Senior Manager, External Affairs, EMEA

The Senior Manager, External Affairs, EMEA serves as the strategic leader for external engagement across the region, supporting executive communications for Stryker’s EMEA President. This role drives proactive communications strategies to enhance reputation, strengthen relationships with external stakeholders, and elevate executive visibility. Core areas of focus include external executive communications, media relations, public relations, crisis communications, and industry engagement. The position requires a strategic thinker and hands-on executor who can both design high-impact external affairs strategies and deliver flawless execution in partnership with senior leaders, global communications, and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities:

• Leads external executive communications strategy for the EMEA President, including speeches, media interactions, external events, and digital presence.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to the EMEA President and senior leadership on external affairs, public relations, and reputation management.
• Develops and executes integrated external affairs strategies that support EMEA business objectives and stakeholder priorities while ensuring alignment with global communication frameworks.
• Manages proactive and responsive media relations, including developing press materials, preparing spokespeople, and handling inquiries.
• Oversees crisis communication preparedness and response in coordination with global and regional crisis teams, ensuring timely, accurate, and strategic messaging.
• Builds and strengthens relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and opinion leaders across EMEA to amplify Stryker’s visibility and thought leadership.
• Supports liaison with industry associations, ensuring Stryker is well represented in policy, regulatory, and industry discussions, in partnership with Government Affairs.
• Crafts compelling, high-quality content—including speeches, opinion pieces, statements, and executive messages—for external channels and audiences
• Supports corporate reputation by monitoring public sentiment, identifying issues, and advising on strategies to protect and enhance the company’s image in EMEA markets.
• Supports communication planning and execution for regional business transformation projects
• Partners closely with global and EMEA communications colleagues to ensure alignment, share best practices, and deliver coordinated messaging.
• Provides strategic counsel and coaching to EMEA senior leaders to enhance their external presence and effectiveness.
• Identifies and implements measurement tools to evaluate external communications impact and inform continuous improvement.
• Manages agency partners, consultants, and external resources supporting EMEA external affairs and media needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required (MBA preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive experience in executive communications, media relations, public relations, crisis communications, with a strong track record in strategic planning, execution and stakeholder engagement
• Exceptional writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear, concise, and compelling manner, adapting style to suit diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with experience translating complex issues into clear, actionable communications
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-impact projects simultaneously, delivering results on time in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
• Influential communicator with the ability to lead through influence, navigate ambiguity, and drive alignment without direct authority
• Skilled at operating within complex, cross-functional and global organizations, adhering to enterprise standards while adapting for regional needs
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experienced in leveraging modern employee engagement tools and platforms (e.g., Teams, intranet, email marketing platforms, video, and social media) to drive effective, multi-channel communication
• Exercise discretion and independence when applying professional expertise