External Communication Manager

at  Heineken International BV

Location: Bucharest
Function: Corporate Affairs
Sub Function: Corporate Affairs - Internal Communication
Type of Contract: Permanent

Experience & Skills

• 5-7 years of experience in public relations, external communication and journalism related fields
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related fieldAbility to manage a diverse and broad range of issues and projects simultaneously
• Strong media relations background and a track record in reaching and garnering attention from trade publications while building and deepening reporter relationships.
• An established network of media contacts is preferred
• Familiarity with developing and executing strategic communications planning
• Previous exposure to crisis communication area
• Ability to influence without authority. Must have the presence to influence, establish credibility and trust with peers, senior leaders and external stakeholders
• Highly proficient with translating high level complex messages into clear and relevant messaging for various audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communicationsFluent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Authentic with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Functional maturity for managing internal senior stakeholders
• Energetic, positive attitude and solutions oriented and pragmatic. Ability to work independently and take ownership of the company’s agenda

JOB PURPOSE

As External Communication Manager, you are part of the Corporate Affairs Function and you report to the Head of Corporate Affairs, who reports to the Managing Director.
Your role is to drive the external corporate communication agenda of the company ensuring that we communicate with pride HEINEKEN Romania’s story and successes to all its external stakeholders, in alignment with internal strategy. This role involves developing and executing comprehensive communication plans, managing media relations, overseeing social media channels, overseeing crisis communications and supporting the company communications plans.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in public relations and social media, excellent communication skills and the ability to drive engagement across various platforms.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

External Communications / Social Media / Crisis Communication / Management Team Support

• Shape and deliver the external strategy of HEINEKEN Romania, ensuring that the company is recognized as a “World Class Business Employer and Corporate Citizen”
• Develop and implement strategic external comms plans to promote the company’s image
• Manage and lead our external public relations agency
• Manage press releases, media inquiries and interview requests. Monitor media coverage and develop reports on public perception and media sentiment. Identify opportunities for positive media coverage and public engagement.
• Manage the company’s social media presence across all social media platforms (e.g. LinkedIn)
• Coordinate presence and visibility of the company and its leadership team (through interviews, speaking opportunities at events, statements, press releases, etc.).
• Manage and support internal stakeholders for related external communications activities, providing media training or talking points, as per the situation.
• Ensure consistent messaging aligned with the company’s strategic objectives;Build and develop positive relations with relevant journalists;
• Ensure protection and enhancing the company’s reputation
• Ensure governance of the company’s visibility at industry competitions and awards
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans to manage and mitigate potential reputational risks effectively.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media during crises & coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent and accurate messaging.

Experience & Skills

• 5-7 years of experience in public relations, external communication and journalism related fields
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related fieldAbility to manage a diverse and broad range of issues and projects simultaneously
• Strong media relations background and a track record in reaching and garnering attention from trade publications while building and deepening reporter relationships.
• An established network of media contacts is preferred
• Familiarity with developing and executing strategic communications planning
• Previous exposure to crisis communication area
• Ability to influence without authority. Must have the presence to influence, establish credibility and trust with peers, senior leaders and external stakeholders
• Highly proficient with translating high level complex messages into clear and relevant messaging for various audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communicationsFluent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Authentic with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Functional maturity for managing internal senior stakeholders
• Energetic, positive attitude and solutions oriented and pragmatic. Ability to work independently and take ownership of the company’s agenda.

In Romania, HEINEKEN has more than 1.000 employees who works in one of the 3 breweries, on the field in Sales or at the Head Quarter.
We are the company with the most diversified portfolio of beer and cider on the Romanian market and we offer our consumers quality products, extraordinary brands and unique experiences.
We are dynamic people, who put passion in everything they do.
We believe that working at HEINEKEN Romania means more than producing beer and cider: it means developing new products and bringing unique experiences into the lives of people who choose to consume the products in our portfolio