At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead internal and external communications for a global spirits company, focusing on strategy and culture.
- Company: Join Suntory Global Spirits, aiming to be the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for global travel and collaboration with senior leaders in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey, shaping corporate reputation and engaging diverse teams across regions.
- Qualifications: Requires 10+ years in communications, strong writing skills, and a degree in a related field.
- Other info: This role involves managing one direct report and requires travel of at least 20%.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
What makes this a great opportunity? As we transform our business and pursue our ambition to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company, we seek an experienced Corporate Communications leader to oversee internal and external communications for Suntory Global Spirits’ International Region. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, this person will serve on the Corporate Communications Leadership Team and work in close partnership with the President of the International region and his leadership team as well as other key cross functional team members in Strategy, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Commercial and Public Affairs.
Serving as the most senior communications team member in the region, which covers a large geography, this person will focus internal and external communications support in priority markets including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Mexico and Global Travel Retail. The Director will also have responsibility for developing and executing communications strategies across the region including manufacturing sites in the UK, Spain and Mexico as well as corporate function employees supporting the region. In addition to acting as a strategic communications advisor to the International Leadership Team this person liaises effectively with Suntory Holdings and Suntory Beverage and Food colleagues in the region.
Internal & Employee Communications
This person will play a key role in building a strong International region culture through communications strategies designed to connect and engage our people. This includes developing strategy and content for the region that complements and reinforces global messages through key channels and sharing stories of region’s business and people in global channels.
External Communications & Corporate Brand
This individual will be responsible for developing and managing communications strategies that build, protect and enhance the company’s corporate reputation and brand. In addition, the Director will work closely with the business to support key strategic transformation initiatives, developing communications strategies that support effective change management with all stakeholders.
Role Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic development and oversee the implementation of high-impact internal and external communications strategies in the International Region in alignment with the company’s global communications strategy.
- Lead and advise on change management communications as the company undergoes transformation to meet its long-term ambition to be the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company.
- Help foster a culture of collaboration, recognition and results across teams and functions by overseeing the content development and delivery for company announcements and growth initiatives across talent and brands.
- Support proactive and reactive media opportunities, developing messaging, preparing key leaders, and partnering closely with the global communications team to identify the best opportunities for International leaders, and share coverage internally and on social media.
- Develop and maintain relationships with a network of key trade and business media located in and covering the region.
- Advise, support, train, and prepare c-suite leaders on internal and external communications messaging, strategies, and tactics that support business goals.
- Provide critical support for the company’s sustainability strategy, partnering with key stakeholders to build and roll out initiatives in the International region, and sharing the stories of this work to internal and external audiences.
- Develop communications strategies to prepare for and manage issues and crises affecting our brands and our company.
- Partner closely with global and regional communications counterparts, supporting key projects and events, including global town halls.
- Manage and develop one direct report.
Qualifications
- Strong writing and communications skills, including fluent English.
- Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.
- 10+ years combined experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
- Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate and work as a trusted partner with senior leaders.
- Highly collaborative leader with experience working in cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Experience working in highly matrixed organizations.
- Proven ability to lead large and complex projects.
- Travel: minimum of 20% of the time, including global travel.
International Communications Director employer: Suntory Global Spirits
Contact Detail:
Suntory Global Spirits Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land International Communications Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the spirits and communications industries. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where you can meet people who work at Suntory or similar companies. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Suntory's corporate values and recent initiatives, especially those related to sustainability and brand reputation. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your alignment with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in change management communications. Given the company's transformation goals, showcasing your ability to effectively manage communication strategies during periods of change will be crucial in your discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in corporate communications and public relations, particularly within the premium spirits sector. Being knowledgeable about industry challenges and opportunities will position you as a strong candidate who can contribute to Suntory's ambitions.
We think you need these skills to ace International Communications Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in corporate communications, public relations, and leadership roles. Emphasise your ability to manage complex projects and work with senior leaders, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of Suntory's ambition to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company. Share specific examples of how your past experiences align with their goals and how you can contribute to their communications strategies.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since strong writing skills are essential for this position, consider including samples of your previous work or projects that showcase your ability to create impactful communications. This could be press releases, internal communications, or strategic plans.
Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Emphasise your experience working in cross-functional teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different departments to achieve common goals, as this is crucial for the role of International Communications Director.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suntory Global Spirits
✨Research the Company and Its Culture
Before your interview, take the time to understand Suntory's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives and how they align with their ambition to be the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Given the role's focus on developing and executing communications strategies, be ready to discuss your experience with strategic communications. Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully led change management communications or enhanced corporate reputation, as these will likely be key discussion points.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior communications team member, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Be prepared to share instances where you've collaborated with cross-functional teams or mentored others. Highlight your ability to manage multiple projects and lead complex initiatives effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Media Savvy
Since the role involves managing media opportunities and building relationships with trade and business media, come equipped with insights about current trends in the industry. Discuss how you've previously developed messaging for media engagements and how you would approach proactive and reactive media strategies for Suntory.