External Communications Manager

Croda is a FTSE100 organisation with a clear purpose to use ‘Smart Science to Improve Lives’. With over 5,000 employees globally, we are focused on the development and production of innovative ingredients for the Pharmaceutical, Agrochemical, Cosmetic and Personal Care markets, and we’re looking for a strategic External Communications Manager to join our team at the Head Offices in East Yorkshire.

Reporting to the Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs you will lead the external communications capability at Croda, helping to shape the corporate communications function and its role within the company.

This is a role for a creative, collaborative and progressive thinker to have responsibility to harmonise corporate communications across a complex and global organisation and who is able to influence and engage at all levels of the organisation.

Who we’re looking for:

• Prior experience working in an external communications role within a publicly traded, global organisation
• Ability to develop a corporate communication strategy, aligned to company values and business vision, within a multi-brand organisation
• Experience in corporate reporting including the integration of non-financial information demonstrating sustainability leadership
• Background in crisis communication management and risk mitigation
• Excellent people leader with the ability to coach and develop and team and lead and influence cross functional teams within a matrix organisation
• Strong project and change management skills with a background of identifying and implementing improvements
• High level of strategic thinking ability to craft, develop and implement a multi-year communications strategy and communicate across the business, including at executive levels

Key Responsibilities

• Own and lead the implementation of a global, multi-year external communications strategy aimed at engaging key target audiences
• Develop and manage the Croda brand, maintaining strong relationships with Marketing Leads and influencing senior management including the Executive
• Committee to ensure Company’s brand and reputation is upheld
• Jointly responsible for the delivery of corporate reporting that integrates financial and non-financial results ensuring that the output meets the needs of key audiences
• Responsibility for the day-to-day management of a press office including crisis communication management and training senior stakeholders and acting as the Company spokesperson
• Lead communications support to Group-level crises with the potential to negatively impact the continuity and / or reputation of the company
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external agencies to maximise their value to the business
• Lead the creation of compelling content in a variety of formats to promote Croda’s brand and Purpose through key corporate channels
• Influence and engage at all levels, in order to coordinate corporate communications across a complex, global organisation
Lead cross-functional teams to define, plan and deliver sustainability and innovation communications, where creativity is required to ensure our messaging differentiates us in the market
• Lead website and social media development projects with the Digital team, demonstrating progressive thinking, with responsibility for day-to-day delivery of corporate content on digital channels
• Responsible for coordinating responses various external bodies as required

Croda recognizes employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs. #LI-DB1