Communications Manager (1 Year Maternity Coverage)

Smurfit Westrock; Schiphol; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Communications Manager to shape regional messaging, support campaigns, and align brand across markets. You will collaborate with regional and in-country teams, crafting compelling narratives that drive awareness and business results.

The role covers media relations, content creation, social channels and executive communications, with travel to the Global Experience Centre and occasional field visits to support priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Marketing, Communications or a related field.
• Proven experience leading brand or communications campaigns from strategy through to activation.
• Excellent storytelling and writing skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear narratives.
• Experience working across multiple markets balancing global consistency with local relevance.
• Experience in earned and paid-for media and understanding its role in strategy.
• Collaborates across cultures and functions with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Uses data and insight to inform decisions and actions.

Responsibilities

• Support development and execution of regional communications campaigns.
• Draft copy and messaging frameworks aligned with campaign objectives.
• Review campaign delivery, monitor, and ensure quality standards.
• Cascade materials to in-country teams for localisation and implementation.
• Be the primary link between Communications and Sales, Innovation, Operations and HR to gather newsworthy stories.
• Create high-quality leadership communications for executives.
• Develop and distribute internal leadership updates and business narratives.
• Produce engaging regional content reflecting priorities.
• Draft articles on achievements, awards, site investments and employee successes.
• Ensure content reflects brand voice and strategic priorities.
• Create and distribute social content to support campaigns and events.
• Support region-wide press releases and media materials.

Skills

Campaign management

Storytelling/writing

Multi-market experience

Media relations

Brand communications

Content creation

Social media

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Marketing/Communications

Job description

Smurfit Westrock is the global leader of paper-based packaging solutions. With more than 100,000 employees, 500 converting operations, and 63 mills across 40 countries, we provide our customers with an expansive range of distinctive, innovative products.

The Communications Manager is responsible for supporting the development and execution of strategic communications initiatives across the region, supporting business objectives through integrated campaigns, leadership communications, media relations, social media and content creation. The role acts as a key link between regional and in-country teams, ensuring consistent messaging, brand alignment, and effective stakeholder engagement.

Primary Duties

Regional Campaigns

• Support in the development and delivery of regional communications campaigns that support business priorities, including upcoming ecommerce initiatives.
• Draft copy and messaging frameworks that align with campaign objectives.
• Review campaign execution as a team, monitor delivery, and ensure quality standards are met.
• Support the cascade of campaign materials and guidance to in-country teams through the MCN network for localisation and implementation.

Newsgathering

• Be the primary point of contact between the Communications team and Sales, Innovation, Operations and HR to gather newsworthy stories around product development, customer wins, community partnerships and more – to be amplified across external and internal communications channels.

Leadership Communications

• Work with the interim VP of Communications to create high-quality communications that support senior leaders across the region, including:
• Scripts for executive video communications.
• Speeches and presentations for internal and external events.
• Thought leadership articles and opinion pieces for industry publications.
• Develop and distribute internal leadership communications and business updates.

Content Creation

• Produce engaging content for regional internal communication channels based on business priorities.
• Draft articles highlighting business achievements, award wins, site investments, employee successes, and other positive company developments.
• Ensure all content reflects brand voice, strategic messaging, and organisational priorities.

Social Media Communications

• Create and distribute content across social media platforms to support campaigns, events, announcements, and media activity.
• Ensure social media messaging is timely, engaging, and brand compliant.

Media Relations

• Support the development and distribution of region-wide press releases and media materials.

Travel Requirements

The role requires attendance at the Global Experience Centre (GEC) approximately one to two times per month. Occasional additional travel may be required to support business priorities.

Role Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Marketing, Communications or a related field
• Proven experience leading brand or communications campaigns from strategy through to activation
• Excellent storytelling and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling and concise narratives that resonate with customers and colleagues to drive action
• Experience working across multiple markets, balancing global consistency with local market needs and relevance
• Experience in earned and paid-for media, with a clear understanding of it's role in strategy
• Collaborates effectively across cultures and functions, building strong relationships and managing diverse stakeholder groups to drive effective outcomes
• Uses data, insight and sound judgement to inform decisions and translate findings into clear, practical actions