Head of Communications

Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages Company (ACCBC); Dubai; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food and beverage sector is seeking a Head of Communications to oversee strategic messaging and media relations. The role demands exceptional skills in managing external and internal communications, with a strong emphasis on branding and engagement. Candidates must bring extensive experience combined with fluency in both Arabic and English to navigate a diverse audience landscape.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in communications, ideally in the food and beverage industry.
• Fluency in Arabic and English required.
• Demonstrated success in internal communications and PR campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the company's strategic communications plan.
• Oversee media relations and crisis communication strategies.
• Enhance internal communications and support organizational culture.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Crisis Communication

Strategic Messaging

Media Relations

Branding Guidelines

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Advanced degrees or certifications

Job description

Position Overview:

The Head of Communications will lead the development and execution of the company’s strategic communications plan, both externally and internally. This key leadership role is responsible for managing reputation, driving corporate visibility, shaping the company’s narrative, and ensuring messaging consistency across all platforms. The role includes strategic messaging, media relations, crisis communications, and overseeing social media and website content. Additionally, the Head of Communications will enhance internal communications to support a cohesive organizational culture. Collaboration with business units and brand teams is essential to execute communications that elevate the company’s presence in the industry. Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this role to effectively manage communications across diverse audiences in the region.

Reporting Line:

Reports to the Director of Corporate Affairs & Communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Reputation Management & Strategic Messaging:
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance and protect the company’s reputation. Monitor public sentiment, anticipate potential issues, and create messaging frameworks that align with company goals, ensuring consistent communication across all platforms.
• Increasing Share of Voice:
• Increase the company’s share of voice in the industry through targeted campaigns and media outreach. Identify thought leadership opportunities and amplify the company’s value proposition with key stakeholders.
• Social Media & Website Asset Management:
• Oversee the management and optimization of the company’s social media channels and corporate website. Ensure content is aligned with strategic messaging and brand guidelines, increasing visibility, engagement, and online reputation.
• Social Media & PR Strategy:
• Lead social media campaigns and PR strategies to boost brand visibility and engagement. Maintain media relationships and secure coverage for key initiatives, product launches, and milestones.
• Leadership Profiling & Public Engagement:
• Position company leadership as thought leaders by coordinating media appearances, interviews, and public engagements. Develop and manage a leadership communications plan to enhance executive visibility in industry forums.
• Internal Communications Strategy & Execution:
• Lead internal communications efforts, including town halls, leader communications, and employee announcements. Ensure transparent, consistent messaging that aligns with company values and promotes engagement, growth, and organizational change.
• Thought Leadership Development:
• Create and promote thought leadership content that showcases the company’s expertise in the food and beverage industry. Facilitate executive participation in industry events, panels, and discussions.
• Sustainability Communication:
• Highlight the company’s commitment to sustainability through strategic communications that align with corporate objectives. Communicate sustainability initiatives clearly to internal and external audiences.
• Crisis Communications Management:
• Lead crisis communication strategies to ensure effective, transparent communication during crises, protecting the company’s reputation.
• Branding & Messaging Guidelines:
• Oversee the creation and enforcement of corporate branding guidelines to ensure consistent representation of the company’s identity across markets. Maintain brand integrity in all communication materials.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
• Partner with business units and brand teams to ensure messaging consistency across all communication touchpoints. Guide teams to align their efforts with the company’s strategic narrative.
• Agency Management & Vendor Coordination:
• Manage relationships with external communications agencies to ensure alignment with company goals. Oversee agency deliverables, budgets, and performance to maximize ROI on communications investments.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications are preferred.
• 8-10 years of experience in communications, with a focus on the food and beverage industry or a similar sector.
• Extensive experience in developing messaging frameworks and branding guidelines that support long-term strategic goals.
• Demonstrated success in internal communications, including town halls, leader messaging, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong track record in agency management, leading PR campaigns to boost visibility and share of voice.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for both internal and external audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and delivering results under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.