Corporate Affairs Associate Director Nordics

Mars; København; On-site; DKK 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Pensions

Lunch at workplace

Gym access

Life and health insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Mars University learning

Job summary

Mars is seeking a seasoned Nordic Corporate Affairs leader in Copenhagen to shape and drive the regional communications strategy across markets. You will lead a small team, coordinate with senior stakeholders, and manage external agencies to maximize ROI while maintaining Mars’ reputation.

The role requires 8+ years in senior CA/communications, strong English and Nordic language skills, and the ability to influence and deliver strategic initiatives in a complex, multi-market environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8+ years in senior CA/Communications roles.
• Degree level in related field (Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Business).
• Ability to manage a diverse and broad range of issues and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to influence without authority and build credibility with peers and leaders.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills to shape thinking at senior level.
• Crisis and media relations experience, including spokesperson duties.
• Distill complex messages into clear, actionable communications.
• Hands-on project management and change communications experience.
• Public affairs management including government relations with external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement Nordic Corporate Affairs strategy aligned with Mars Snacking CA priorities.
• Build and sustain a high-performing communications function across markets.
• Lead the Nordic CA team and drive performance and development.
• Protect Mars’ freedom to operate, focusing on market access and regulatory considerations.
• Manage crises and issues in partnership with senior leaders and legal teams.
• Drive business communications with Nordic team and P&O to mobilize associates.
• Advise Nordic GM and CA leadership on external threats and opportunities.
• Establish relations with key opinion leaders and media to safeguard reputation.
• Represent Mars in relevant trade associations and cross-segment projects.

Skills

Strategic communications

Crisis management

Media relations

Stakeholder management

Change communications

Public affairs

Spokesperson experience

Influence without authority

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/PR/Marketing/Business

Job description

Job Description:

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Responsible for creating the Nordic Corporate Affairs strategy, including clearly defined objectives, initiatives and measures – in line with Mars Snacking CA brand priorities and execution in all Nordic markets.
• Build and maintain a high-performing communications function, deploying resources across markets to generate the best ROI (including management of external agencies across the four markets).
• Lead the Nordic CA team of one FTE to high performance and continuous development.
• Protect Mars’ freedom to operate – with a particular focus on market access and minimizing regulatory burdens to the Mars Snacking organization.
• Crisis and issues management across the Nordic markets in partnership with Nordic GM and Market leads, legal and SRA to maintain business continuity.
• Lead business communications in partnership with the Nordic team and P&O to build mobilize associates against the cluster strategy and Mars purpose.
• Strategic business partner to Nordic GM and core member of the NEE CA 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.
• Establish and maintain favourable relations with key opinion leaders including media to enhance business reputation.
• Represent Mars interests in relevant trade associations.
• Contribute to the cross-segment work on Mars reputation internally & externally

What do we look for:

• Minimum of 8+ years in senior CA/Communications roles.
• Degree level in related field (Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Business).
• 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 consensus, must have the presence and stature to influence, establish credibility and trust with peers, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills – ability to recommend on strategic direction and to shape and influence thinking at a senior level internally and externally.
• Experience in managing crisis and media relations including stepping in as spokesperson.
• 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.
• Experience in managing public affairs including hands on government relations with support from external agencies.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English and ideally one Nordic language.

What can you expect from Mars?

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
• Pensions
• Affordable workplace lunches
• Fitness allowance and free access to Gym at workplace
• A modern and pet friendly office environment.
• Comprehensive safety and well-being benefits, including life insurance, health insurance, and Employee Assistance Program.
• On-line shop with attractive discounts on our products that your family and friend are going to love.
• Possibility to participate in volunteering initiatives during working hours.
• 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.