Job Description
At GM Europe, we are trying to build something different. We launched last year as an EV-only direct-to-consumer business starting with the Cadillac brand. This year, we are in the scale-up phase adding new EV models, new store locations and new distributors to expand our business.
As the Head of Communications for GM Europe, you will lead an agile internal and external communications team, supported by a communications agency. The role reports to the Executive Director of Communications, GM Global Markets, and the President and Managing Director of GM Europe. The role is part of the leadership team for GM Europe.
The team’s mission in the market is to create excitement around GM brands and build and protect corporate reputation by influencing the influencers (media, analysts, creators etc.). In this role, you will be a strategic advisor to the President of GM Europe and lead the development and execution of the communications strategy, partnering with multiple functions both within GM Europe and GM’s global business.
You and your team will deliver strategies that focus on the core pillars of the GM global communications function, with a strong emphasis on new content models and digital platforms to inspire advocates for the business, at a consumer, business and policy-maker level. These will be critical to supporting the financial performance and growth of the GM Europe business.
The person has experience collaborating effectively with stakeholders of all levels and can leverage strategic communications to align and inspire employees across the business. They understand the importance of bringing rigor as well as joy to the workplace. We are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, a team-first mentality, and a hands-on, ‘no task is too big or too small’ approach.
Responsibilities
- Leadership representation: GM Europe Leadership Team, GM Global Markets Communications leadership team
- Develop and continue to build on GM Europe Communications Strategy, in alignment with key functions: Marketing, Commercial, HR, Customer Experience
- Develop and deliver an integrated social and digital media strategy to build and sustain internal and external advocates for the business and its products and services.
- Lead on corporate media management to define the business narrative and defend and enhance the brands.
- Lead on media issues management
- Develop go-to-market communications plans to support business launches in new markets.
- Use data and analytics to drive communication strategies.
- Build and foster relationships with new target media and new and existing business partners.
- Develop thought leadership and executive visibility plans, overseeing speaking / interview engagements for key executives.
- Develop medium- and long-term resourcing plans in alignment with business growth and entry to new markets.
- Leadership of the GM Europe communications team, building and sustaining a culture of innovation, urgency and excellence in execution
Must-have Behaviors:
- Tech-Smart, - Comfortable with technology. Excited about and eager for the future of transportation
- Curious – Media relations work involves digging into the issues that are important to our customers.
- Cool Under Pressure– OK with change and ambiguity. Thinks quickly and on-the-fly. Dusts off, gets back up and right back at it. Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can be relied on in a crisis.
- Creative - Narrative development comes easy. Sees prose in everything. Eager to take seemingly unassociated items and craft a compelling story.
- Analytical approach - Ability to use data and research to drive decision and prioritization around story telling.
- Collaborative – Works well with others across the enterprise and fosters diversity of thought
- Influence - Ability to counsel and influence people and decisions across the organization.
Must-have Skills:
- Team leadership – both in-house and agency
- English and German proficiency, additional European language a plus
- Social and digital media skills
- Strong writer, public speaker, presenter, and presentation developer
Must-have Experience:
- BA in communications or related field
- Corporate, start-up, issues management or editorial media experience
- Minimum of 10 years of professional experience
Must-have Competencies:
- Not afraid to provide executive counsel and share personal point of view.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We aspire to be the most inclusive company in the world. We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Our Work Appropriately philosophy supports our foundation of inclusion and provides employees the flexibility to work where they can have the greatest impact on achieving our goals, dependent on role needs. Every day, we want every employee, no matter their background, ethnicity, preferences, or location, to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Diversity Information
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that workforce diversity creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. We understand and embrace the variety through which people gain experiences whether through professional, personal, educational, or volunteer opportunities.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications and apply for any positions that match your skills and capabilities.