Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United A\xe2\x80\x9drab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world\'s most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group\xe2\x80\x99s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.
We are currently seeking an experienced Media & PR professional to join our Communications team in the capacity of Global Head of Media Relations & PR.
Overview of the role
The Global Head of Media Relations and PR will spearhead our global communications strategy, managing the brand\'s reputation, and implementing innovative PR campaigns. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a dynamic individual who can navigate the complexities of international markets, drive data-driven decision-making, and actively engage with media and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic oversight and a willingness to dive into the details, ensuring the execution of high-impact media relations and PR activities.
What you will do

• Lead the development and execution of a global media relations and PR strategy, emphasizing hands-on involvement in creating, pitching, and monitoring content.
• Utilize data analytics to inform and adjust PR strategies, ensuring decisions are based on insights and results from market trends, campaign performance, and media coverage analysis.
• Forge and maintain robust relationships with key global media outlets and journalists, actively engaging in outreach and communication to secure positive and impactful coverage.
• Directly manage crisis communication efforts, including hands-on development of response strategies and materials to effectively mitigate potential negative impacts on the brand\'s reputation.
• Produce and review high-quality press materials, including press releases, speeches, and presentations, ensuring alignment with the brand\xe2\x80\x99s voice and strategic goals across all markets.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with marketing, social media, and other departments to ensure consistent messaging and leverage opportunities for synergistic communications.
• Lead, mentor, and directly involve in guiding the media relations and PR team, promoting a culture of excellence, agility, and ongoing learning.
• Stay ahead of global media trends and innovations, incorporating new approaches and technologies into the PR strategy to maintain a competitive edge.

Required skills to be successful

• Demonstrated success in crafting and executing data-driven global media relations and PR strategies, with a proven track record of achieving significant media visibility and impact.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic. (Arabic considered a strong advantage)
• Expertise in using data analytics tools to guide PR efforts, with strong analytical skills to interpret data and inform decision-making.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a commitment to developing team members and fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural setting, engaging with diverse teams and stakeholders across different geographies.

What equips you for the role

• Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field, with a Master\xe2\x80\x99s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years\xe2\x80\x99 experience in journalism, media relations, PR, or a similar field, including at least 5 years in a leadership role with hands-on strategic and operational responsibilities. (Preferred global news agencies)

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Before you click \xe2\x80\x9capply\xe2\x80\x9d: Please read the job description carefully to ensure you can confidently demonstrate why this opportunity is right for you and take the time to put together a well-crafted and personalised CV to further boost your visibility. Our global Talent Acquisition team members are all assigned to specific businesses to ensure that we make the best matches between talent and opportunities. We not only consider the requisite compatibility of skills and behaviours, but also how candidates align with our Values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.
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