Media Relations Manager - Alcohol SABMiller

Job Description

• To develop and execute an external communications strategy which supports SABMiller’s engagement with alcohol policy stakeholders both regionally and globally. Using the media as a primary tool, build the credibility and authority of SABMiller as a contributor to the debate on the role of the brewing industry in managing irresponsible alcohol consumption.
• Providing strategic counsel to the central plc industry affairs team, in addition to communication teams across the group, build the capability, culture and confidence in the organisation necessary to engage effectively with the media on alcohol issues and to successfully build the reputation of the beer category.

• Manage SABMiller’s reputation on alcohol policy in the international media, building networks of informed media stakeholders supportive of SABMiller’s alcohol responsibility strategy
o Work closely with the Industry Affairs team to develop an appropriate communications strategy for engaging with stakeholders via all available media channels
o Understand / monitor changes in the internal and external alcohol policy landscape; formulate and deliver a credible, coherent communications presence via the media which enhanced SABMiller’s authority and credibility to influence the debate on appropriate alcohol policy as it applies to production, sale and consumption
o Develop communication strategies which complement internal and external works streams to build the reputation of beer as a product category
• Develop a specific strategy which uses the media as part of the group’s wider engagement with key stakeholders:
o Brewing Industry: GBI, GAPG
o Alcohol Industry: GAPG, ICAP
o Global fora: WHO, UN/WEF, WTO
o WHO member governments
• Support the Industry Affairs team with its regional and country stakeholder engagement by providing expertise on media relationships
o Develop a media relations component of the Industry Affairs toolkits which facilitate and drive regional and local market engagement
• Research and develop (through robust intelligence a comprehensive understanding of the media) perceptions, expectations and the issues underpinning the alcohol debate and how the perceptions are changing; communicate internally with the Industry Affairs team to inform the ongoing alcohol and licence-to-trade strategy
• Act as a business partner to the Industry Affairs team and as the media expert for how alcohol strategy is communicated and perceived by the global press
o Provide media training to SABMiller communicators when addressing the issue of alcohol
• Manage the media placement strategy to specifically focus on alcohol issues and enhance the Company’s reputation for alcohol responsibility with UK and Global policy makers;
• Act as spokesperson, in conjunction with members of the Industry Affairs team, for SABMiller plc for all media interactions relating to our position on alcohol in the press; facilitate the participation of SABMiller executives at media events
• Act as an SABMiller representative at a range of public engagements, on speaker platforms, industry round table events and meetings of trade associations where appropriate.

Desired Skills & Experience

• A seasoned Media Relations professional with significant experience of operating within (or on behalf of) a highly regulated industry
• Alcohol experience would be ideal, but experience within a similar industry or of public policy debate would suffice – need detailed experience in running public policy campaigns and communication programmes in either the UK or US
• Must understand the ongoing alcohol debate (and the related legislative environment) and the repercussions for the industry; needs to demonstrate how politically sensitive themes can be translated into a coherent, compelling media strategy
• Understanding of the local, regional and international media, the stories that interest them and how they work; specifically how this can be leveraged for the alcohol debate
• Native-standard English speaker with exceptionally strong verbal and written English communication skills
• Needs to demonstrate evidence of succeeding through gravitas, confidence and the ability to operate effectively in a high-profile environment
• Must be able to translate business imperatives into effective media communications
• An effective communicator, influencer and presenter who is able to build relationships and credibility quickly
• Able to work well with senior stakeholders and influence decision-makers; credibly act as a spokesperson on behalf of the Company
• Has the judgement and international perspective to recognise situations and events that could have an impact on SABMiller and therefore avert risk
• Has the analytical skills to interpret key trends and emerging issues in terms of their impact on the SABMiller corporate brand.

Company Description

Founded in South Africa in 1895, SABMiller has grown to become one of the world’s largest & most respected brewing companies. With operations in over 60 countries, it has more beer brands in the world’s top 50 than any other brewer and it ranks among the top 3 brewers in more than 30 countries. Every minute of every day throughout the world an average of over 46,000 pints of SABMiller beer is consumed.SABMiller manufactures and markets over 150 beer brands. These include such international names as: Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft, Castle Lager and Pilsner Urquell, as well as major regional brands such as: Miller Lite, Carling Black Label, Aguila, Cristal, Pilsener, Atlas, Snow and Tyskie.The SABMiller organisation is passionate about brewing. From local beers steeped in tradition to brands that are recognised around the world, the company’s ambition is always to offer an outstanding product. Its quality is backed by some of the most efficient brewing and distribution operations in the industry – not to mention its long and successful record of market research and brand development in all corners of the world. Its success also lies in the way it conducts its business - with a respect for partners and employees combined with a desire to support & invest in the local community. SABMiller’s history is one of exceptional growth and returns to shareholders. With its global footprint of 71,000 employees, strong portfolio of brands and spread of operations in both mature and developing markets, SABMiller is well placed to continually improve on this growth.

Additional Information

Posted:

March 30, 2012

Type:

Full-time

Experience:

Mid-Senior level

Functions:

Other

Industries:

Food & Beverages

Compensation:

Market leading plus bonus

Job ID:

2677717

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