Head of Content and Storytelling

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Content and Storytelling in Manchester. Leading our content strategy and the editorial plan, you will build and lead a team of communications, writing and content specialists, and oversee the creation of compelling written assets that engage internal and external stakeholders for Syngenta Group and Crop Protection Corporate, ensuring alignment with the company's brand, business strategy and messaging.

Responsibilities/accountabilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Identifying key themes for Syngenta communications according to business and market needs, developing the editorial calendar and ensure consistent story development.
• Collaborating across other teams to ensure integrated storytelling.
• Defining and implementing a governance framework that ensures that stories meet required quality and are factually correct.
• Managing the book of work, maintaining project plans, triaging incoming requests and ensure timely delivery of best-in-class content.
• Overseeing the development of global stories that are relevant to multiple audiences and markets, in multiple formats, across internal and external channels through effective management of the writing and campaign team.
• Continuously reviewing the content, performance data, and feedback to improve storytelling and the editorial calendar.
• Staying up to date with industry trends and best practices in content marketing and storytelling.
• Managing the storytelling budget.
• Supporting the Head of Communications Services in the delivering of the team's strategy with appropriate planning and delivery processes.

We are highly people-focused – we look for professionals who are engaged, collaborative and excellent in execution. Leaders are expected to communicate effectively, develop teams and lead by example. Our industry and our function are changing rapidly so we are looking for new team members with a strong desire to develop themselves.

You will be a great fit if you have:

• Extensive experience of working in a corporate communications, corporate affairs role for a large, international corporation and/or in journalism.
• A passion for writing and storytelling is essential.
• A track record of creating and executing impactful and measurable communications messaging, plans and activity from start to finish including evaluation.
• Proven leadership experience with an ability to build and motivate a team.
• Experience of helping to shape and manage an integrated corporate narrative in a complex organization with multiple stakeholders, regional contexts, to ensure clear understanding of the brand and values.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to network with and influence more senior stakeholders.
• Degree in Journalism, Communications or relevant field, or equivalent experience.

Additionally, it will be nice if you also have

• Scientific knowledge about agriculture, biology, chemistry or life science a plus.
• Any additional languages (in addition to fluent English) are advantageous.

Site Details

The role is based in our Global Operations Centre in Didsbury, near Manchester. This is a hybrid contract, with a minimum 2 days per week to be worked in the office, with remote working available for the remainder of the week (for the first few months, there may be a requirement to spend up to 3 days per week onsite). The site is a local hub for worldwide operations, ensuring growers, globally, have access to the right product at the right time. You will find a dynamic and agile working environment, with a diverse and inclusive culture.

What we offer

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.  
• Learning culture (Together we Grow) and wide range of training options.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal.

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Learn more about our D&I initiatives here: https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion

The closing date for applications is 13th December 2023.

Syngenta Group is one of the world’s biggest agricultural technology companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. With more than 59,000 employees, operating in more than 100 countries, the company strives to transform agriculture with science-driven, technological innovations to deliver high productivity and high-quality food while fighting climate change and restore nature. Syngenta Group is working with farmers to enable Regenerative Agriculture - an outcome-based food production system that nurtures and restores soil health, protects the climate and water resources and biodiversity, and enhances farms' productivity and profitability. Syngenta Group, which is registered in Shanghai, China, and has its management headquarters in Switzerland, draws strength from its four business units: Syngenta Crop Protection, headquartered in Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds, headquartered in the United States; ADAMA®, headquartered in Israel; and Syngenta Group China. Together, these businesses provide industry-leading ways to serve customers around the world. 

Creative, Collaborative, Cost Efficient – this is what the Syngenta Communications team stands for. Collaborating closely across our global teams in Basel, Switzerland, Manchester, UK and Pune, India, we want to deliver innovative communications across channels, strengthening the brand and supporting our business. In September 2023, we received the prestigious silver trophy in the Marking Film – B2B category at the Cannes Corporate Media Awards for the Digging Deeper series featuring our Group Ambassador, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.

See more here: https://www.syngentagroup.com/en/our-stories/digging-deeper