Corporate Affairs Director-PN China

To advance our purpose of “A Better World for Pets” requires a strong Corporate Affairs leader.  This role will lead the China Corporate Affairs team team to build and protect corporate reputation of Pet Nutrition China (PN China).

This role will develop and implement long-term communication strategy to keep PN China at top of Pet and broader consumer industry. The role will support brand reputation in full respect of PN philosophy and communication codes and in line with Mars culture. CA Director oversees communications, government and regulatory affairs, issues and crisis management, corporate and brand reputation, scientific affairs, Consumer Care and Associate and stakeholder engagement.

The CA Director reports to China GM and plays an important role as China leadership team member and x-segment CA council member.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Marketing or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in Corporate Affairs with strong tracked record in Government Affairs. Leading experience in public relations, public affairs, reputation management, policy, Government/Regulatory Affairs and crisis management.
• 5 years+ experience as people leader. Experience of managing diverse and experienced team of functional expert.
• Previous experience/responsibilities should include: reputation/corporate identity management; media strategy; issues/crisis management; internal/associate communications; government relations.
• Have sufficient knowledge about pet industry/nutrition/health care.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills Fluent English.
• Ability to build trusting relationships and influence with internal associates and other key stakeholders to reinforce communication.
• Comfortable in a diverse, multinational organization

What will be your key responsibilities?

Corporate Affairs

• Drive and expand the scope of Corporate Affairs for the PN China business, build and protect the PN Corporate Reputation and share of voice, for the PN unit and for China.
• Communicate, engage and influence a broad range of internal and external stakeholders at the unit level, including associates, government/regulators, non-governmental organizations, industry associations, academia, key opinion formers, and communities.
• Develop and drive the business’ communications, public relations, community affairs, scientific affairs, consumer care and corporate social responsibility activities in alignment with corporate policies in the local unit and through specific segment needs.
• Develop and execute an external stakeholder and government strategy that supports the PN China digital commerce strategy, a priority under the unit growth strategy. Develop the strategy and approach in consultation with PN China Leadership Team, prioritize local unit and government issues important to the company, and shape them appropriately.
• As required lead local crisis management, and escalate using Mars’ CALM process. Represent the China business unit during a crisis on the Corporate Crisis Response Team.
• Anticipate, manage and coordinate responses to issues that hold the potential to affect the company’s image, reputation and stakeholder positioning. Advise and guide the business regarding external/internal threats and opportunities and create strategies to protect, enhance and/or accelerate business strategies.
• Ensure CA strategy is aligned with Mars Incorporated overarching strategy and Five Principles and customized to local specifications as well as representing local perspective and interests into corporate position and policy development as appropriate.
• Develop the PN key opinion leaders strategy,  enhance internal and external reputation by identifying, interpreting, and influencing the emerging scientific environment.
• Strategically build up education program and nutrition knowledge excellence internally and externally, to  contribute in business growth.

Team management & talent development

• Lead PN China CA team by driving ambition, priorities and performances. Demonstrate and role model high performance collaboration behaviors.
• Inspire and develop the PN China CA team, to ensure they continue to grow as professionals and expand their areas of expertise. Ensure that succession pipeline is in place.
• Drive a culture of engagement, inclusion and diversity within the team. As member of China LT, strongly contribute to the PN shaping Health ambition.
• Create collaborative relationships with other PN units/functions/ONE Mars CA.

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.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.