Introduction
At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Your Role and Responsibilities
We are looking for a seasoned, strategic cross Communications Leader to join our team in Saudi Arabia. This role focuses on creating integrated campaigns to help position IBM’s brand locally, aid business growth, and foster positive employee engagement.

The Communications function has an important role to play in helping to achieve IBM’s purpose to create long-term value for our clients and society. We work with the business to promote our services and solutions, bring our purpose to life for our people and our clients, and build commercial value for IBM in the market. We work with social sectors and local initiatives supporting untapped talent to have access to edge skills through our CSR programs.

As a senior member of the IBM MEA Communications team, the ideal candidate will have experience across all the elements of the PR mix and will be a strategic media advisor, with the gravitas, communications and advisory skills to counsel and profile senior stakeholders on strategic communications priorities. The individual is confident, skilled, and adept at counselling senior leaders, and managing complexity independently.

This role requires creativity, thought leadership and a seasoned storyteller, combined with a growth mindset to embrace continuous learning and innovating on approaches.

Role and Responsibilities

Communications

• Create and drive strategic integrated communications campaigns that drive business impact, momentum and resonate locally.
• Leverage corporate level themes with IBM priorities to develop a credible voice in the market in support of IBM’s business objectives across Saudi Arabia.
• Develop and manage relationships with key journalists, analysts and influencers primarily focused on Saudi business media. Work closely with regional media to ensure holistic and integrated messaging about IBM’s offerings and services.
• Work closely with the client account teams to increase proactive win announcements and client references to drive a strong position for IBM.
• Identify and pitch local stories to media and influencers, localize global initiatives.
• Develop and leverage relationships with local media, writing media releases, bylines, speeches and preparatory materials, briefing executive spokespeople, supervising executive interviews, and organizing media events.

Other Responsibilities

• Manage the local PR agency relationship in Saudi Arabia, including maximizing the ROI of investments in agency activities in Saudi.
• Manage budget, expenses, and business controls properly, and achieve planned targets and results.
• Maintaining strong personal relationships with key media, analysts and influencers in Saudi Arabia.
• Ensure local compliance with IBM Brand/logo guidelines and processes.
• Lead local issues management in close collaboration with the business teams to protect IBM’s reputation in the market.

You will be measured on:

• Positive, impactful IBM presence achieved in target business and industry media across channels.
• Positive research reports and briefings by analysts.
• Strong writing and critical thinking to pull together plans, PR material or other things as needed.
• An ability to work with complex, technical or specialist content.
• A strong team player, yet confident driver of initiatives who thinks laterally.

Required Skills and Experience

• 10+ years communications experience from in-house or PR agency roles.
• Advanced media relations skills and ability to draft clear, concise and high-quality media materials.
• Experience on implementing partnerships and alliances with Non-profit sector.
• Very strong written and spoken English and Arabic capabilities are essential.
• Ability to work with media contacts in client organizations.
• Broad understanding of Saudi business, social and cultural issues, and ability to translate IBM global themes/messages into locally relevant material.
• Familiarity with information technology, its use in business transformation and the ITC sector.
• Strong, self-directed project management.
• Familiarity with working in a global enterprise will be a significant advantage.
• Business Communications, Public Relations or Journalism qualifications preferred.

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• 10+ years communications experience from in-house or PR agency roles.
• Advanced media relations skills and ability to draft clear, concise and high-quality media materials.
• Experience on implementing partnerships and alliances with Non-profit sector.
• Very strong written and spoken English and Arabic capabilities are essential.
• Ability to work with media contacts in client organizations.
• Broad understanding of Saudi business, social and cultural issues, and ability to translate IBM global themes/messages into locally relevant material.
• Familiarity with information technology, its use in business transformation and the ITC sector.
• Strong, self-directed project management.
• Familiarity with working in a global enterprise will be a significant advantage.
• Business Communications, Public Relations or Journalism qualifications preferred.

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise
N/A