Company Description
Syngenta Group is one of the world’s leading sustainable agriculture innovation companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. Our 53,000 people across more than 100 countries strive every day to transform agriculture through tailor-made solutions for the benefit of farmers, society and our planet – making us the world’s most local agricultural technology and innovation partner.
Syngenta Group is committed to operating at the highest standards of ethics and integrity. This is a commitment that we are making to investors, customers, society and employees. Syngenta Group is also Committed to maintaining a workplace environment free from discrimination and harassment
Job Description
Role purpose
The Head of Communications, AMEA is a senior position within the AMEA Sustainability and Corporate Affairs function and the Global Communications team. The role involves leading the communication activities for the AMEA Leadership Team and other regional leaders; driving change management and internal communications programs to support the AMEA business strategy, five year plan and key employee engagement initiatives; and leading a comprehensive media relations and external communications strategy for Syngenta in AMEA to protect and enhance the company’s reputation, while also handling media enquiries and crisis management processes. This role requires establishing, enhancing, and fostering relationships with key internal business stakeholders as well as with select media and other external stakeholders.
Key Accountabilities
Leadership, Internal and Change Communications
- Drive an engaging leadership communication strategy
- Shape and drive delivery of internal communications and engagement programs that support implementation and understanding of the AMEA CP and Seeds priorities / strategies and five-year plans
- Establish internal communications priorities, align activities and programs and track progress, aligned with business agenda and global priorities
- Coach leaders to communicate with impact and establish two-way dialogue with their teams
- Support commercial and functions leaders in the development and communication of key business change projects and initiatives (including M&A activity)
- Partner with HR to deliver communication and engagement plans that build a customer-centric, inclusive and high performance culture
- Foster a culture of listening and dialogue between leaders and employees and address employee feedback working with leaders, using digital platforms like Yammer, town halls and other channels, with reference to the Pulse survey data.
- Together with Regional HR Head, own the delivery of the Pulse survey within the region (including leader engagement, employee engagement and action planning)
Media Strategy and Management
- Develop a comprehensive strategy for media and press activities, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry and the external communications environment.
- Work closely with senior Sustainability and Corporate Affairs leaders to ensure communication on key initiatives, projects issues and stories is communicated effectively and aligned internally and externally
- Lead and develop the regional network of communicators to ensure close alignment across the region on communications programs and priorities, and to drive functional excellence and best practice, aligned with corporate communication guidelines and priorities
- Implement digital communications approaches complementing traditional media and fully leveraging available channels, develop compelling content and manage a content / editorial calendar
- Measure the effectiveness of communications programs, content and channels through established metrics, and use the data to drive improvements
- Guide content creation, coordinating closely with other functions and within Communications (Services) to ensure consistent messaging, including thought leadership team, social media, and brand.
- Select and manage agencies, service providers, and other third parties, such as PR agencies and media monitoring agencies.
Relationship Building
- Establish a strong network with key internal business stakeholders, such as the AMEA LT and other senior leaders; Global Communications function
- Build a network with select media outlets and any other relevant external stakeholder
- Demonstrate effective influencing skills to build trust and rapport with internal and external partners at all levels, internally and externally.
- Serve as the primary point of contact with media to strategically manage media requests and secure high-level features, stories, and appearances in national, regional, and local media outlets.
- Plan and propose positioning opportunities for Syngenta's leadership team, including the identification of speaking opportunities
Crisis Communications
- Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive crisis communications strategy to effectively manage and respond to potential crises.
- Establish protocols and processes for rapid response and coordination during crises, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries during crisis situations, providing timely and accurate information to the press.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders, including Legal, HR, and relevant business units, to develop crisis management plans and ensure communication consistency.
- Provide guidance and support to leadership team members and spokespeople on crisis communication best practices and protocols.
- Monitor and assess the reputation impact of potential crises, proactively identifying emerging issues and recommending proactive communication strategies.
People & Capability Development
- Develop the capabilities of the team through training, coaching, and mentoring.
- Design and manage training programs for key business leaders as required to support the strategy, such as media training and presentation skills training.
Qualifications
Knowledge, experience & capabilities
Critical knowledge & experience :
- Bachelor/ Master’s degree; professional qualification in Social Science, Politics, Political Science, Mass Communications or any related field.
- Proven track record in communications experience
- Experience within a global, matrixed organization
- Strong networking skills and a well-developed reliable professional network in international media landscape.
- Resilience, flexibility and a willingness to explore different paths and options.
- Understanding and knowledge of markets, media, regions and cultural differences / preferences to effectively manage communications
- Effective persuasion and influencing skills through all levels.
- Strong intercultural skills coupled with international work experience
- Flexibility and willingness to travel.
Critical Leadership Capabilities
- Clarity of thoughts and ability to communicate internally and outside the organisation
- Ability to think strategically and derive decisions in a complex environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across the organisation.
- Team leadership and development; Interest in building internal people capabilities
Critical success factors & key challenges
- Efficiently allocate resources to manage and align media activities in fast-paced media landscape
- Ability to present complex business ideas and strategies succinctly and persuasively at the senior executive level
- Ability to act extremely fast and under high pressure
- In-depth audience understanding
- Support active positioning of the top management and board members
- Build constructive relationships across the organization – in all businesses and regions
Additional Information
Note: Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
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