Communications Country Lead SSA at Bayer East Africa

• The Country Communications (COM) Lead is the most senior single contributor in a specific market and demonstrates VACC leadership behavior and brings an enterprise-mindset.
• The Country COM Lead reports directly to the Cluster Communications Lead, could also serve as deputy Cluster Lead or can lead a country cluster / divisional regional work on top (double hat), in which case this person reports to the Head of Communications.
• The position holder can also be a lead/member of one or even more central squad or work teams and various capability teams (work organization).
• The Country COM Lead drives communication outcomes in the country and – pending on the specific tasks – beyond country on a country cluster or enterprise-wide level. The position holder works closely with the divisional CDHs and EF leads in the country to drive outcomes, acting as a strategic counsel / advisor. The incumbent also takes part and actively contributes to local customer, product, technical and enabling teams, including Bayer positioning and reputation management
• The Country COM Lead represents Bayer externally with the appropriate seniority in coordination with the Managing Director or the Bayer representative at the local level. He/She builds and retains a solid external network with media, opinion leaders, diverse organizations, consultants and other key stakeholders in the country to positively influence perceptions and relationships affecting Bayer.
• In summary, the Country Communications Lead is pivotal in coordinating and executing senior communications activities within a specific market, partners with senior leaders in the relevant country, builds networks and represents the company in relevant country forums, contributes to the broader cluster and global communications activities as appropriate to shape positive business outcomes, Bayer’s reputation and a favorable market environment.

Task and Responsibilities :

Leadership:

• Being a senior person in the country, the position holder acts as VACC leader in local work teams by creating an environment of trust, visibility, collaboration and autonomy that brings the best in people who achieve exceptional results, stimulated by constant development
•  Budget management country

Senior level business support:

• Coordinates communication strategy and activities in a specific market
•  Opens windows of valued opportunities and strategic partnerships for the businesses
•  Execute senior level communications activities.

Issue Resolution:

• Proactively identify and address challenges that hinder the success of the COMs function at country level, ensuring timely and effective solutions

Company representation:

• Represents Bayer externally in coordination with the local senior leaders.
• Builds and retains a solid external network with media, opinion leaders,diverse organizations, consultants and other key stakeholders in the country to positively influence perceptions and relationships affecting Bayer.

Value added to the success of the company – what are the main objectives of the function?

Support for Business Growth:

• Advising on and executing key country communication activities aligned with key business objectives, driving a favorable market environment and business growth.

Reputation Enhancement and Defense:

• Advising on and executing key country communications activities to enhance and defend Bayer's reputation.
• In summary, the Country Communications Lead contributes significantly to specific country business outcomes by advising and executing impactful communications activities to support growth initiatives, enhance Bayer’s reputation, create a favorable business environment, engage employees, and leverage digital channels for broader stakeholder communication within a specific market. These efforts collectively drive positive results for the company

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Preferably a university degree or equivalent, especially with the main focus on Communications
• Fluency in the English and French language – one or more local languages beneficial
• Experience and proven track record in working across the core COM functions
• Situational leadership experience in a market
• Knowledge of the Bayer Group business, organization and processes
• Team-oriented leadership skills honed through experience with senior management
• Exceptional Communications skills with the ability to build long- term partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
•  Experienced in multidisciplinary project management
• Understanding of financial impacts derived from COM decisions and policies with the ability to operate effectively with limited resources
•  Ability to challenge and take ownership.
• Very strong business acumen and competitive insight