Director – Corporate Communications job in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

As Director of Communications for Majid Al Futtaim Retail and its Carrefour franchise, your mission is to strategically position, promote, and safeguard the external reputation of the company across its operational markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Your primary focus encompasses effectively communicating the value propositions and initiatives of the brand to diverse audiences including customers, businesses, governments, and talent.

You will spearhead the development and implementation of comprehensive corporate and consumer communication strategies, ensuring alignment with established guidelines and the cultivation of desired brand equity and reputation at both local and international levels. Your responsibilities extend to driving thought leadership engagement, empowering senior leadership to advocate the company’s vision and values, and orchestrating impactful communications initiatives that resonate positively with stakeholders and communities.

Leading a team of seasoned communications professionals at the corporate level, you will also provide functional leadership to communications teams across all markets where Majid Al Futtaim operates Carrefour. Through your strategic direction and execution, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative, perception, and impact of the company in the global marketplace.

Role Overview: Head of Communications

Strategic Planning:

Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for both Majid Al Futtaim (Retail) and Carrefour brands, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
Tailor communication strategies for each market to maintain a unified brand voice while catering to local nuances.
Drive communication efforts related to partnerships, sponsorships, and sustainability initiatives.
Integrated Communications:

Craft stakeholder communications to garner support and advocacy across various audiences.
Execute multi-stakeholder, multi-channel communications to promote corporate narratives and Carrefour brand pillars.
Corporate Thought Leadership:

Establish a corporate engagement strategy for participation in regional and international platforms and partnerships.
Manage thought leadership engagements for Majid Al Futtaim Retail executives and support CEO’s public appearances.
Facilitate thought leadership opportunities for markets and oversee corporate events aligned with brand guidelines.
Communications Center of Excellence:

Develop and implement a Centre of Excellence to standardize communication functions across markets.
Recruit and manage communication talent at both corporate and country levels, providing mentorship and capacity building.
Guide country-level communication strategies, collaborate with Marketing for regional branding, and establish performance metrics.
Issue and Crisis Management:

Create and deploy an issue & crisis communication manual and enforce group-wide strategies.
Offer training, support, and approval for issue and crisis management in Carrefour markets, ensuring adherence to protocols.
Rewritten Role Description:

Position Title: Head of Communications

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

Formulate and execute a cohesive communications strategy encompassing both Majid Al Futtaim (Retail) and Carrefour brands, tailored to local markets.
Drive communication efforts regarding partnerships, sponsorships, and sustainability initiatives to ensure alignment with corporate objectives.
Integrated Communications:

Develop stakeholder communications to cultivate support across diverse audiences and execute multi-channel campaigns to amplify corporate narratives and Carrefour brand pillars.
Corporate Thought Leadership:

Define corporate engagement strategies for participation in regional and international platforms and facilitate thought leadership engagements for executives.
Manage corporate events and oversee communication through the Carrefour lens, maintaining alignment with brand guidelines.
Communications Center of Excellence:

Establish a Center of Excellence to standardize communication functions across markets and mentor communication talent at corporate and country levels.
Guide country-level communication strategies, collaborate with Marketing for regional branding, and establish performance metrics.
Issue and Crisis Management:

Develop and enforce an issue & crisis communication manual, offering training and support for crisis management in Carrefour markets.
Accountabilities:

Drive a retail-focused communications strategy to ensure consistent alignment with Majid Al Futtaim Holding’s overall objectives.
Foster buy-in and advocacy through tailored stakeholder communications.
Manage thought leadership engagements for executives and oversee corporate events.
Standardize communication functions across markets and mentor communication talent.
Ensure adherence to crisis management protocols and strategies across Carrefour markets.

Human Capital Responsibilities:

Lead a team of communications experts at the corporate head office and oversee all communications teams across various markets.
Implement performance management processes for communications personnel at both corporate and market levels.
Provide mentorship to cultivate a continuous talent pipeline within the communications function.
Identify training needs and collaborate with the Human Capital department to facilitate training requirements.
Supervise the development and implementation of on-the-job training programs at both corporate and market levels.
Definition of Success:

Develop and execute communications strategies and operating models for corporate and market levels.
Shape and safeguard the desired reputation, awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Majid Al Futtaim Retail and its brand, Carrefour, across all markets.
Demonstrate measurable results based on established communications and business metrics.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills:

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or Marketing.
Preferred: MBA.
Minimum Experience:

15 years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 3 years in a similar role, preferably in consumer goods, retail, consumer, or technology sectors.
Skills:

Proficient in leading teams in diverse, multicultural environments across multiple geographies.
Excellent communication skills for engaging and influencing internal and external stakeholders.
Strategic thinker with sound judgment, focusing on impact and effectiveness in fast-paced environments.
Ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans aligned with business and brand objectives.
Track record in establishing standards, processes, and best practice guidance, and providing training.
Highly organized with strong administrative and self-management skills.
Deep understanding of media, influencer, and stakeholder landscapes across regions.
Proficient in crisis and issues management.
Familiarity with social and digital media communication principles.
Ability to manage multiple work streams, deadlines, and internal stakeholders under pressure.
Proficiency in English and Arabic (both required).