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Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Lakeland Dairies
Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties.
With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 6 locations on a cross-border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world’s foremost ‘blue chip’ companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Group’s Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef, and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland.
The Role
The Group Head of Communications will develop and execute a creative and impactful communications strategy, aligned to the overall company strategy and core values which enhances the brand visibility, reputation and market presence of Lakeland Dairies. This role oversees both internal and external communications and will lead the communications team to execute our strategy. The successful candidate will be a key strategic advisor to senior leaders on matters such as crisis management, media relations and key stakeholder engagement. Through this influence and diplomacy, the role holder will ensure Lakeland Dairies remains as a trusted, respected and forward-thinking leader in the food and agricultural sector.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the delivery of a global communications strategy for Lakeland Dairies that presents a consistent and impactful brand presence across all platforms.
* Align messaging with global objectives while ensuring relevance and resonance with local audiences.
* Lead the communications team to achieve team objectives. Manage the communications team budget.
* Act as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team on all aspects of communications and, when appropriate, act as a spokesperson and ambassador for Lakeland Dairies.
* Act as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of communications and corporate affairs.
* Direct public relations and media engagement building strong relations with media stakeholders across ROI and NI
* Work collaboratively across the Group to ensure that accurate and attractive content is captured, developed, and presented consistently and efficiently using traditional and/or digital channels as appropriate to ensure maximum impact.
* Oversee the development of compelling digital, print and broadcast content.
* Implement communications campaigns focused on sustainability, community engagement and farmer advocacy.
* Where necessary, oversee the Group crisis communications in response to emergencies.
* Mitigate reputational risks and ensure timely transparent responses during challenging situations.
* Provide timely and transparent communication to stakeholders during challenging situations to safeguard the Lakeland Dairies reputation and integrity.
* Build and nurture strong relationships with key stakeholders internally and externally including government officials, media representatives, farm members, industry peers and partners, to foster collaboration and advance Lakeland Dairies objectives.
* Guide the internal communication strategies in partnership with the Human Resource Team.
* Support the employee engagement strategy through timely, clear and informative communication.
* Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business, or related field.
* Extensive experience in senior communications, journalism or business ideally in the agri-food, co-operative or related sector.
* Deep understanding of regional dynamics, cultural nuances, and media landscapes across ROI/NI /Europe.
* Successful experience and exposure to organisations working in an innovative space that intersects with a regulatory environment.
* Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication strategies that drive engagement, enhance reputation, and achieve business objectives in diverse markets.
* Exceptional media relations skills and experience working with journalists, media outlets, and influencers across the region.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business goals into actionable communication plans and initiatives.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences and cultural contexts.
* Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media, content management systems, and analytics tools.
Qualifications and Experience
* Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business, or related field.
* Extensive experience in senior communications, journalism or business ideally in the agri-food, co-operative or related sector.
* Deep understanding of regional dynamics, cultural nuances, and media landscapes across ROI/NI /Europe.
* Successful experience and exposure to organisations working in an innovative space that intersects with a regulatory environment.
* Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication strategies that drive engagement, enhance reputation, and achieve business objectives in diverse markets.
* Exceptional media relations skills and experience working with journalists, media outlets, and influencers across the region.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business goals into actionable communication plans and initiatives.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences and cultural contexts.
* Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media, content management systems, and analytics tools.
* Knowledge of Irish agricultural policy and rural affairs
* Experience with political engagement and lobbying
* Familiarity with SEO, content strategy and website management tools
Travel:
* Full drivers licence required
* Travel between ROI and NI sites as required along with occasional international travel.
Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 16th May
Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us at 049 4364200 or email careers@lakelanddairies.com
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Public Relations and Writing/Editing
* Industries
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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