Media Relations Director

Discover Your Next Career Move: Media Relations Director at Reckitt

Are you a seasoned media relations professional looking to make a significant impact on a global scale? Reckitt, a company driven by its purpose to protect, heal, and nurture for a cleaner, healthier world, presents an exciting opportunity for a Media Relations Director. This role is at the forefront of shaping Reckitt's narrative, ensuring its beloved brands and vital purpose resonate with audiences worldwide.

The Corporate Communications & External Affairs team at Reckitt is the engine that brings the company's purpose and products to life. They are instrumental in building and safeguarding Reckitt's reputation by crafting compelling public relations and communication strategies. If you thrive on developing impactful stories, managing media interactions, and contributing to a sustainable future, this role offers a rewarding career path.

What This Opportunity Offers

As the Media Relations Director, you will be the strategic architect of Reckitt's external media presence. This is a pivotal role designed for someone who excels at cultivating strong relationships with journalists and media outlets globally. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping how Reckitt is perceived in the press, ensuring that coverage of its brands, leadership, and purpose-driven initiatives is consistent, accurate, and impactful.

You will be entrusted with leading all media-facing activities, collaborating closely with senior leadership, brand teams, and corporate affairs colleagues. This includes both proactive storytelling to highlight Reckitt's achievements and reactive engagement during critical issues and reputational events.

Key Responsibilities and Advantages for Candidates:

• Global Strategy Leadership: Take the helm of Reckitt’s global media relations strategy, directly influencing how the company's mission and brand positioning are communicated. This offers a significant platform to demonstrate strategic vision and execution on an international stage.
• Press Office Management: Oversee the global press office operations, ensuring seamless management of media inquiries, statements, and responses. This is a chance to hone your operational leadership skills and ensure consistent, high-quality communication.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with key journalists, editors, and media outlets across business, consumer, and trade press. This is an invaluable opportunity to expand your professional network with influential media contacts.
• Compelling Storytelling: Develop and pitch captivating stories that elevate Reckitt’s reputation, purpose, and leadership. If you have a passion for crafting narratives that resonate, this role provides the perfect canvas.
• Crisis and Reputation Management: Serve as a senior advisor and spokesperson during sensitive media moments, crises, and reputational challenges. This is a high-stakes environment where your calm, strategic approach will be highly valued, offering significant professional growth in resilience and high-pressure communication.
• Insightful Analysis: Monitor global media coverage and sentiment, providing crucial insights and recommendations to senior leadership. This role allows you to leverage your analytical skills to directly inform business strategy.
• Integrated Communications: Collaborate with internal communications and brand PR teams to ensure message consistency and alignment across all platforms. This fosters a holistic understanding of corporate communication and its interconnectedness.
• Campaign Development and Measurement: Drive the creation and delivery of influential communication and PR campaigns, with a focus on measurable impact through precise metrics and KPIs. This empowers you to showcase your ability to deliver tangible results.
• Team Leadership and Development: Manage and mentor a team of communication professionals, fostering their growth and aligning their work with Reckitt’s global vision. This is an ideal opportunity to develop your leadership capabilities and build a high-performing team.

What Reckitt is Looking For:

Reckitt seeks candidates with demonstrable experience leading global media relations in complex, fast-paced organizations. While experience within FMCG, Retail, or other consumer-led businesses is preferred, a strong track record in global media relations is paramount. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A proven history of securing high-impact media coverage.
• Deep expertise in crisis communications and reputation management.
• A strategic mindset with sharp business acumen and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience in managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Proficiency in communication tools and analytics to refine strategies.

Furthermore, a strong foundation in skills such as emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, risk management, and exceptional stakeholder engagement will be key to success in this role.

Career Growth and Benefits at Reckitt:

Reckitt is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where employees can thrive. They support individual career journeys and invest in employee wellbeing through comprehensive benefits, including parental benefits, an Employee Assistance Program, and global life insurance. Additionally, opportunities for financial growth are available through global share plans and short-term incentives that reward outstanding performance. Reckitt operates on a pay-for-performance philosophy, ensuring that your contributions are recognized and rewarded.

Reckitt values potential and recognizes that great candidates may not always meet every single qualification. If this role excites you and you feel a connection to Reckitt's mission, they encourage you to apply. They are committed to equal opportunities, ensuring all qualified applicants are considered regardless of background.

This Media Relations Director position offers a unique chance to contribute to a purpose-driven organization, shape global perceptions, and advance your career in a dynamic and supportive environment.