Director of Strategic Communications

Director – Strategic Communications

Location: Dubai, UAEIndustry: Global ManufacturingCoverage: Europe & MENARole PurposeThe Director – Strategic Communications will lead strategic communications programmes that strengthen the organisation’s corporate narrative, executive positioning and reputation across Europe and MENA.The role will focus on translating complex business, manufacturing, transformation and growth priorities into compelling narratives for employees, customers, investors, government stakeholders, industry audiences and the wider market.Working closely with the SVP – Corporate Communications and senior leadership, the Director will lead high-profile communications initiatives and provide strategic communications counsel on major business priorities.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Narrative & PositioningDevelop corporate narratives that clearly articulate the organisation’s strategy, purpose, growth agenda and market position.Translate complex manufacturing, industrial and business topics into clear and compelling communications.Develop messaging frameworks for major strategic initiatives, business developments and organisational priorities.Ensure consistency of messaging across Europe and MENA.Executive PositioningLead strategic positioning programmes for the CEO and senior executives.Develop speeches, keynote presentations, talking points, articles and thought-leadership content.Identify opportunities for executives to participate in industry forums, conferences and media engagements.Prepare executives for high-profile stakeholder and media engagements.Transformation & Change CommunicationsLead communications for major transformation, restructuring, expansion and strategic change programmes.Develop stakeholder communication plans for significant organisational initiatives.Partner with HR and business leadership to ensure employees understand the rationale, impact and objectives of major changes.Develop communications that build confidence and alignment around transformation programmes.Corporate ReputationDevelop proactive reputation-building campaigns across relevant industry and business audiences.Monitor industry trends, media narratives and stakeholder sentiment.Identify emerging reputational risks and recommend appropriate communications responses.Support issues and crisis communications where strategic narrative development is required.Thought LeadershipDevelop corporate and executive thought-leadership platforms.Identify relevant topics and industry conversations where the organisation and its leaders can contribute.Develop white papers, opinion articles, keynote content, industry perspectives and other strategic communications.Position the organisation as a credible voice within the global manufacturing and industrial sector.Strategic ProjectsLead communications for major corporate initiatives including expansion, investments, partnerships, acquisitions, transformation programmes and other strategic developments.Develop comprehensive stakeholder communication plans across Europe and MENA.Coordinate communications across multiple functions, markets and senior stakeholders.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Corporate Communications, Marketing, Investor Relations, Government Relations, HR, Legal and Sustainability.Ensure corporate messaging is aligned across external and internal stakeholder groups.Work closely with regional communications teams to ensure effective execution.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Business or a related discipline.12–16 years of experience in strategic communications, corporate communications, executive communications, PR or related fields.Strong experience developing corporate narratives and executive positioning.Demonstrated experience supporting CEOs and senior executives.Experience communicating complex business, industrial or technical subjects to broad audiences.Background within global manufacturing, industrial, energy, engineering, infrastructure, metals or similar B2B sectors strongly preferred.Experience working across international markets, particularly Europe and MENA, is highly desirable.Strong experience managing complex, high-profile communications projects.Core CompetenciesStrategic communicationsCorporate narrative developmentExecutive positioningThought leadershipTransformation communicationsReputation managementStakeholder communicationsIssues managementStrong storytelling and writingStrategic advisory capabilityCross-functional leadershipInternational and cross-cultural communication