Director, Corporate Communications & DACH Region, Ford Europe

at  Ford Motor Company

The role is multi-dimensional, requiring coordination with many functions, including the global Ford communications team based in Dearborn, Michigan, as well with the Europe-based executive, communications, government affairs, marketing, and business development teams.
The Director, Corporate Communications and DACH region leads all communications and public relations for Ford in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as Europe-wide responsibility for employee and corporate communications, such as the evolution of Ford’s industrial operations and manufacturing.
We are looking for a self-directed, highly experienced professional with proven experience and measurable success in developing communications strategies and implementing campaigns that directly support business objectives.

The director for corporate communications and the DACH region must be experienced in advising senior executives on communications strategy as Ford is transforming its industrial operations and product portfolio, from vehicles with traditional combustion engines into a new world of electrified vehicles and connected services.

• Educated to Bachelor degree level or higher. Master’s degree a plus.
• Minimum 15+ years’ experience with a successful track record of leading communication teams/programs.
• Agency and in-house experience desired; International experience a must.
• Must be fluent in German. Fluent in English, oral and written language capabilities. Other European languages a positive.
• Strong media relations experience and contacts at major news outlets in Germany.
• Proven track record in managing crisis communications.
• Experience working in the auto industry desired. Experience in leading communications at a multi-national consumer technology, consumer software company a big plus.
• Strong communicator at all levels of the company and externally – capable of interfacing with senior leaders on a regular basis.
• Proven track record in digital communications and storytelling and use of digital channels to drive a blend of earned, owned and paid media coverage.

• Good team player – able to form strong relationships with multiple constituencies across all functions in the company.Regular travel and at times, long periods of travel part of the job.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides strategic communications counsel, develops, and executes programs to communicate the transformation of Ford’s industrial operations and manufacturing across Europe.
• Guides and supports Ford’s broader sustainability story in Europe, introduction of zero emission cars and vans, and commitment to achieve carbon neutrality across its European operations.
• Leads employee communications and engagement across the European region, reaching both hourly and salaried employees.
• Directs a talented team of internal and agency staff to ensure communications are aligned with business and product strategy.
• Sets new benchmarks and defines communications success metrics. Oversees Communications and Public Affairs operations, reporting quarterly on progress.

DACH REGION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and executes Ford’s communications strategy and programs in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• Leads Ford’s narrative in the German-speaking DACH region, including the introduction of a new generation of electric vehicles and connected services.
• Leads the creative development, execution, and measurable success of campaigns, featuring Ford’s product portfolio of ICE, PHEV, and electric cars, trucks, and vans, as well as connected services.
• Supports the growth of Ford Pro in the DACH region, the leading commercial vehicle brand in Europe, with campaigns that drive sales and make business customers the hero of the story.
• Creates exciting campaigns that put the digital customer experience at the heart of the campaign and the vehicle as a platform for the delivery of new and exciting consumer experiences.
• Expands Ford’s media reach beyond traditional automotive media to include consumer, lifestyle, tech, and business media. Ensure a balanced channel mix between earned, owned and paid media.
• Directly supports the Chair, Ford Werke GmbH, and elevates his voice to an industry thought leader in internal and external communications, across a multitude of communications channels.

Budget Responsibilities :

• Assist in the development of budgets for central and in-market deployment.
• Rigorously pursue cost efficiencies and savings to maximise spend and budget.
• Oversees product launch teams in DACH and interfaces with marketing and product development to ensure programs are launched on time and within the budget allocated.