Corporate Affairs Associate Director Nordics

JOB DESCRIPTION

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Responsible for creating the Nordic Corporate Affairs strategy, including clearly defined objectives, initiatives and measures – in line with Mars Snacking CA brand priorities and execution in all Nordic markets.
• Build and maintain a high-performing communications function, deploying resources across markets to generate the best ROI (including management of external agencies across the four markets).
• Lead the Nordic CA team of one FTE to high performance and continuous development.
• Protect Mars’ freedom to operate – with a particular focus on market access and minimizing regulatory burdens to the Mars Snacking organization.
• Crisis and issues management across the Nordic markets in partnership with Nordic GM and Market leads, legal and SRA to maintain business continuity.
• Lead business communications in partnership with the Nordic team and P&O to build mobilize associates against the cluster strategy and Mars purpose.
• Strategic business partner to Nordic GM and core member of the NEE CA Team, co-responsible for delivering the business priorities and results for the unit. Guide the business regarding external/internal threats and opportunities and create strategies to protect, enhance and/or accelerate business strategies.
• Establish and maintain favourable relations with key opinion leaders including media to enhance business reputation.
• Represent Mars interests in relevant trade associations.
• Contribute to the cross-segment work on Mars reputation internally & externally

What do we look for:

• Minimum of 8+ years in senior CA/Communications roles.
• Degree level in related field (Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Business).
• Ability to manage a diverse and broad range of issues and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to influence without authority. Skilled in shaping and driving dialogue by building consensus, must have the presence and stature to influence, establish credibility and trust with peers, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills – ability to recommend on strategic direction and to shape and influence thinking at a senior level internally and externally.
• Experience in managing crisis and media relations including stepping in as spokesperson.
• Experience distilling complex messages into simple, relevant and meaningful communications, able to articulate a communication agenda.
• Hands on experience in project management and change communications.
• Proven ability to test and challenge team members’ thinking and propose solutions and courses of action proactively.
• Experience in managing public affairs including hands on government relations with support from external agencies.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English and ideally one Nordic language.

What can you expect from Mars?

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
• Pensions
• Affordable workplace lunches
• Fitness allowance and free access to Gym at workplace
• A modern and pet friendly office environment.
• Comprehensive safety and well-being benefits, including life insurance, health insurance, and Employee Assistance Program.
• On-line shop with attractive discounts on our products that your family and friend are going to love.
• Possibility to participate in volunteering initiatives during working hours.
• Work with 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.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

About Mars: Mars is a family-owned business with more than $50 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 150,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow. Commitment to Equal Employer Opportunities: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with applicable law and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected under federal, state, and local laws. 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. A Note to Candidates Regarding AI Embracing AI as a vital skill for today and tomorrow, we welcome candidates to use AI to assist with your preparation as you engage with our recruiting process—from helping to perfect your CV/resume to using it to refine your interview skills. While AI can assist you, we expect that your ideas, responses, and demonstration of competencies throughout the recruitment process are authentically your own. We value genuine engagement and want to see the real you shine. At Mars, AI is here to support—not replace—the human connection at the heart of our recruitment process. Note to Search Firms/Agencies: Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific. Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.