Corporate Comms Manager - storytelling and news management for a global consumer electronics brand

My client is one of the best known technology companies in the world, particularly in the areas of consumer electronics and online services. 

It is seeking an interim Corporate Communications Manager, for a six-month contract, which could potentially run to 12 months. This hire would ideally start immediately, but there is potentially scope for up to a month's grace on this. 

The successful candidate will have significant corporate comms experience, with a strong background in writing, news management and delivering stories. Preferably having working for, or with, global consumer brands.

You will work with the wider corporate PR team in Europe/worldwide, and cross functional teams, to build and maintain relationships both internally and externally. The role itself will be split between proactive and work:

- The first part of the role is leading on storytelling for designated projects, and developing and delivering PR plans, focused on the company's core values. These include the environment, accessibility, job creation and inclusion and diversity. This will involve cultivating relationships with national and local media and helping tweak stories for European counterparts.

- The second part will see you take ownership of what could be broadly termed media analysis and reporting. Providing timely news reporting on all corporate comms aspects, including briefings for senior executives, identifying and managing issues, and coordinating a team of media specialists when needed. 

This function is effectively the engine room for corporate comms globally within the business. This means the role requires someone particularly interested in current affairs and the news agenda. Someone who isn't phased by distilling down often complex, fast moving scenarios in order to brief the most important to decision makers in company on what they need to know today. There will be junior support for media monitoring activities, with this hire bringing strategic direction and a strong understanding of the international news landscape.

To summarise, this role requires someone who doesn't mind doing the nuts and bolts work in a busy news environment, but at the same time is able to provide advice to the most senior executives in the business.

In comparison to other large companies this business has a relatively small comms function. Generally it houses experienced comms practitioners who are extremely self sufficient and comfortable carrying plenty of responsibility. The culture is incredibly hands on, and it certainly isn't a place for job snobbery.