Senior Manager/DGM - Corporate Communication - Automotive

Automotive industry experience is must.

Position outline :

Sr. Manager / DGM - Communications will be responsible for managing PR, sponsor communications, stakeholder communications, publications, and reputation management in support of enhancing company's reputation and brand position in India.

- He / She is responsible for working with various functions locally and globally to develop strong communication plans. He / She will be responsible for managing PR agency, event management agency and others as required.

The key deliverables will be :

- Strengthen and protect Brand Power and Company reputation

- Position key models and technologies to support sales and loyalty initiatives

- Build company's reputation as committed corporate in India

- Support employee engagement and internal communication activities

Reporting lines : Reporting to the Vice President - Corporate Communications & CSR

Key accountabilities :

- Work with the VP to develop strong integrated communications programs that help to drive both Brand Power and sales.

- Develop and maintain good working relations with the media, including local and national newspapers, trade magazines, broadcast and online.

- Lead the delivery of corporate announcements, developing messaging, drafting briefing notes, statements and press releases, and engaging with the media and other core stakeholders to raise, enhance and protect the reputation of Company.

- Audit and improve all media relationships; establish database of contacts and potential contacts including digital (bloggers etc.) Prioritize contacts into tiers, focusing most effort on tier one contacts and key areas: broadcast and digital.

- Work with digital team at central and local level to define and deploy optimal digital engagement working practices.

- Develop and lead on the delivery of effective communications plans and outputs for designated projects/activities in line with the over-arching Corporate Communications Strategy.

- Develop and maintain good working relations with other key stakeholders, including industry bodies, councils, NGOs and partner organizations.

Candidate Profile :

- 12 - 18 years of experience in a communications role, preferably for a major global automotive or auto components company. This should include extensive media relations experience with an emphasis on brand, corporate and product communications and a strong and acknowledged track record of results.

- Experience in other areas of the marketing mix e.g. above the line advertising, brand management and especially digital engagement a major plus.

- Excellent written and verbal English communications skills; must be able to write under pressure.

- Ability to synthesize complex information; understand the needs and interests of target audiences; define and articulate messages; generate effective and compelling content for a variety of vehicles (news releases, articles, Q&A documents); create and edit copy; develop and deliver effective presentations.

- Significant experience in formulating and managing communications strategies/plans within a complex organization.

- Success in building good relations with key media and securing media coverage

Behavioral Competencies :

- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to develop relationships and communicate with all levels

- Experience in managing multiple stakeholders and ability to manage multiple projects and demands at a time.

- Must have the ability to think creatively and be able to provide ideas and inspiration in communication activities

Recommended background :

Education : Graduate degree in Journalism, Public Relations, MBA, or Communications.