Director, Corporate Communications Americas

About the Role

The Director Corporate Communications NA contributes to the global corporate communications strategy and initiatives for internal and external audiences, shape Barry Callebaut’s image as the world’s largest manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products and as a leader in sustainability and build high awareness through Public Relations and corporate communications within regional scope. 

The Director Corporate Communications is also the business partner for specific key stakeholders namely the regional presidents and functional business leaders.

Job Responsibilities Include

• Contribute to the Group’s communications strategy, and develop and drive impactful corporate communications activities with defined stakeholders
• Develop and implement internal & external communications plan, to ensure that employees understand the company’s values, strategy, goals and direction.
• Set-up and lead the development and execution of PR strategy and initiatives to maximize the company’s exposure and to position the brand with the target segments.
• Serve as in-house communications consultant for top management, prepare top management speeches and external PR opportunities
• Act as the main point of contact for media within the region, handle media inquiries, maintain excellent relationship with media and maximize exposure in press and editorial columns.
• Develop regional content (including written articles, photography and video) across various internal and external communication channels and social media landscape.
• Develop press activities and material for press release distribution, launches/announcements, interviews/queries, conferences, etc. across all major business and initiatives in Africa (especially relating to the relevant business partners and stakeholder).
• Track the company’s media exposure, market news and potential issues.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of communications to make appropriate improvements and recommendations.
• Liaise with Corporate Communications to cascade information to media and employees (e.g. corporate results announcements, major M&A activities, etc.)
• Build and manage external agency relationships to ensure successful delivery of plan, including budget management.
• Handle all communications aspect related to crises.

Scope:

• The scope of the role is BC North America Region comprising our operations in the USA, Canada and Mexico
• The operations include the US, Canada and Mexico factories, as well as our Commercial Offices and GBS in Monterrey.

About You

• Bachelor / master’s degree in economics, Business Administration, Communication or similar
• About 7-10 years of experience within a similar role in a multinational company preferably in the food industry or media agency
• Ability to adapt corporate communications strategies to local environment and needs of local target audiences
• Communication professional with a network of key media and journalists
• Management experience and budgeting know-how
• Fluent in English and Spanish. French language is an additional asset.
• Experience in the food industry is preferred.
• Proven success designing and executing communications strategies and campaigns
• Up to date on industry trends and able to stay ahead of the curve
• Travel requirements: Willingness to travel within region in scope

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut

• Salary Range of $160,000-$180,000, depending on factors such as experience and location, plus annual bonus and our comprehensive benefits package
• MyFlex PTO (unlimited!) and Paid Holidays
• Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility and hybrid environment
• An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC!
• Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
• Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all our products.