Follow us at www.linkedin.com/company/japanhire-tokyo/
The Opportunity
The customer is the focus of everything we do, and millions of end users rely on our products daily. We believe in the value of empowering Head of Communications and Branding with the resources to solve critical problems for the future of our business, which is why we need you.
What motivates you?
You focus on the customer, listen, engage, and act for their benefit.
You are innovative. You enjoy solving problems in new and creative ways.
You are strategic. You think big, with curiosity to deliver outcomes aligned to the business.
You thrive in teams and enjoy getting things done together.
You take ownership and build solutions, knowing how to focus on what matters.
You do what is right, work with integrity and speak up.
You want to help build a diverse and inclusive work environment for everyone.
General Accountability:
Magnify efforts to strengthen the We Japan internal identity and external image through strategic communications across a range of touchpoints and channels. Manage the company’s corporate social responsibility activities to build goodwill towards the brand. Ensure the effective communication of strategy, executive messages, key business initiatives, accomplishments and other similar matters across the organization. Strengthen and nurture the skillset and abilities of the Corporate Communications team.
The Head of Corporate Communications and Branding, along with the Head of Marketing, Head of Advanced Analytics and Head of Customer Advocacy, is a senior management position requiring strong strategic thinking, executive stakeholder management and assertive leadership skills. This role reports directly to the Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer, and often requires supporting the CMSO on critical company initiatives at the highest levels.
The Head of Corporate Communications and Branding leads a team focusing on the following areas:
I. Corporate Communications: Maximize coverage and integration of the strategic narrative across mainstream media and other channels to raise awareness, understanding, emotional connection and calls-to-action among key opinion leaders, journalists and other influencers of our customer base and prospects.
II. Internal Communications: Optimize employee engagement communications (including executive communications) among a range of strategic initiatives and touchpoints so as to strengthen employee morale, commitment, motivation and alignment to We Japan’s business priorities and vision for the future.
III. Corporate Social Responsibility: Strengthen existing and develop new strategic partnerships that provide opportunities for social contribution and employee engagement programs. Integrating the communications related to these programs to support strategic priorities and the brand narrative.
Key Internal Stakeholders:
- CEO
- Chief Distribution Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Human Resources Officer
- Chief Product Officer
- Chief Operations and Transformation Office
- Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
- Engagement Office
- Strategy
Responsibilities:
Corporate Communications and Branding
Develop and implement an integrated external communications strategy.
Develop a strategic narrative and supporting content that build the branding focusing on above-the-line and support business strategies & priorities.
Identify opportunities to generate awareness, understanding and emotional connection towards the We brand through existing as well as newly developed communication channels and touchpoints.
Build relationships with media and key opinion leaders.
Manage the retained PR agency to maximize return on investment.
Monitor We, competitor, and industry coverage in the media, providing analysis and insight that is useful for strategic decision making.
Monitor, assess and manage reputational risk and issues. Initiate and implement proactive measures to minimize such risk and issues.
Internal Communications
Develop internal communications strategies to maximize awareness, understanding and implementation of business strategies and initiatives, optimizing communication across the organization.
Maximize and harmonize the cross-leverage of internal and external facing content.
Oversee and support content development as required by the business. These may include executive communications, product / business announcements, company event coverage, HR-related announcements, and newsletters, etc.
Work closely with executives and other leaders to develop and strengthen employee engagement and behavior change.
Organize and manage channels such as intranet to maximize efficiency and impact.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Identify and partner with external organizations that support causes aligned with our values and brand promise. Serve as relationship manager and main point of contact to these organizations.
Develop programs that will allow We, its employees and its agents to contribute to the communities in which the company operates. Obtain support from internal stakeholders to maximize participation and success.
Leverage the strategic partnerships and CSR activities to build awareness and understanding towards the brand through the media and other channels and touchpoints.
Develop measures, carry out analysis and provide insight to evaluate the impact of CSR efforts.
Team Management
Motivate and inspire the team to maximize the impact of their efforts.
Strengthen the skills and capabilities of team members, particularly with respect to strategic thinking and creative execution.
Ensure the company’s standards and policies are adhered to.
Partner with Regional Communications teams to ensure We initiatives are aligned with Regional strategic plans and guidelines.
Manage the allocated budget for Communications and CSR. Provide insight and recommendations for more efficient and impactful use of resources.
Knowledge/Skills/Competencies/Education:
Bachelor’s degree (with graduate degree preferred)
At least 10+ years of experience in relevant fields (media relations, CSR, employee engagement, etc.) Preference for candidate with experience and/or strong understanding of corporate branding and integrated communications.
Track record of interesting, innovative, and outcomes-focused communication approaches.
Strong business acumen with an aptitude for strategic, critical and analytical thinking.
Highly developed persuasion and negotiating skills, particularly the ability to develop productive working relationships with the CEO and other senior executives.
Expert problem solving, analytical, judgement and decision-making skills.
Collaborative. Can work across different lines of businesses, understanding their priorities and how to deliver outcomes aligned to those priorities.
Excellent organization and prioritization skills.
Can work effectively within a matrix, answering to multiple agendas proactively managing expectations.
Superior leadership and management skills with a demonstrated ability to motivate, coach and mentor.
Experienced in senior stakeholder management.
Comfortable with ambiguity and change.
Fluent in English. Japanese is mandatory.
Challenges:
1. Identifying and prioritizing the most impactful actions to take among a wide variety of BAU and other tasks.
2. Understanding the needs of multiple stakeholders and delivering outcomes that align to their priorities.
3. Building a more strategic and creative mindset within the communications function to strengthen its influence and image.
Internal Guidelines about Work From Home:
- Working from home will be the norm under the current Covid-19 situation.
- This will change as the situation evolves.