At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global communications and events strategy, inspiring teams and shaping brand presence.
- Company: IFS, a leader in Industrial AI and enterprise software with a global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on global communications and elevate IFS's brand through storytelling.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in global communications, strong leadership skills, and exceptional storytelling abilities.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced, innovative company with a commitment to sustainability and growth.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.
Company Description
IFS is the world’s leading provider of Industrial AI and enterprise software for businesses that service and power our planet. With over 7,000 employees and operations in 90+ countries, IFS serves more than 5,500 customers globally. We surpassed €1 billion in annual recurring revenue in 2024, with total revenue of €1.5 billion and cloud revenue up 38% year-on-year. Our solutions deliver measurable business value, including significant capex savings, productivity gains, and sustainability benefits. IFS is recognized as a leader by Gartner and other industry analysts across ERP, EAM, FSM, and ITSM.
Job Description
As SVP, Global Communications & Events, you will be the architect and steward of IFS’s global communications strategy, responsible for connecting, informing, and inspiring internal and external audiences across a fast-paced, matrixed organization. You will lead a high-performing team overseeing PR, social media, analyst relations, external affairs, internal communications, and global events, with five direct reports and a broader team remit. This role is pivotal in shaping the employee experience, reinforcing company values, and driving strategic alignment, while elevating IFS’s external brand presence through compelling storytelling, media engagement, and thought leadership. You will lead the planning and execution of IFS’s most high-profile global events, including customer summits, industry conferences, and executive forums - ensuring these initiatives drive business impact and reinforce our position as a category leader in AI and enterprise software.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Design and execute a global communications and events strategy aligned with IFS’s business objectives, culture, and values (Agile, Collaborative, Grit). Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive leadership team including the CMO and CEO on messaging, change communications, and reputation management. Ensure alignment and consistency across all communications and event initiatives globally. Key member of the Global Marketing & Comms leadership team.
- Team Leadership: Build, inspire, and lead a world-class communications and events team with global reach. Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- AI Communications: Lead communications around IFS’s AI strategy, product developments, and responsible AI practices. Translate complex AI concepts into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.
- Internal communications: Drive engagement and motivation across the organization by leveraging key stakeholders within the ecosystem to ensure alignment and collaboration. Establish and maintain consistency in messaging and understanding of key initiatives, fostering clarity and alignment across all levels of the organization.
- External Affairs & PR: Develop and execute external communications plans that build brand awareness and protect reputation. Manage global media relations, analyst relations, and agency partnerships. Oversee PR campaigns supporting product launches, corporate milestones, and thought leadership. Creating and cultivating relationships with industry bodies and government organisations to help IFS on its journey as the number 1 industrial player.
- Events Leadership: Lead the strategic planning and flawless execution of flagship global events, including customer conferences, industry forums, and executive summits. Ensure events deliver exceptional experiences, reinforce brand leadership, and drive measurable business outcomes.
- Measurement & Feedback: Define and track KPIs to measure communication effectiveness, brand sentiment, event impact, and employee engagement. Use analytics and feedback to continuously improve strategies and execution.
Qualifications Experience & Expertise
- Proven experience as global communications leader with experience spanning across the breadth of PR, analyst relations, and events leadership roles within large-scale software, SaaS, or AI organizations.
- Proven success in a senior leadership position, managing global teams and complex, multi-region programs.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills tailored to diverse audiences.
- Strong media relations, PR, and analyst relations experience, including agency management.
- Experience in executive communications and thought leadership development.
- Gravitas and executive presence gained from partnering with the C suite.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical topics into compelling narratives.
- Track record of leading strategic events and brand storytelling initiatives.
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) required; advanced degree preferred.
SVP, Global Communications & Events employer: IFS
Contact Detail:
IFS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SVP, Global Communications & Events
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a personal website or portfolio that highlights your achievements and showcases your expertise in communications and events. This is your chance to stand out and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research IFS thoroughly, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practice common interview questions and come armed with examples that demonstrate your leadership and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the IFS team and contributing to their mission in the world of Industrial AI.
We think you need these skills to ace SVP, Global Communications & Events
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the SVP, Global Communications & Events role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in communications and events.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: Since storytelling is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to craft compelling narratives. Include examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for communications and events, and how you can contribute to IFS’s mission and values.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures it gets to the right people and shows you're serious about joining our team at IFS.
How to prepare for a job interview at IFS
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research IFS thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent achievements in AI and enterprise software. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a candidate for SVP, Global Communications & Events, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've built and inspired teams, managed complex projects, and driven strategic initiatives in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about past challenges you've faced in communications or events management and how you overcame them, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Storytelling Ability
Since storytelling is key in this role, be ready to share examples of how you've crafted compelling narratives around complex topics. Practice articulating these stories clearly and engagingly, as this will showcase your communication prowess.