Policy and Response Communications Lead

Imagine what you could do here! The people here at Apple don’t just create products — they build the kind of wonder that’s revolutionized entire industries. It’s the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. At Apple, inclusion is a shared responsibility, and we work together to cultivate a culture where everyone belongs and is inspired to do their best work.

The Apple Retail Engagement, Marketing & Merchandising (REMM) team defines, makes and delivers programs, campaigns, initiatives and experiences that help Apple Retail’s customers and teams discover, be inspired by, learn about and go further with Apple’s products and services — and does so in a manner that is true to our values.

The Response & Policy Communications Lead is a pivotal role within REMM EMEIA, responsible for shaping, coordinating, and executing communications that support preparedness across the region. This role serves as the central connective point between Retail, Legal, People, Employee Relations, Communications, and Global leadership to ensure we engage with team members in a way that is timely, consistent, transparent, and aligned with Apple’s culture and values.

The ideal candidate thrives in complex, fast-moving environments, can navigate sensitive issues with discretion and clarity, and brings both strategic thinking and flawless execution to high-stakes moments.

Description

As the Response and Policy Communication Lead, you will play a vital role in shaping how Apple Retail communicates during challenging or high-impact events, across EMEIA. Sitting within the REMM Internal Engagement team, this role is positioned at the intersection of brand reputation, internal trust, and stakeholder alignment — ensuring our communication is consistent with Apple’s values and commitment to its people. This is a unique opportunity to lead communications that foster confidence, maintain trust, and elevate Apple’s standing with internal teams - Stores, Retail Customer Care, and Global Retail Support - during moments of complexity, change, and rapid response.

Responsibilities

• Policy Communications Strategy
  • Develop and maintain a clear, proactive policy communications strategy for EMEIA aligned with global guidance and regional priorities.
  • Partner closely with People, Legal, Government Affairs, Internal Communications, and Retail leadership to ensure one unified voice in all policy-related messaging.
  • Shape and support communications for organisational health, culture, and workforce engagement across key markets.
• Rapid response Communications & Preparedness
  • Lead rapid response and sensitive communication planning for REMM EMEIA, including scenario planning, playbook creation, escalation pathways, and internal alignment.
  • Serve as the central point of contact for communication during rapid response and sensitive situations, coordinating messaging, response timelines, and stakeholder alignment.
  • Work with Global and regional leaders to ensure readiness for emerging issues and regional sensitivities.
• Regional Issues Management
  • Monitor regulatory or policy-related developments, trends, and sentiment across EMEIA, providing timely insights and recommendations to leadership.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with Market Directors, Store Leaders, and cross-functional partners to ensure early visibility into emerging risks.
  • Support the creation of toolkits, FAQs, communication cascades, and briefing materials for leaders and store teams.
• Executive & Leader Communications
  • Craft high-quality written communications including talking points, message frameworks, leadership notes, FAQs, and strategic updates.
  • Support leadership moments, from all-hands updates to Store Leadership meetings, ensuring clarity, alignment, and tone that reflects Apple’s values.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Global & Employee Relations, Global Internal Comms, Regional Communications, Retail Leadership, and Legal to ensure alignment and consistency across all channels.
  • Lead the communication strategy and contribute to cross-functional teams around urgent issues, ensuring REMM perspectives and operational realities are represented.
  • Participate in broader team initiatives that strengthen organisational culture and communication excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in corporate communications, labour relations, public affairs, or crisis management.
• Experience working in or with large, cross-functional organisations in fast-paced industries.
• A strategic thinker with strong judgment and a sharp sense for reputational risk.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, able to translate complexity into clear, human messaging.
• Proven ability to influence and lead across highly matrixed regional and global teams.
• Steady and solutions-oriented under pressure — able to bring clarity, structure, and calm during moments of ambiguity or escalation.
• A trusted partner to senior leadership, operating with integrity, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Highly collaborative, able to build trust and alignment quickly across diverse functions and cultures.
• Thrives in complex environments, connecting dots, anticipating issues, and turning challenges into actionable paths forward.
• Approaches work with empathy, urgency, and a values-led mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of the EMEIA region and its cultural, legal, and reputational nuances.
• Experience handling regulatory-related topics, communications, or sensitive internal matters.
• Familiarity with internal communications, executive communications, and media strategy.
• Background in technology, retail, manufacturing, or policy-sensitive environments is a plus.
• Passionate about protecting brand trust and elevating the employee experience through effective communication.

At Apple, we’re not all the same. And that’s our greatest strength. We draw on the differences in who we are, what we’ve experienced and how we think. Because to create products that serve everyone, we believe in including everyone. Therefore, we are committed to treating all applicants fairly and equally. As a registered Disability Confident employer, we will work with applicants to make any reasonable accommodations. Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal backgrounds in a manner consistent with applicable law.