Strategic Business Communication Manager

Job Description:
Mars Petcare Australia understands the critical role of effective employee communication in helping our Associates feel connected and equipped to drive our Purpose and Strategy. As an internal communication expert, the Strategic Business Communications Manager will lead our Mars ANZ Pet Nutrition (PN) Internal Communication and CSR strategy with a commercial mind-set and organizational savvy, delivering innovative communication, change and partnership initiatives that improve business performance and Associate engagement.
Key success factors will be increasing Associate engagement and pride through bringing to life our Petcare Purpose, driving a Pet Parent Obsessed culture, and inspiring our Associates to champion our business strategy, brands and products. This role will also support One Mars ANZ Associate Communication, given the mutual connection and reputational link between Mars Australia and Mars Petcare Australia.
This role is a 12 month parental cover, and can be based in our Melbourne office and reports to the Corporate Affairs Director, Mars Pet Nutrition ANZ.
What are we looking for?
10+ years’ experience in a corporate communication with a minimum of 5 years internal communication functional experience preferably in a large, complex company.
Experienced in CSR program development and execution.
Demonstrated experience leading internal communication workstreams for large-scale transformation projects, interfacing with central PMO teams and HR to structure and delivery effective change communications.
Trusted coach and strategic advisor in partnering with executives and senior leaders.
Strong communication channel execution – track record of managing townhalls, conferences, newsletters, videos, podcasts and digital assets in a timely and impactful way.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail as a key strength.
Strong business acumen and the ability to distil complex messages into simple, relevant and meaningful communications, or creatively bring them to life.
What will be your key responsibilities?
Lead the development and implementation of PN’s Associate Communication Strategy designed to inform, educate, motivate, and engage Associates on key 5+5 initiatives, plans and objectives.
Provide strategic counsel and tactical support to the ANZ PN General Manager and Leadership Team on Associate communication messaging (i.e, speeches, presentation and written communication) and coaching around sensitive issues and change.
Drive an Associate led ‘movement’ leveraging best practice employee communication and engagement to embed pet parent centricity in everything that we do and strongly connect Associates with our purpose, brands and products. •
Develop, sustain and leverage existing and new forums and channels, such as digital, newsletters, workshops, road shows, town halls, video and podcasts as platforms to tell our ANZ story.
Lead communication planning and implementation for large-scale organizational change efforts that result in performance improvement and increased engagement; initiatives may include performance management efforts, organisational change, and digital and process transformation.
Oversee Pet Nutrition’s purpose partnerships outside the organisation as aligned to our goal of ending pet homelessness and championing the benefits of pets.
Amplify PN’s Sustainability agenda internally, ensuring internal targets are understood and there is improved Associate understanding around initiatives and progress.
What can you expect from Mars?
Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
Mars does not accept agency submissions and only candidates with valid work rights will be considered.
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.