Sr Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Pet Nutrition North America

Job Description:

The Vice President, Corporate Affairs drives the internal and external reputation for Mars Pet Nutrition NA. This role reports directly to the Regional President of Mars Pet Nutrition NA with a dotted line to the Vice President, Corporate Affairs for Global Pet Nutrition. This role provides strategic integrated communications for the organization as a member of the Pet Nutrition NA business leadership team.

The VP Corporate Affairs creates the conditions for business growth and success by: leading exceptional change and transformation communications; driving growth through Earned/Brand PR; protecting Pet Nutrition’s freedom to operate; managing and shaping external issues/policies; promoting corporate reputation based on the way we do business, our brands and our Purpose; managing Crisis and media relations; fostering quality and consistency of internal and external communications that drive business results and mobilize Associates.

The role takes overall accountability for the function in Pet Nutrition NA, setting the CA strategy in line with global priorities and Mars, Inc strategies and operationally leads the team across the U.S. and Canada.

This is a vital leadership role in driving change communications and strategy (in collaboration with P&O and other members of the LT) to mobilize Associates. Key role in representing the business and its brands to key external stakeholders (including media, customers, government/ regulators, NGO’s, key opinion leaders, trade associations and local communities).

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of 15+ years in a senior CA/Communications role leading a team
• Degree level in related field (Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Business)
• Strong commercial acumen
• Experience of working across multiple markets and with a broad range of cultural context.
• Successful experience in leading, managing and developing a team remotely
• Ability to manage a diverse and broad range of issues and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to influence without authority. Skilled in shaping and driving dialogue by building “buy in”, must have the presence and stature to influence, establish credibility and trust with peers, senior leaders and external stakeholders. An existing, strong, cross segment network is critical to success in role.
• Experience of managing Public Affairs in multiple markets including hands on Government relations.
• Experience managing Crisis and media relations including as a Spokesperson – across multiple markets
• Experience distilling complex messages into simple, relevant and meaningful communications, able to articulate a communication agenda.