Sr. Manager, Media and Issues

The Sr. Manager, Media and Issues is a strategic communications leader responsible for protecting and strengthening the reputation of DePuy Synthes through proactive media engagement, issues management, and crisis preparedness. This role partners closely with senior leaders, legal, regulatory, quality, and regional communications teams to anticipate risk, shape narratives, and ensure clear, timely, and accurate communications across complex and highly regulated environments. 

This is a high‑impact role for a seasoned communications professional who thrives in fast‑moving situations and brings strong judgment, influence, and leadership to sensitive and high‑visibility matters. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead global media relations and issues management strategy for DePuy Synthes, including proactive storytelling and reactive response. 
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders on reputational risk, emerging issues, and external narratives. 
• Develop and execute crisis and issues management plans, including message frameworks, escalation protocols, and spokesperson preparation. 
• Manage media inquiries related to sensitive topics such as product quality, safety, regulatory actions, litigation, and business transformation. 
• Partner cross‑functionally with Legal, Regulatory, Quality, Medical Affairs, HR, and Commercial teams to ensure aligned and compliant communications. 
• Monitor external media, social, and stakeholder landscapes to identify potential risks and opportunities; provide regular insights and recommendations. 
• Lead the development of executive‑level briefing materials, Q&A, statements, and talking points for high‑visibility situations. 
• Support enterprise‑level initiatives, including business transformation and separation activities, with clear and consistent external messaging. 

Qualifications 

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree required (Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field). 
• Master’s degree preferred (Communications, Public Affairs, Business Administration, or related field). 

Experience and Skills 

Required: 

• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in media relations, issues management, corporate communications, or public affairs, including leadership at a senior manager level. 

• Demonstrated experience managing complex, high‑risk, and high‑visibility issues in a regulated industry (medical devices, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or similar). 

• Proven ability to counsel senior executives and influence decision‑making under pressure. 

• Strong understanding of global media landscapes and crisis communications best practices. 

• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with attention to accuracy and clarity. 

• Experience working cross‑functionally with legal, regulatory, and compliance partners. 

Preferred: 

• Experience supporting global or regional communications strategies within a matrixed organization. 

• Familiarity with orthopedic, medtech, or healthcare industry dynamics. 

• Prior experience with business transformation, mergers, acquisitions, or corporate separations. 

• Experience serving as, or preparing, spokespersons for media engagement. 
  Demonstrated people leadership or project leadership experience. 

Other: 

• Language: English required; additional languages a plus. 

• Travel: Up to 20% domestic and international travel may be required. 

• Certifications: Communications or public relations certifications preferred but not required.