Head of Communications Asia Pacific

Job Description:

The ideal candidate will be part of Airbus’ International Communications organisation, promoting and protecting the Airbus brand, its products, services and people, spearheading business growth in and for the region.

Position Summary:

• Lead Communications activities group-wide across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region in order to protect and promote Airbus image, its products, services, people and values.

• Lead an integrated “one roof, one team, one voice” Airbus communications approach in the APAC region.

• Act as the single point of contact and spokesperson for company-wide (incl. Commercial Aircraft, Defence and Space, and Helicopters business lines) communications in the region.

• Position Airbus as a leader in the region, including in the area of sustainable aerospace.

• Increase Airbus’ visibility and positive sentiment among our key target audiences in the region, through tailored, impactful comms activities per channel.

• In line with the Airbus leadership model, lead and motivate a team and their development.

• Build a trustful and inclusive environment, promoting collaboration. 

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with key external and internal stakeholders, including customers, media, authorities, industry associations, partners, suppliers and business units across Airbus.

• Provide support for commercial objectives in the region with measurable deliverables.

• Motivate employees across the region through regular internal communications.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Represent Communications at the APAC leadership team, acting as strategic partner & advisor to the business.

• Develop & execute regional communications plans, define audience-centric Communications objectives and priorities for the team.

• Ensure full alignment with the Central Communications function, including for all written, visual and digital content.

• Act as official spokesperson in the APAC region as part of Airbus 24/7 global media response team, including in crisis situations.

• Ensure active communications during non-European business hours / days; local platforms and languages support. Be an integral part of the rolling 24 hour global Airbus Communications presence. 

• Principal point of contact (POC) for communication teams from customers, senior media and other key external stakeholders we are engaging with.

• Organize media outreach and event participation for Airbus top management visiting the region, including the  CEO and Executive leadership team, and prepare relevant briefings and speeches.

• Ensure all deliverables are on time, cost and quality and do support regional / global Airbus objectives.

• In line with the Airbus leadership model, manage a direct team. Engage, develop and motivate the team using the HR processes & development tools. 

• Manage a network of nine PR agencies across the region.

• Ensure all activities remain within budget.

• Deliver effective actions to support the Global Account Managers across the business.

• Liaise with marketing teams to align on messaging.

• Drive team’s digital skills, with a focus on AI and CRM proficiency for better audience insights.

• Contribute to all the Central communication function’s governance, meetings and reporting procedures.

• Support sustainability related activities in the region

Outputs:

• Clear, audience-focused Communication Plans for the region and its Priority countries centered around SMART objectives and respective performance tracking via dashboards.

• Enhance positive awareness of Airbus and its products via measurable and quantifiable coverage via all media channels

• Sustained external and internal communications outputs

• Successful organization and execution of events 

• Positive customer feedback (external and internal)

• Strong media and influencer relationships to expand Airbus’ reach in the region.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Business Administration or equivalent 

• At least 10 years of all-round experience in high visibility Communications function (strategy, media relations, social media, writing skills, content creation, digital, brand and advertising, event management, internal communications)

• English language fluency (spoken & written)

• Understanding of aerospace industry and geopolitics in APAC strongly preferred

• Extensive experience in dealing with Tier 1 journalists in APAC and at an international level, including leading news wires.

• Strong customer focus and extensive contacts with external stakeholders in the region

• Ability to multi-task and work accurately under pressure and crisis situations

• Experience in leading and developing a high-performing team

• Leverage GenAI in support of Airbus Comms activities

• Operating CRM & publication tools & processes effectively (e.g., Salesforce, Drupal, Keepeek)

• Demonstrate leadership skills in line with Airbus values.

• Ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels, including top management.

• Ability to assume responsibility for actions and accept accountability for outcome.

• Developed awareness of the different and diverse cultures in the APAC region.

• Confidence to speak-up

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [email protected].

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.