At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead reputation management and crisis communications for a global FMCG brand.
- Company: Join a dynamic global FMCG organisation with a focus on corporate affairs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a performance bonus, hybrid working, and flexible options.
- Other info: Collaborate across teams and influence senior leaders in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by safeguarding brand reputation in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in crisis communications and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Exclusive opportunity for a Head of Reputation Communications to play a pivotal role in anticipating, managing, and mitigating reputational and communication risks for a global FMCG organisation. Operating as a senior specialist within Corporate Affairs, this role identifies emerging issues, drives crisis preparedness and response, and safeguards both corporate and brand reputation.
Reputational Risk Management
- Advise on positioning and messaging for sensitive topics, ensuring alignment with brand and corporate priorities.
- Partner with Legal, Marketing, HR, and Sustainability to assess potential issues and maintain a reputational risk register.
- Monitor media, social sentiment, and emerging risks, setting up and managing relevant tools and dashboards (team support available).
- Develop and maintain issues-management playbooks, scenarios, and escalation processes.
- Lead training and simulation exercises to embed a reputation-aware culture across the business.
- Support governance and review of advertising and communication assets from a reputational perspective.
Crisis Response
- Act as coordination lead during issues or crises, providing clear recommendations on actions and communications.
- Shape crisis communication strategies and ensure consistent messaging across internal and external channels.
- Conduct real-time monitoring, assess impact, and advise on recovery strategies.
- Provide expert counsel on sensitive topics, cultural trends, and societal shifts relevant to brand and corporate risk.
- Draft and evolve communication policies and guidelines, partnering with teams to ensure organisation-wide adoption.
- Deliver regular reputational landscape and risk insight reports to senior leadership and global teams.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with External Communications on media strategy and reactive response.
- Align with Public Affairs on issues involving political or regulatory dimensions.
- Support Internal Communications on sensitive employee messaging and protocols for business continuity scenarios.
- Work closely with brand, legal, scientific, HR and operational teams to ensure facts, actions and communications are aligned.
Skills & Experience
- Significant experience in issues management, crisis communications, and reputational advisory.
- Strong understanding of UK media, consumer sentiment, and digital/social media landscapes.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distil complexity quickly.
- Highly analytical with hands-on experience using social listening and monitoring tools.
- Proven ability to influence and collaborate across a matrix organisation.
- Composed, resilient, and decisive under pressure, with strong strategic judgement.
- Experience in fast-paced and reputation-sensitive sectors such as consumer goods or FMCG is preferred.
Benefits
- Performance bonus
- Hybrid working (4 days in office, 1 from home)
- Highly flexible working options
- Wide range of other benefits
If you have the experience and are interested in discussing further, please get in touch ASAP with your current CV: gcharles@vmagroup.com. Due to a high volume of applicants, we are unable to respond to everyone. We will get in touch if you are successful in your application.
Head of Reputation Communications employer: VMA Group
Join a dynamic team in central Birmingham as a Public Relations and Content Specialist, where your proactive approach will be valued in shaping communication strategies that resonate with key stakeholders. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, offering you the chance to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in public services. With hybrid working options and a focus on employee development, this role provides a unique opportunity to enhance your skills in a purpose-driven environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Reputation Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Reputation Communications role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your online presence sorted! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and showcases your expertise in crisis communications and reputational risk management. Engage with relevant content and connect with industry leaders to boost your visibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current trends in media and consumer sentiment. Be ready to discuss how you've handled crises in the past and what strategies you would implement in this role. Show them you’re the go-to expert they need!
✨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 serious about joining our team and making a difference in reputation communications.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reputation Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Reputation Communications. Highlight your experience in issues management and crisis communications, and don’t forget to showcase your understanding of the FMCG sector!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've managed reputational risks and collaborated cross-functionally in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires exceptional written communication skills, make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use straightforward language to demonstrate your ability to distil complex information.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at VMA Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s recent news and any reputational challenges they might be facing. Understanding their current position will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their brand.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed reputational risks or handled crises. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Be Ready for Tough Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle hypothetical crises or sensitive topics. Think through potential scenarios relevant to the FMCG sector and prepare your strategies. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and readiness for the role.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Insights
Since this role involves collaboration across various departments, be prepared to discuss how you would work with teams like Legal, Marketing, and HR. Highlight your experience in cross-functional projects and how you can foster effective communication among diverse groups.
