International Communications Director

What makes this a great opportunity?

As we transform our business and pursue our ambition to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company, we seek an experienced Corporate Communications leader to oversee internal and external communications for Suntory Global Spirits’ International Region. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, this person will serve on the Corporate Communications Leadership Team and work in close partnership with the President of the International region and his leadership team as well as other key cross functional team members in Strategy, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Commercial and Public Affairs.  

Serving as the most senior communications team member in the region, which covers a large geography, this person will focus internal and external communications support in priority markets including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Mexico and Global Travel Retail.  The Director will also have responsibility for developing and executing communications strategies across the region including manufacturing sites in the UK, Spain and Mexico as well as corporate function employees supporting the region.  In addition to acting as a strategic communications advisor to the International Leadership Team this person liaises effectively with Suntory Holdings and Suntory Beverage and Food colleagues in the region.

Internal & Employee Communications : This person will play a key role in building a strong International region culture through communications strategies designed to connect and engage our people. This includes developing strategy and content for the region that complements and reinforces global messages through key channels and sharing stories of region’s business and people in global channels.

External Communications & Corporate Brand : This individual be responsible for developing and managing communications strategies that build, protect and enhance the company’s corporate reputation and brand.  In addition, the Director will work closely with the business to support key strategic transformation initiatives, developing communications strategies that support effective change management with all stakeholders.  

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and oversee the implementation of high-impact internal and external communications strategies in the International Region in alignment with the company’s global communications strategy.
• Lead and advise on change management communications as the company undergoes transformation to meet its long-term ambition to be the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company.
• Help foster a culture of collaboration, recognition and results across teams and functions by overseeing the content development and delivery for company announcements and growth initiatives across talent and brands. 
• Support proactive and reactive media opportunities, developing messaging, preparing key leaders, and partnering closely with the global communications team to identify the best opportunities for International leaders, and share coverage internally and on social media.
• Develops and maintains relationships with a network of key trade and business media located in and covering the region.
• Advise, support, train, and prepare c-suite leaders on internal and external communications messaging, strategies, and tactics that support business goals.
• Provide critical support for the company’s sustainability strategy, partnering with key stakeholders to build and roll out initiatives in the International region, and sharing the stories of this work to internal and external audiences. 
• Develop communications strategies to prepare for and manage issues and crises affecting our brands and our company.
• Partner closely with global and regional communications counterparts, supporting key projects and events, including global town halls. 
• Manage and develop one direct report. 

Qualifications

• Strong writing and communications skills, including fluent English.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.
• 10+ years combined experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate and work as a trusted partner with senior leaders.
• Highly collaborative leader with experience working in cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience working in highly matrixed organizations.
• Proven ability to lead large and complex projects.
• Travel: minimum of 20% of the time, including global travel.