Group Manager Communications

DISCOVER A BRIGHTER FUTURE 

At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future by focusing on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuine difference. Together, we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT OUR PERTH OFFICE

South32’s corporate office is based in the heart of Perth’s CBD. The corporate office houses key functions including HR, Finance, External Affairs, Sustainability Strategy, Corporate Development, Investor Relations, Group Risk, Legal and Technical. Our office is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from the Perth Underground Train Station. 

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• 26 weeks of full-paid or 52 weeks of half-paid parental leave for primary carers 
• Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognises both your individual performance and the overall success of the business
• The opportunity to become a shareholder of South32 through our share plans
• Flexible work options include working from home, flexible hours and job sharing

ABOUT THE ROLE 

This is a full-time, permanent position with global flexibility. It is a key leadership role within the External Affairs function, accountable for group-wide Internal Communications, External Communications (including brand and corporate sponsorships) and Media. The position leads a team of 11 people (including three direct reports), and reports to the Vice President External Affairs based in Perth. The role is open to candidates from any location in which South32 has an existing presence. For the ideal candidate considering or seeking relocation, support may be available.

The Group Manager, Communications leads the direction and management of South32’s global communications and media activities. This role is critical in shaping the group’s profile and narrative across print, digital and other media channels, consistent with our purpose, strategy and values.

In this role you will collaborate with leadership and your team to craft and deliver strategic messaging that resonates with our stakeholders. Your expertise will be instrumental in elevating South32's brand and reputation externally, as well as winning hearts and minds across our business through effective internal communications. You will play a vital part in promoting and safeguarding the South32 brand, and ensuring our organisation’s voice is heard and respected in the global arena.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Developing and executing effective communications strategy across Internal Communications, External Communications (including brand and corporate sponsorships) and Media.
• Leading the provision of South32’s communications, including internal communications (e.g. CEO and other executive communications, and the South32 intranet), crisis communications, incident and issues management, media engagements and monitoring, website and social media content, and communications input into market announcements and statutory reporting.
• Determining and securing appropriate speaking engagements and media interviews, supported by compelling and cohesive corporate narratives and speech materials which articulate South32’s achievements, positions and future direction.
• Overseeing global brand development and governance, and defining South32’s sponsorship approach.
• Collaborating with and advising site and regionally-based External Affairs teams on the implementation of communications activities aligned with the corporate narrative.

ABOUT YOU 

You will ideally have experience and demonstrate capability in the following: 

• 10+ years’ experience in a senior communications role, with a focus on corporate communications and media relations.
• A proven ability to develop and implement communications approaches that support business objectives and enhance the company’s reputation.
• Skilled in managing relationships with the media, crafting press releases, and handling media inquiries, ideally within and outside of Australia.
• An ability to lead and mentor a team of communication professionals, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team.
• Strong capability in the development and implementation of issues management and crisis communications.
• Outstanding writing skills, with the ability to develop clear, concise messages that align closely with corporate messaging.
• Strong business acumen and partnering, consulting and influencing skills with the ability to build and navigate relationships at all levels of the organisation, particularly at the executive level.
• The ability to quickly gain trust and to build lasting mutually beneficial relationships.
• Comfort with complexity, uncertainty, and a growth mindset that will enable you to continually push performance to new levels.
• Communication skills that enable you to connect at all levels of the organisation, adapting your approach and style as necessary for the particular audience.
• Sensitivity and awareness of different cultures and practices, especially important in a global company.
• An appetite for flexibility to enable sustainable working across time zones, and a willingness to travel domestically and internationally, as required.

Qualifications for this position are: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as journalism, communications, public relations, business, or related disciplines.

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

This job advert will close on 28th August 2024