Senior Manager, Public Affairs - EMEA

About the Role 

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager, Public Affairs, to lead our public perception and corporate reputation strategy across the EMEA region. This role will be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders, managing strategic communications initiatives, and enhancing our brand presence through proactive public relations and community engagement. This is not a public policy or government relations role, but rather a communications-focused position centered on reputation management and stakeholder engagement. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Reputation Management

• Develop and execute comprehensive public affairs strategies that enhance corporate reputation and public perception across EMEA markets

• Lead proactive and reactive media relations efforts, serving as a media contact for the local and EU media

• Monitor, analyze, and respond to local public sentiment, regional industry trends, and reputational issues affecting the company

• Localize global narratives and create compelling regional and local narratives and messaging frameworks that position the company as a trusted technology leader

• Manage crisis communications preparedness and response protocols in coordination with regional and global teams

Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders including media, communications teams within industry associations, influencers and thought leaders

• Design and implement programs that foster understanding of company initiatives, products, and values with targeted external audiences

• Organize and manage high-profile events, press conferences, roundtables, and forums to facilitate dialogue with external audiences

• Prepare company spokespeople to attend industry conferences, panels, and public forums

• Cultivate partnerships with third-party organizations to amplify positive messaging

Corporate Social Responsibility & Community Engagement

• Partner with, Public Policy, WRE and sustainability teams to communicate the company's social impact initiatives and community investments

• Develop programs that demonstrate corporate citizenship and align business objectives with societal needs

• Lead corporate reputation campaigns highlighting the company's commitments to diversity, sustainability, sustainable AI, digital inclusion, workforce development or other relevant themes

Thought Leadership & Content Development

• Position company executives and subject matter experts as thought leaders through speaking opportunities, bylined articles, and media interviews

• Develop high-quality content including op-eds, blog posts, speeches, and presentations for external audiences

• Coordinate with public policy and global corporate communications teams to  ensure consistent messaging across all external communications

• Create compelling case studies and stories that showcase the company's positive impact

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Regional Leadership

• Work closely with Public Policy, Community Engagement Managers, PR, Global Design and Construction, the office of the Regional President and other business unit leaders to align public affairs activities with business priorities

• Coordinate with global communications teams to ensure regional strategies support worldwide objectives

• Provide counsel to senior leadership on reputational risks and opportunities

• Manage external agencies and consultants as needed

Measurement & Reporting

• Conduct ongoing research to understand regional and local public perception and identify emerging issues

• Establish KPIs and metrics to measure the effectiveness of public affairs initiatives

• Track media coverage, sentiment analysis, and stakeholder feedback

• Provide regular reporting to leadership on local reputation trends, media activity, and program outcomes

Qualifications

Required

• Extensive experience in public affairs, corporate communications, public relations, or related fields

• Proven track record of building and executing successful reputation management strategies in complex, fast-paced environments

• Deep understanding of EMEA media and policy landscapes, cultural nuances, and stakeholder ecosystems

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English; additional European languages highly valued

• Strong media relations experience with established journalist and editor relationships across EMEA

• Demonstrated ability to counsel senior executives on communications strategy and reputational issues

• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously across diverse markets

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field

Preferred

• Experience in the technology sector or with issues related to digital transformation, AI, privacy, or innovation

• Track record of crisis communications management

• Understanding of corporate social responsibility and sustainability communications

• Experience with digital and social media communications strategies

• Degree in Communications, Public Affairs, or related field

• Experience managing agencies and external vendors

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking: Ability to develop long-term strategies that align public affairs with business objectives

• Stakeholder management: Skilled at building trust and credibility with diverse external audiences

• Sound judgment: Excellent instincts for navigating sensitive issues and reputational challenges

• Executive presence: Confidence and credibility when engaging with C-suite leaders and external stakeholders

• Storytelling: Ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with varied audiences

• Collaboration: Strong cross-functional partnership skills and team orientation

• Adaptability: Thrives in ambiguous, rapidly changing environments

• Results-oriented: Track record of delivering measurable impact