delegate tasks strategically based on team member strengths and development opportunities.
• Prioritize team efforts on high-impact activities, assisting with setting realistic deadlines and holding the team accountable for timely completion.
• Follow through on commitments and ensure closure on all deliverables.
• Proactively identify obstacles, escalate to global leadership when needed.
• Monitor team performance and report on key metrics (creation and monitoring of KPIs).
• Address issues or conflicts promptly and constructively.

Create an inspired, high-performing team environment

• Set clear, compelling team goals aligned with R&D leadership priorities.
• Recognize high performance and celebrate accomplishments.
• Encourage creativity, innovation, and calculated risk-taking.
• Cultivate a culture of open communication and psychological safety.

Anticipate training needs and provide coaching:

• Mentor and develop direct reports through regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and growth-oriented conversations (with timely feedback and support).
• Identify skill gaps and provide constructive, coaching-based feedback, connecting aspirations to learning opportunities and stretch assignments.

• Experience: Proven work experience as a team leader or supervisor with a collaborative leadership mindset. Experience in Workforce Engagement, Communications, and/or Marketing, preferably in the pharmaceutical field. Ability to lead initiatives, manage a team, and develop stakeholder relationships is critical.

Soft and technical skills:

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and leadership skills, with the ability to build trust across diverse functional and geographical stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to deliver results under tight timelines and competing priorities.
• Action-oriented with demonstrated ability to be flexible and open to constructive feedback on content or delivery.
• Navigate ambiguity with confidence and be comfortable making decisions in a matrixed environment.
• Embrace change and be open to continuously reshape the role to meet shifting business needs and priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence across functions and levels and proactively engage with key partners.

Demonstrate a passion for delivering impactful change and is able to see the big picture

• Education: Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent in Life Sciences, Business, Communication or related field. Familiarity with artificial intelligence is a plus.

• Languages: Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written in English. French and German are a plus.