Head of External Communications

Agilent is seeking an experienced Head of External Communications to lead our global external-communications strategy in a dynamic and evolving life-sciences, applied markets, and diagnostics company. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Enterprise Communications, this leader will build a global team dispersed across various regions, driving external-communications efforts that ensure consistent messaging across all platforms to maintain and enhance the company's brand and reputation - and that are consistent with Agilent's goals and values.

The ideal candidate will have a growth mindset and drive external-communications strategies while through a complex enterprise-wide transformation.

As a member of the Enterprise Communications leadership team, the Head of External Communications will be accountable for a broad scope that includes external, analyst and investor communications, M&A, media relations/PR, crisis communications, and annual ESG initiatives.

This leader will play a critical role in ensuring Agilent is telling its story externally to customers, investors, and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external-communications strategy that aligns with the company's mission, values, and growth goals.

• Develop and drive a consistent brand message that enhances our reputation and market positioning within the life-sciences and diagnostics industries.

• Develop all external and financial communications - including messaging to investors and analysts, as well as mergers and acquisitions - to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with corporate objectives.

• Collaborate with executive leaders and the finance team to communicate business updates, quarterly results, and growth plans effectively to external stakeholders.

• Develop targeted communication plans that tell Agilent's story externally, ensuring clear, consistent messaging.

• Work cross-functionally with senior leaders to anticipate change impacts and tailor communications to meet the needs of external audiences.

• Develop annual ESG communications, collaborating with relevant departments to accurately report on our sustainability, social responsibility, and governance initiatives to convey Agilent's commitment to responsible and ethical practices.

• Develop crisis-communication strategy to ensure readiness for potential issues swiftly and effectively.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic and Growth-oriented: Consistently seeks new opportunities to enhance messaging and reach.

• Adaptable and Resilient: Thrives in dynamic environments and is comfortable with ambiguity and change.

• Collaborative Influencer: Skilled at building relationships and aligning cross-functional teams around common goals.

• Results-driven Leader: Sets and achieves ambitious targets for external-communications impact and engagement.

Leadership Expectations

• Create Clarity: Synthesize the complex for others.

• Generate Energy: Inspire optimism and growth across the company.

• Deliver Success: Be limitless and globally minded to make things happen.

• Demonstrate Presence: Exhibit self-awareness and a leadership presence.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in external communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within life sciences, applied markets, or diagnostics sectors.

• Proven experience in building and driving external-communications programs - ideally within complex, highly matrixed organizations that are continuously changing.

• Demonstrated expertise in building and executing global external-communications strategies that inform and inspire myriad audiences, including analysts and investors, customers, and members of the media.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into compelling messages for external audiences.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a collaborative approach and ability to influence across functions and levels.

Additional Details