Develop a comprehensive media relations strategy and annual plan in support of Syngenta’s business objectives and sustainability goals.
Identify and nurture new media opportunities and relationships supported through the development of relevant materials and story lines that bring Syngenta’s CP and Seeds Strategies to life
Responsibility for the identification and management of key media relationships with the objective of protecting Syngenta’s reputation, raising profile and conveying key strategic and thought leadership messages
Ability to engage and manage global media in all regions
Maximize the impact of Syngenta’s regional media network and ensure that the plans and approaches are consistent with the global strategy and annual media relations plan
Drive media issues management in support of the company’s freedom to operate and reputation enhancement
Global media planning for SET members and global senior leaders
Responsibility for monitoring and strategic evaluation of news and issues with subsequent provision of guidance and counsel to senior leaders on response and engagement strategies
Act as company spokesperson as and where required
Accountabilities
Lead the execution Syngenta’s media relations strategy globally as part of the wider global external affairs agenda. Ensure alignment and integration with business sustainability and commercial strategies, as well as sustainability goals including the Good Growth Plan.
Continually advance the company’s reputation through engagement with media (print, radio and broadcast) and the establishment of strong working relationships with leading journalists and media across the world – with a particular focus on agriculture, sustainability and financial market performance
Advise and collaborate with a high performance global media network and identify opportunities for process improvement, capability development and collaboration for greater global impact
Development of the global Media Relations Strategy, annual Action Plan and Editorial Calendar that is aligned with and supports the External Affairs agenda.
Manage and coordinate all media engagement and activity around key corporate events (half and full year results, M&A activity, corporate announcements etc.)
Lead the development and implementation effective systems, processes and KPIs for media monitoring and reporting
Advise and provide briefings and counsel to the Syngenta Executive Team (SET) and key senior leaders on media related topics and engagement. In support of this coordinate and lead further talent development for senior media spokespeople by developing a credible network of appropriately trained and briefed leaders
Own the development and ongoing refinement pf all existing and future guidelines and policies for media relations
Deliver closer alignment and leverage of digital and social media with traditional media channels and activities (note that (initially at least) the social media team reports to the Head of Corporate Communications, not to this role)
Qualifications
Critical knowledge & experience
At least 12 years’ experience in a corporate media relations, communications or journalism role.
Extensive understanding of the global media environment gained in a global media relations role operating in a multinational business environment
Experience as a company spokesperson on critical issues
Minimum BA degree in Journalism, Communications and/or Marketing or equivalent knowledge gained through proven experience
Deep knowledge of the global media and external communications environment, including the use of new and innovative channels to improve communication effectiveness.
Demonstrated issues and crisis management capability with capacity to manage multiple and diverse internal and external relationships in a complex environment with demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels.
Full command of the English language, written and verbal – very strong English writing skills. German or French language skills would be very helpful.
Some experience in agribusiness, commodity, and FMCG or biotechnology field would be advantageous
Managing a matrixed media relations team
Critical skills
High level of maturity and gravitas to support regular interaction and inspire confidence with SET members and the Board
Strong oral and written communication skills and an ability to deliver good communications content including complex global media releases and briefing papers.
Sound judgment and the ability to work independently and network effectively with a wide range of people and stakeholders both outside and inside the company.
Ability to build and maintain external media relationships and influencer networks
Proactive, self-motivating, ability to manage a large workload, work calmly and quickly under pressure and respond to very short deadlines.
Ability to speak clearly and with impact, as well as being able to write clearly and concisely under tight timelines and with limited information.
Flexibility to undertake global travel as required (~20%).
