Regional Head of Communications, AMEA

Svitzer Middle East Limited (Dubai Branch); Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Svitzer Middle East Limited (Dubai Branch) invites a seasoned communications leader to head regional communications for AMEA. You will shape strategy, align with global brand, and direct internal, media, public affairs and digital programs across the UAE and wider AMEA region.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will advise senior leaders, manage crises, engage government and industry stakeholders, and drive employee engagement while strengthening regional reputation and support commercial

Qualifications

• Qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years' experience in senior communications and/or public affairs, including B2B and/or regulated industries.
• Experience advising senior executives and working in matrixed, global organisations.
• Proven success in developing and delivering integrated communications strategies.
• Experience with media, crisis response, social media, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the regional communications and public affairs strategy, advising MD and Regional Leadership Team.
• Lead internal communications rhythm through leadership updates, town halls, campaigns and digital channels.
• Strengthen external communications, media relations and government affairs; support commercial communications.
• Build relationships with government authorities, regulators, industry associations and key stakeholders.
• Oversee brand, digital and social media planning, content and analytics for the region.
• Lead crisis communications and be a proactive member of the crisis response team.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Public affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Journalism or related field

Job description

As Regional Head of Communications for Svitzer AMEA (Asia, Middle East and Africa), you will lead the development and delivery of the region's communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy. As Regional Head of Communications for Svitzer AMEA (Asia, Middle East, and Africa), you will lead the development and delivery of the region's communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy. Working closely with the Managing Director, Regional Leadership Team and Global Communications function, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how Svitzer communicates, engages and connects with its people, customers, media, governments and industry stakeholders. In this role, you will have the opportunity to drive strategic communications aligned with the business goals of Svitzer and the AMEA region and global brand positioning, providing high-level advice to senior leaders and managing critical reputation, engagement, and brand visibility work. Operating at both strategic and operational levels, the role is accountable for internal communications; media relations; crisis communications; public, government and industry affairs; marketing communications; event management, and digital and social media for the Region. You will be responsible for strengthening Svitzer's regional reputation and brand presence, driving employee engagement, supporting commercial growth and ensuring clear, consistent and impactful communications across the region.

Who we are

Svitzer is a global leader in towage services, aiding our customers in safely and efficiently manoeuvring their large vessels in and out of ports worldwide. The way we do business is governed by our values: Constant Care, Humbleness, Uprightness, Our Employees, Our Name. Founded in 1833, Svitzer builds on almost 200 years of experience, and our powerful tugboats and experts in towage work tirelessly to keep goods flowing, businesses thriving, and communities connected. Today, Svitzer is a leading global port and terminal infrastructure provider, serving approximately 2,000 customers in 143 ports and 40 terminals across 37 countries through a fleet of 446 vessels. Most of our business is to support container vessels, cargo ships, cruise ships and navy vessels but we also attend to emergencies like vessels being adrift or offshore fires. And we have started exploring new digital and green products and partnerships in an exciting journey, leading the way for towage to generate a cleaner, greener future for our industry.

What you can look forward to

You will have the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, influencing regional business priorities, organisational direction and corporate reputation across the diverse AMEA region. You will shape Svitzer's brand positioning and industry voice, while bringing our strategic priorities around growth, safety, decarbonisation and people leadership to life through impactful communications. Working in close partnership with the Global Communications team, you will connect regional initiatives with global strategy while ensuring local relevance. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on how our people connect with the business, how customers experience our brand and how key external stakeholders perceive Svitzer.

What you will do

You will lead an integrated communications agenda that connects our people, strengthens our brand and supports our business ambitions. From advising senior leaders and shaping strategic narratives to engaging employees and managing external stakeholders, you will operate across the full spectrum of corporate communications. As a senior leader, you will play a critical role in building organisational alignment around Svitzer AMEA's strategic and cultural priorities, including culture transformation, decarbonisation, growth, safety, and people leadership. You will bring together internal and external communications, media relations, public affairs, marketing communications, digital and social media, events and crisis communications into a cohesive regional approach. Working in close partnership with country and operational leaders, you will ensure that communications are relevant, impactful and accessible to our diverse workforce, including colleagues working in frontline and operational environments.

Your main responsibilities will be

• Strategic Communications: Develop and execute the regional communications and public affairs strategy, providing trusted advice to the Managing Director and Regional Leadership Team on business priorities, reputation and organisational change. Represent Communications at leadership forums and planning sessions
• Internal Communications & Engagement: Lead the regional communications rhythm through leadership updates, town halls, employee campaigns and digital channels, fostering transparency, alignment, recognition and employee engagement. Support and coach frontline leaders on communication effectiveness as part of culture activation and wider leadership skillset development. Champion peer-led storytelling and local engagement initiatives to foster a culture of recognition, safety, and fairness – and deliver on our communications principles including staying true to our maritime roots.
• External & Commercial Communications: Strengthen Svitzer's market positioning and reputation through media relations, Develop messaging frameworks, media releases, statements, and briefings, Support Commercial team with market entry communications and marketing support, positioning, tactics and materials. Identify thought leadership and influence opportunities through events, sponsorships, award submissions, memberships and speaking opportunities etc. Deliver cultural and community engagement moments in collaboration with Regional People & Culture team.
• Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and strengthen relationships with government authorities, regulators, industry associations and other key stakeholders, supporting Svitzer's advocacy and industry positioning. Work with AMEA Regional Leadership Team and other key SMEs on public affairs engagement and advocacy activity.
• Brand, Digital & Social Media: Oversee social media planning, campaigns, content, analytics for Region, collaborate with global colleagues on content syndication and brand consistency, contribute to key digital platforms such as website, and social platforms alongside accompanying content calendars
• Issues & Crisis Communications: Serve as a key member of the crisis response team. Develop and maintain media holding statements, stakeholder advisory and scenario-based messaging.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Partner with Regional People & Culture, Commercial and operational teams to bring business priorities and cultural initiatives to life. Manage external agencies and communication partners, ensuring effective delivery and impact.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field
• Minimum 12 years' experience in senior communications and/or public affairs, including B2B and/or regulated industries experience
• Experience advising senior executives and working in matrixed, global organisations
• Proven success in developing and delivering integrated communications strategies
• Experience with media, crisis response, social media, and stakeholder engagement
• Familiarity with maritime, logistics, transport, oil and gas, mining or industrial sectors preferred
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong political and issues radar and business acumen
• Ability to think both strategically and tactically
• Resilient, agile and able to thrive in high-pressure and ambiguous environments
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders
• Proven leadership and team development capability
• Deep understanding of brand and reputation management
• Experience in delivering multi-channel internal communications programs including mobile, desktop, and digital signage platforms
• Understanding of or exposure to industrial relations and change communications in operational environments
• Demonstrated ability to support culture change and DEI initiatives through communications

Building a Diverse Workplace

In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job– we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.

Building a diverse workplace

In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job– we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.