Industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
Performance BonusLearning & Development BudgetEnterprise / CorporateCollaborative
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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.
Hands on experience in project management and change communications.
Proven ability to test and challenge team members’ thinking and propose solutions and courses of action proactively.
Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
Fluency in English
What will be your key responsibilities?
Responsible for the development of the Corporate Affairs strategy, including clearly defined objectives, initiatives and measures – in line with global priorities.
Strategic business partner to Leadership Team and core member of the Leadership Team, co-responsible for delivering the business priorities and results for the unit. Guide the business regarding external/internal threats and opportunities and create strategies to protect, enhance and/or accelerate business strategies. Bringing the outside in.
Lead business transformation/change communications in partnership with LT and P&O to mobilize Associates against the Strategy and Mars Purpose.
Build and maintain a high performing team, deploying resources to generate the best ROI (including management of external agency support where applicable). Engaging and developing CA Associates.
Protect Pet Nutrition NA freedom to operate – with a particular focus on market access and minimizing regulatory burdens to Pet Nutrition NA.
Crisis and issues management in partnership with President and Legal to maintain business continuity.
Drive best in efficiency in consumer care to deliver ROI and provide insight to the business.
Establish and maintain favorable relations with Key Opinion Leaders including media to enhance business reputation.
Represent Mars interests in relevant Trade Associations.
One Mars accountability for external reputation cross segment in the relevant Geography.
What can you expect from Mars? Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
