Media Relations Manager Umicore

You promote and protect the image of the Umicore Group, particularly with regard to the media. You are responsible for providing the interface between Umicore and the media – print, television, radio, internet, wires and new media channels. As the primary company spokesperson with such media and representative of the CEO and senior management, you ensure that Umicore’s strategy, performance and prospects are well understood and that the portrayal of Umicore as a global materials technology company is promoted and accurately portrayed.

Responsibilities

• As official spokesperson for the Umicore Group, you are Umicore’s voice and face in the media in a number of different external contexts: financial results, crisis situations, other key events.
• You define the media strategy of the Umicore Group within the context of the broader Group communications strategy.
• You manage relationships with the media and other external actors/stakeholders wherever necessary.
• You develop and maintain strong informal working relationships within the company.
• You have the overall responsibility for co-ordinating the Group approach to crisis communication and for managing the communication on key issues including the creation of position papers and summarizing / communicating the positions adopted by the Group on specific issues.
• You draft press releases in close co-operation with the investor relations team, and other written material for various media including Group internet, annual report.
• You advise the sites / business units / senior management on media-related issues.
• You participate in the Group sponsorship and donations committee.
• You plan and execute the Media Relations budget.

Profile

• You have a masters degree with at least ten years of professional experience in a media or communication environment – either in-house or agency.
• You have excellent communications skills, including the ability to represent the company in a calm and positive manner in the mass media including television and radio.
• You have a high level of knowledge and contacts within the Belgian, EU and international media environments.
• You have excellent knowledge of Dutch and French and are highly fluent in English. Knowledge of German would be a plus.
• You have a good understanding of business, social, environmental issues and the wider context of business.
• You have highly developed writing skills and experience of copywriting.
• You are skilled in software relevant for communication eg word, powerpoint.
• You interact comfortably with many different actors / levels both within and outside the organization.
• You are able to conduct media relations activities within a broader strategic plan and communications approach and know how to prioritize and manage workflows towards strict deadlines.
• You are a team player able to see the role in the broader communications context, and an innovator who is not afraid to try new approaches and angles to achieve goals.
• You react quickly to rapidly changing circumstances, possess the ability to anticipate, identify and initiate action on issues, and are determined to pursue, promote and defend the company interests to the maximum.

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