Head of External Communications

The Head of External Communications is a senior global position within the Communications Leadership team. The role involves leading the development of a comprehensive global media and press relations plan for Syngenta Group, aiming to proactively increase positive media coverage in line with the overall positioning strategy while also reactively handling media coverage related to crises. This role requires establishing, enhancing, and fostering relationships with key business and financial media channels.

The Head of External Communications is responsible for providing strong and effective support to both Global and BU leadership teams and ensuring consistent engagement with key stakeholders. Additionally, the role encompasses crisis communications to effectively manage and respond to potential crises that may impact the company's reputation.

You will lead an exceptional team of people, with 7 direct reports.

Key Accountabilities

Media Strategy and Management

• Develop a comprehensive plan for the company's media and press activities, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry and the external communications environment.
• Identify and manage adequate media relations tools and materials, such as editorial calendars, media lists, and press releases.
• Guide content creation for Media Relations, coordinating closely with other functions and within Communications (Services) to ensure consistent messaging, including thought leadership team, social media, and brand.
• Collaborate with business units to effectively communicate business initiatives to the media, aligning media strategy with business objectives.
• Select and manage agencies, service providers, and other third parties, such as PR agencies and media monitoring agencies.

Relationship Building

• Establish a strong network with global key business and financial media, leveraging personal contacts and relationships.
• Demonstrate effective influencing skills to build trust and rapport with external partners at all levels, internally and externally.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with media to manage media requests and secure high-level features, stories, and appearances in national, regional, and local media outlets.
• Plan and propose positioning opportunities for Syngenta's leadership team, including the identification of speaking opportunities in collaboration with the Executive Communications team.

Monitoring and Tracking

• Oversee a global media monitoring and tracking system for relevant key markets.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) in close alignment with the business and continuously adjust and improve media plan based on monitoring results.

Crisis Communications

• Oversee the development and implementation of a crisis communications plan to effectively manage and respond to potential crises.
• Establish processes for rapid response and coordination during crises, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries during crisis situations, providing timely and accurate information to the press.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including Legal, HR, and relevant business units, to develop crisis management plans and ensure communication consistency.
• Provide guidance and support to leadership team members and spokespeople on crisis communication best practices and protocols.
• Monitor and assess the reputation impact of potential crises, proactively identifying emerging issues and recommending proactive communication approaches.
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of crisis communications materials, including press statements, Q&As, and internal communications, ensuring alignment with the company's messaging framework.
• Conduct post-crisis evaluations and integrate lessons learned into future crisis communications strategies and plans.

People & Capability Development

• Develop the capabilities of the team through training, coaching, and mentoring.
• Design and manage training programs for key business leaders as required to support the strategy, such as media training and presentation skills training.

Syngenta Group is one of the world’s leading sustainable agriculture innovation companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. Our 60,000 people across more than 100 countries strive every day to transform agriculture through tailor-made solutions for the benefit of farmers, society and our planet – making us the world’s most local agricultural technology and innovation partner.

Syngenta Group is committed to operating at the highest standards of ethics and integrity. This is a commitment that we are making to investors, customers, society and employees. Syngenta Group is also committed to maintaining a workplace environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Critical knowledge & experience :

• Bachelor/ Master’s degree; professional qualification in Social Science, Politics, Political Science, Mass Communications or related experience
• Profound professional experience with journalism, media exposure / management and integrated strategic communications
• Strong networking skills and a well-developed reliable professional network in international media landscape.
• Resilience, flexibility, and a willingness to explore different paths and options.
• Understanding and knowledge of markets, media, regions and cultural differences / preferences to effectively manage communications.
• Effective persuasion and influencing skills through all levels.
• Strong intercultural skills coupled with international work experience.
• Strong command of the English language; other European language is an added advantage.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel (20%)

Critical Leadership Capabilities

• Clarity of thoughts and ability to communicate internally and outside the organization.
• Ability to think strategically and derive decisions in a complex environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across the organisation.
• Team leadership and development; Interest in building internal people capabilities.

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Efficiently allocate resources to manage and align media activities in fast-paced media landscape.
• Ability to present complex business ideas and strategies succinctly and persuasively at the senior executive level.
• Ability to act extremely fast and under high pressure.
• In-depth audience understanding.
• Support active positioning of the top management and board members.
• Build constructive relationships across the organization – in all businesses and regions.