Group External Affairs Director

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SUMMARY

Reporting to the Group Director, Corporate Affairs and ESG, the Group External Affairs Director will promote and protect our external corporate reputation, both as a successful global player in the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) sector, and as a leader in broader global business services. Element’s industry leading growth presents significant opportunities to raise its profile and wider industry agendas on broad ESG – from challenger brand to industry leader, Element is moving to become a purpose-driven business that is agile, bold and ambitious.

We are looking for an energetic and highly driven communications leader that will be responsible for creating an overarching Element external communications strategy and implementing effective global communications that deliver stakeholder engagement and advocacy. Managing all external communications channels across traditional and social media, the role serves as the primary spokesperson and contact for external stakeholders including the media, public officials and other external influencers.

The ideal candidate will be excited about the impact of communications on the growth and value creation of the business and will relish the challenge of a working in a truly global, fast moving business. They will have demonstrated the ability to develop and implement strategic communications plans and campaigns, with proven skills in managing traditional and social media. The role requires strong influencing and relationship building skills, an understanding of brands and creative media, and a passion for storytelling. A proactive, customer focused mindset and strong project management skills are critical, with the ability to demonstrate composure under pressure. Direct experience with media is essential, with existing, relevant media contacts being an advantage.

The role will work closely with the Board and Operating Board, alongside close functional partnerships with Marketing, Sales and HR. It will also work within the Corporate Affairs team, driving consistency of messaging across channels and stakeholders. It is based in the United Kingdom, with regular/weekly access required to the London Element office (Covent Garden).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Element external communications and PR programs to ensure that the Group’s brand, story and key messages are consistently and accurately articulated to all external audiences
• Create and deliver engaging content that highlights Element’s strategy, purpose, ambition, technical expertise, growth and recognition
• Develop Element’s profile and reputation for innovation and sustainability in the TIC sector and beyond
• Use a diverse range of channels and partners to reach relevant audiences, with emphasis on social media engagement and campaigns
• Lead media contact for the business, ensuring any reputational threats/issues are managed effectively to resolution; advice and counsel to internal stakeholders on potential risks/opportunities and how to manage them
• Lead development of Element’s annual report
• Lead for external M&A and sustainability communications 
• Build relationships with relevant trade, specialist, and business media to build
• Element’s credibility in the end markets we serve, with particular emphasis on life sciences, connected technologies and environmental sectors
• Work closely with regional and business unit marketing teams to align external communications activity with marketing plans and campaigns
• Work with a range of external partners, as required, e.g. Marketing agency, PR agency, customers’ communications teams
• Ensure all relevant media and social media policies and guidelines are maintained and reflect the Group’s needs; co-own and develop Element external brand style guides

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or equivalent experience with relevant professional qualifications / memberships, e.g. Chartered Institute of Public Relations
• Several years of communications experience in private or public sector organizations or agencies, with evidence of strong digital experience and direct media contact
• Extensive experience and evidence of writing, editing and proofreading ability, with strong attention to detail
• Ability to write for varying and multiple audiences/channels
• Experience of acting as a media spokesperson
• Experience and demonstration of ability to work globally with multi-national teams and senior stakeholders
• Experience of working in or managing external creative agencies
• B2B experience in a technical / industrial / scientific organization or sector is preferred

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 6,500 brilliant minds operating from 200 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Purpose of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, and/or protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.