Corporate Affairs Director DACH (m/f/d)

Job Description

Job Description:

As the Corporate Affairs Director DACH based in Verden (close to Bremen and Hamburg) for the Pet Nutrition Europe Cluster, you will be a pivotal member of the cluster leadership team, sharing accountability for business delivery, people leadership, and executive decision-making across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. You will report directly to the Cluster GM, with a dotted line to the VP of Corporate Affairs for Pet Nutrition Europe.

This role is responsible for deploying the regional functional strategy in alignment with cluster priorities, ensuring that our communications and external engagement drive business success and protect our freedom to operate.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience in Corporate Affairs, Communications, and/or Public Affairs at a senior level, ideally within FMCG or Pet Nutrition sectors.
• Demonstrated leadership in a matrixed, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Strong track record in managing external relations, crisis communications, and change management.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to drive strategic priorities and mobilize teams for business transformation.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Strategic Leadership & Planning:

• Input into and deliver the cluster Operating Plan and Strategy in line with cluster priorities and the regional Corporate Affairs strategy .
• Deploy the regional Corporate Affairs strategy for the unit and the regional function.
• Serve as a strategic business partner to the Leadership Team, co-responsible for delivering business priorities and results for the unit.
• Guide the business regarding external/internal threats and opportunities, creating strategies to protect, enhance, and/or accelerate business strategies—bringing the outside in.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Build and maintain a high-performing team, including direct and dotted line reports.
• Deploy resources across markets to generate the best ROI, including management of external agency support where applicable.
• Engage and develop CA Associates.

Integrated Communications:

• Lead strategic, integrated communications for the cluster and as part of the regional team.
• Foster quality and consistency in internal and external communications to drive business results and mobilize Associates.
• Lead business communications in partnership with the LT and P&O to mobilize Associates against the Pet Nutrition strategy and purpose, the regional change programs, and the cluster priorities.

External Relations & Reputation Management:

• Represent the business and its brands to key external stakeholders, including media, customers, government/regulators, NGOs, key opinion leaders, trade associations, and local communities.
• Establish and maintain favorable relations with Key Opinion Leaders, including media, to enhance business reputation.
• Represent Mars interests in relevant Trade Associations.

Crisis & Issues Management:

• Lead crisis and issues management across the cluster in partnership with GMs, Legal, and cross-segment or regional leaders as needed to maintain business continuity.
• Lead crisis and media relations, ensuring effective management and response.

Consumer Care Efficiency:

• Drive best-in-class efficiency in consumer care in partnership with the Pet Parent Partner team to deliver ROI and provide insight to the business.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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