Head of Corporate Affairs - Mars Snacking (Canada)

Job Description

Job Description:

The Head of Corporate Affairs & One Mars Affairs for Canada is responsible for leading an integrated Corporate Affairs agenda across internal communications, external communications, brand public relations, and public affairs. This role shapes and protects the company’s reputation in Canada by delivering clear, consistent, and strategic communications that support business priorities, strengthen stakeholder trust, and reinforce corporate purpose.

The role leads Corporate Affairs for Mars Snacking Canada and provides cross-segment leadership for One Mars Canada, working closely with leaders across Mars Snacking, Food & Nutrition, and Pet Care. The Head serves as strategic advisor to senior leaders and plays a critical role in navigating issues, policy, and reputation management in a dynamic external environment.

The position reports directly to the President and General Manager, Mars Snacking Canada, with the dotted reporting line to SVP, Corporate Affairs Mars Snacking North America. The Head of Corporate Affairs will also work closely with the Head of One Mars US (United States), the General Managers of all Mars segments in Canada, and the VPs of Corporate Affairs for the Mars segments in North America. The role will be a key member of the Mars Snacking Canada Leadership Team and the Mars Snacking CA (Corporate Affairs) North American Leadership Team.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Business, Marketing or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in a corporate affairs, communications, public relations, or public affairs within a complex organization.
• Proven experience leading integrated communications strategies across internal, external, brand, and public affairs.
• Strong background in issues and crisis management, reputation management, and executive counsel.
• Demonstrated success partnering with senior leaders and influencing across functions.
• Successful experience in leading, managing and developing a team.
• Ability to operate with an enterprise mindset, balancing segment priorities with broader corporate objectives.

What would be your primary responsibilities?

• Lead Canada’s Corporate Affairs strategy, integrating internal communications, external communications, brand public relations, and public affairs to protect and enhance the company’s reputation.
• Serve as the senior communications advisor to Canadian leadership, providing strategic counsel on reputation, issues management, stakeholder engagement, and executive visibility.
• Oversee internal communications to ensure Associates are informed, engaged, and connected to business priorities, change initiatives, and corporate purpose.
• Drive proactive external communications and brand PR, including corporate storytelling, media relations, and executive positioning, in close partnership with Marketing.
• Lead public affairs and government relations in Canada, aligning with regional and global priorities to support freedom to operate and manage policy risk.
• Own issues and crisis management across Canadian offices and sites, including preparedness, response, and leadership communications.
• Represent Corporate Affairs on the Canada Leadership Team, bringing an enterprise mindset and strong cross-functional collaboration.
• Build and lead a high-performing Corporate Affairs team, developing talent and capability for the future.
• Serve as the nucleus for the new Corporate Affairs team in Canada, including external communications lead, internal communications lead and newly instituted Government Relations and Public Policy position.

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.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-SL1

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between the below range CAD 169,766.00 - CAD 222,817.00. Please note: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. AI is used as a supporting tool in our recruitment process.