Communication Manager Southeast Asia

KONE; Selangor; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in the elevator and escalator industry is seeking a Communications Manager for Southeast Asia. In this strategic role, you will build the KONE brand and manage internal and external communications across the region. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience in communications, particularly in multicultural environments, and holds an advanced degree. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the voice of KONE, working in a dynamic and innovative culture.

Benefits

Innovative workplace

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• 8+ years in communications, ideally in a multi-country role.
• Experience in matrix, multicultural environments.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications for Southeast Asia operations.
• Create strategic communications plans.
• Drive thought leadership on sustainability and innovation.

Skills

Internal communications

External communications

Crisis communications

Media relations

Fluent English

At least one Southeast Asian language

Education

Master’s or bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Job description

Did you know KONE moves two billion people every day? As a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, we employ over 60,000 driven professionals in close to 70 countries worldwide joined together by a shared purpose, to shape the future of cities. In 2024, we had annual net sales of EUR 11.1 billion.

Why this role?

For over 50 years, Southeast Asia has been an important part of our KONE story. Today, it is a vibrant and growing frontline (cluster of countries), home to more than 2,000 colleagues across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Together, we are shaping cities, improving everyday journeys, and empowering people to grow meaningful careers.

We are now looking for a Communications Manager, KONE Southeast Asia (KSEA), to lead our communications and drive industry thought leadership across the frontline.

This is a senior communications professional role for a strategic and hands-on communicator who thrives in a dynamic environment. The role will report to Head of Communications, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and will be a member of the KSEA People & Communications leadership team.

What will you be doing?

• Lead communications for our operations in Southeast Asia, internally and externally, to actively build the KONE brand and safeguard the organization’s reputation
• Create strategic communications plans, aligned with global and area messaging and tailored to local market relevance, and deliver on the plans across the frontline
• Drive thought leadership across the frontline and proactively identify opportunities to strengthen KONE’s voice in sustainability and innovation
• Develop external communications strategies, including media relations, executive visibility, social media presence, and issues/crisis communications
• Lead and coordinate PR agency network in the frontline
• Act as an advisor to KONE Southeast Asia leaders, providing strategic guidance on communications, employee engagement, and reputation management
• Support change initiatives across the frontline
• Work in close collaboration with the APM and global communications colleagues, as well as SEA Marketing, Strategy and People & Communications teams
  

Are you the one?

• An experienced and fearless communications professional with 8+ years of experience in internal and external communications, preferably in a multi-country role
• A master’s or bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field
• Experience in working in matrix, multicultural environments with understanding of the nuances of communicating across cultures and languages
• Experience working in Southeast Asia and with media in the region
• Strong track record in leading successful media programs, and working with and leading PR agencies
• Ability to act as a spokesperson at KSEA level
• Experience in managing crisis communications
• A strategic thinker who enjoys hands-on delivery
• Proven ability to influence and partner with senior leaders, and to translate business priorities into compelling communications
• Collaborative team player
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, take charge of issues and follow through to resolution
• Fluent in English and at least one language spoken in Southeast Asia

What do we offer?

• A unique opportunity to shape the voice of KONE in this dynamic and growing frontline
• A strong KONE culture and an engaged team
• An opportunity to work with dedicated and talented colleagues across the Southeast Asia countries, APM area and globally
  

Location:

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Travel, mainly within the frontline, is required from time to time

Want to #joinourflow?

KONE is building up a unique community, aiming to provide the most advanced People Flow® solutions for its customers and lifting the customer experience to the top. At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual and where we share actively ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and a daily practice. KONE is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are proud to offer a range of opportunities that will support you in achieving your career and personal goals. We believe in improving performance through inspiring, engaging and developing our people.

You now have an excellent opportunity to join a group of competent colleagues, work in a truly global environment and be part of the journey in building the leading brand in people flow. At KONE you will be working in a supportive and friendly atmosphere and have flexible working hours to support your work & life balance. We offer comprehensive KONE benefits to our employees.

#LI-RJ

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.