This role is part of the Global External Communications Team, which will shape and protect the company’s reputation at the intersection of corporate communications, public affairs and sustainability.
In this role you will lead on media response and preparedness as well as shaping positions and reputation on key policy topics for example responsible pet ownership and breeding standards, as well as leading on Sustainability Communications for the segment.
You will also need to build strong relationships across the divisions and with global SMEs across Sustainability, Legal, Government Relations, Corporate Affairs and Science. As the role covers some topics that impact across Segments, it will require partnership across Segments and with SMEs in Mars, Incorporated central teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape clear, credible policy communications narratives around complex sustainability, regulatory and policy issues.
- Own GEO authority on key category topics in partnership with divisions, Science Communications and relevant Marketing and Mars, Incorporated teams to build authority and lead the category conversation.
- Lead on communications strategy and planning for priority sustainability and public policy topics, with a particular focus on responsible pet ownership and our ongoing strategy to reduce pet homelessness.
- Lead on communications elements of the Mars Sustainable in a Generation report for Petcare.
- Key role in company’s communications preparedness for emerging and foreseeable reputational issues.
- Develop and maintain reactive communications, including holding statements, Q&As, key messages, briefing documents and scenario-based response materials.
- High level of involvement in Crisis Management in line with Mars crisis management protocols.
- Drive continuous improvement in Crisis compliance, readiness and reactive media issues handling across the segment.
- Accountable for horizon scanning on emerging regulatory, political, media, NGO and stakeholder developments that may affect the Segment or its divisions and tracking over time.
Skills & Experience Required:
- Experienced in Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs, Public Affairs, Reputation Management and crisis management.
- Strong understanding of the intersection between communications, policy, sustainability and corporate reputation.
- Experience developing communications strategies, corporate narratives and integrated campaigns.
- Experience in issues preparedness, reactive communications or crisis communications.
- Understanding of emerging channels and audiences, demonstrable experience in relation to GEO and authority building.
