Regional Communications Director - Northern Europe, IVC...
Reports to: Director Northern Europe Johanna Rastad
About IVC Evidensia: We are a leader in veterinary care and one of the largest veterinary groups in the world, with over 40,000 dedicated colleagues in around 2,500 locations across 20 countries providing outstanding animal care and customer service, to deliver our purpose of Healthy Animals, Happy Owners.The welfare of the animals we treat is always our top priority. Through clinical excellence and a wide range of high-quality treatment options, we enhance the health and welfare of millions of animals each year.
Role Outline:
We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced Regional Communications Director to lead and manage communication strategies across Northern Europe for our growing veterinary business, working closely with communications resources based across eight European countries.
The successful candidate will play a key role in helping manage our reputation, oversee efforts to enhance external visibility, drive internal communications and engagement, and support our broader business objectives.The role will work closely with our Group communications team, senior regional leaders and teams, and with seasoned external partners, to help manage communications that align with our overall business strategy to external and internal audiences and help our organisation to achieve its goals.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is eager to make a meaningful impact to a developing business in a fast-evolving and vital sector.
Key Responsibilities:
- Regional Communications Strategy: Develop, implement, and manage communications strategies for the Northern Europe region / countries as appropriate, working closely to align with Group objectives and messaging.
- Brand & Reputation Management: Safeguard and enhance our reputation across the region by supporting regional communications teams in reactive and proactive media relations and issues /crisis management.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Working with senior teams, foster strong relationships with key external stakeholders including industry organisations.
- Internal Communications: Work with HR and other internal teams to ensure the effective delivery of internal communication channels and initiatives that engage and motivate employees across the region.
- Digital & Social Media: Oversee digital communications strategy, including social media platforms and digital campaigns, ensuring they resonate with regional audiences.
- Issues and Crisis Communications: Lead the region in preparing for and responding to issues and crisis situations, ensuring alignment with Group protocols and messaging, and minimising impact to colleagues and to the business.
- Content Development: Work closely with regional communications teams and the Group communications team to develop and deliver tailored PR/media content for the Northern European market, ensuring it reflects core values and messaging.
- Event Support: Provide strategic communications guidance and support for regional events, conferences, and sponsorship activities, ensuring brand consistency and effective engagement.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a senior communications role, including ideally with consumer services, retail or healthcare.
- Regional Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the Northern European market, including cultural nuances, media landscapes, and regulatory environments. Network within politics and or press/media landscape in Northern Europe is beneficial.
- Leadership: Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, driving collaboration across multiple markets and functions.
- Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic and analytical skills with the ability to translate business objectives into effective communication plans.
- Media Savvy: A track record of successfully managing media relations and securing positive coverage in a variety of outlets across different markets.
- Issues/Crisis Management: Experience in managing issues and crisis communications with calmness, clarity, and efficiency.
- Digital Skills: Proficient in digital communication tools, including social media platforms, content management systems, and analytics tools.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for different audiences.
- Flexibility: Willingness to travel regularly across Northern Europe and adapt to the varying demands of a regional role.
- Pragmatic: In a fast-moving environment, pragmatism and ability to quickly prioritise is required.
We offer: Compensation package in line with market standards.
IVC Evidensia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.