Job Purpose
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications will be responsible for developing and executing external and internal communications strategy, advancing client business interests in Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia (KBO cluster). He or she will be tailoring global strategy, managing communications agencies across the markets and implementing communications activities that meet the global, regional (CEMEA) and local business priorities while protecting and advancing clients. An ideal candidate is an experienced communications generalist, who excels at working collaboratively, delivering high-quality work and strives to become a strategic business partner to other functional leads.
Key Responsibilities
- Proactively execute efficient and timely communications strategies and approaches that align to and support the regional business development priorities in markets of responsibility, including KBO
- Raise awareness of the company and improve its corporate reputation among critical audiences as measured by media coverage, message pull-through and, where possible, perception audits
- Build and implement product communications plans, with a focus on digital payments and innovation
- Direct and manage communications agencies to ensure that corporate messages and news stories are managed and distributed in a way that enhances external perceptions of clients and meets business objectives, providing briefings, toolkits and advice
- Work with business units to develop and manage specific project-based campaigns and communications plans, ensure appropriate implementation through communications agency, monitor and manage against targets
- Work with Subject Matter Experts, and business units to agree on the messaging that supports business objectives and overall corporate narrative and ensure adoption across local markets' communications activities
- Manage corporate profiling for the market key speakers to support business objectives, and to develop a proactive plan for where their presence can add the most value
- Foster relationships with key media representatives, pitching stories appropriately and effectively with a focus on Tier1 outlets in markets of responsibility Become a contributor to crisis and issues management
- Manage evaluation of media monitoring to provide reporting
- Manage budgets for Corporate Communications for the indicated markets, communications agencies and campaigns assigned
- Ensure appropriate communications processes are aligned with global requirements, documented, in place and followed, including approvals
- Liaise with major partners to develop shared strategy and messages for significant launches including all approvals required
- Develop and execute internal communications strategy and develop plans and key messages to support GCC business priorities and executive speaking engagements to engage employees
- Partner closely with colleagues driving external communications to ensure message alignment and consistency, and to generate new content ideas
- Plan and execute internal events including all-staff meetings, speaker series programs and other employee engagement events, which include creating narrative themes, developing executive messaging, and overseeing event logistics
- Work with cross-functional teams to support various employee communications initiatives
- Leverage an in-depth understanding of the Saudi Arabian market, including cultural, economic, and regulatory factors, to tailor communication strategies effectively
- Develop and implement targeted digital and social media strategies specific to Saudi Arabia to engage with local audiences and stakeholders
- Work closely with the Social Impact team to incorporate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that resonate with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, promoting the client’s role in social and economic development
- Utilize AI tools and data analytics to enhance communication strategies, optimize media monitoring, and personalize content for different audience
Requirements
- 8+ years of experience in communications, corporate communications, PR, or non-profit mission-driven communications
- Fluent Arabic and English speaker with strong copywriting skills in both languages
- Previous experience in Saudi Arabia or the broader GCC region is highly preferred
- Expertise in managing and leveraging social media platforms popular in Saudi Arabia, such as Twitter and LinkedIn, for corporate communications
- Communications acumen Strategic thinker, strong judgment, research and data-driven, understanding of audiences, tools, technologies, and best practices, able to represent clients publicly
- Writing excellence Clarity and conciseness, corporate narrative and storytelling, insights-driven content development, language proficiency, content organization and adaptation, information that resonates with audiences
- Communications Planning and Program Management Multi-channel communications planning, project management audience mapping and prioritization, digital mindset, measurement
- Business Acumen Understanding business and ecosystem, strategic imperatives and priorities, data privacy, innovation, products payments and fintech, digital currency and crypto, budget development and planning, policies, standards, guidelines, and processes
- Partnership and Relationship Management Executive management and counselling, stakeholder and client management, presentation skills cross-functional program management, network of contacts, agency and partners management, cultural nuances
- Leadership Champion Leadership Principles, accountability, empathy, and credibility support leaders in driving the company culture, flexibility, influencing skills
- Highly proficient in PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, comfortable managing spreadsheets, devising formulas, and performing data analysis
*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.