Director, Sales Communications

Follow your aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities, competitive salaries, great benefits, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, a company paid pension plan and profit sharing, all with a company providing the growth and strength to build your future.Establish and implement annual strategic communications plan that supports the Primary Care, HUMIRA and Specialty sales forces, responsible for $8 billion in sales. Develop, recommend and manage overall communications to and from the field sales force including developing strategy and reinforcing guidelines for all field communications. In conjunction with point people within the marketing, MSO, HR, sample management, training, etc. organizations, develop key messages for each group and prioritize between groups to ensure effective and efficient communications. Establish metrics to ensure the content, volume and effectiveness of communication is tracked so that changes are made to optimize communications/business programs across all functional areas. This position is also responsible for the overall development and implementation of strategic communications programs within Pharmaceutical Products Division (PPD) for all new programs affecting the sales force, including re-alignments, launches and discontinuation of product promotionMajor Responsibilities:Develop and Execute Strategy: Develop and execute communication strategy related to all functions and initiatives affecting the Sales Force such as sales planning, HR management, incentive plans, call plan achievement, training, etc. Ensure appropriate level of communications and appropriate share-of-voice to representatives particularly from Senior Management. Serve as key liaison with communication groups in corporate and other divisions.Communications Management: Prioritize communications across all areas and give final approval for all field communication activities to ensure effective communication and follow through on communications by the field. Coordinate information regarding meetings, training, and all activities related to the sales force. Develop and enforce guidelines for all communications to the field. Conduct communication planning meetings between sales and home office functions such as Marketing, Human Resources, Sales Training, etc. to develop annual communication calendar. Create a collaborative working environment with all functional groups (ie. Marketing, HR, Training, Sales Ops, Public Affairs, Sales Mgmt, VP of Commercial Operations, PPD President) to ensure goals and objectives for communication are understood and supported. Explore existing vehicles and channels and select appropriate ones for each communication activity. Continually evaluate new means/methods to reach target audiences and conduct pilots or vehicle roll out as appropriate to improve effectiveness of communication process. Develop comprehensive, efficient process for obtaining field feedback and ensure follow up to all surveys is appropriate and timely. Act as a gatekeeper for all communications. Enforce guidelines and processes established and elevate issues to franchise DVPs or Senior Director as needed.Vendor Management: Review, recommend and manage key vendors for Sales Communications projects such as creative agencies, technology/communication platform developers, speech writers, etc. Negotiate pricing and contracts as appropriate.People Management: Hire, manage and develop team of communication specialists to support above functions. Develop career paths for individuals within group and network with other Abbott communication teams for development opportunities.QualificationsBusiness Communications experience in corporate commercial environment, preferably with experience working with both sales (field based) and marketing organizations. Strong project management skills essential. Ability to effectively communicate and work with senior level management in sales, marketing, PR and operations organization. Strong written and verbal communications skills. Ability to evaluate, negotiate and manage external vendors. Knowledge of standard and emerging communication technologies/techniques. 10+ years of business communications experience. Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing or Advertising; MBA or communications masters preferred.Abbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce. EEO/AATo apply for this position, click here.To learn more about Abbott and view other opportunities, click here.