External Communications Manager

Carter Knight FZ LLC; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Carter Knight FZ LLC is seeking an External Communications Manager in the UAE. This high-impact role involves leading media relations, corporate messaging, and external stakeholder engagement. The chosen candidate will develop communication strategies, manage media relationships, and oversee content. Essential skills include crisis communication and excellent writing abilities. This position is ideal for professionals with a background in energy or manufacturing, who can operate in fast-paced environments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in external communications, media relations, or corporate communications.
• Strong background in managing reputation and external stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute external communication strategies.
• Manage media relationships and press inquiries.
• Oversee external content and ensure consistent messaging.
• Lead responses to reputational issues and crisis situations.
• Support communication with government entities and stakeholders.
• Plan and execute external campaigns and announcements.

Skills

External communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Stakeholder management

Excellent writing skills

Job description

We are supporting a leading organisation in the UAE in their search for an External Communications Manager to lead media relations, corporate messaging, and external stakeholder engagement.

This is a high-impact role responsible for shaping the organisation’s external voice, managing its reputation, and ensuring consistent and compelling communication across all external channels.

Role Overview

The External Communications Manager will be responsible for developing and executing external communication strategies, managing media relationships, and supporting leadership visibility. The role will also play a key part in reputation management, corporate announcements, and strategic campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

Media Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with local and international media
• Manage press inquiries, interviews, and media briefings
• Draft and distribute press releases, statements, and media materials

Corporate Messaging & Content

• Develop clear and consistent messaging aligned with organisational strategy
• Oversee external content including speeches, reports, and website messaging
• Ensure consistency of brand voice across all channels

Reputation & Crisis Management

• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment
• Lead responses to reputational issues and crisis situations
• Prepare holding statements, Q&As, and executive briefings

Stakeholder Engagement

• Support communication with government entities, partners, and external stakeholders
• Align messaging across subsidiaries and business units
• Support leadership visibility and thought leadership initiatives

Campaigns & Announcements

• Plan and execute external campaigns, announcements, and key milestones
• Support product launches, partnerships, and strategic initiatives

Digital & Social Oversight

• Oversee external digital channels including LinkedIn and corporate website
• Ensure content supports brand positioning and engagement objectives

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in external communications, media relations, or corporate communications
• Strong background in managing reputation, messaging, and external stakeholder engagement
• Experience handling crisis communications and high-profile announcements
• Excellent writing, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment
• Previous experience in energy, industrial, manufacturing, or adjacent sectors is required