Gestionnaire principal, Communications Corporatives Canada Corporate Communications Senior Manager

GRIFOLS, S.A.•Toronto, ON

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Grifols is seeking an experienced and highly strategic communications professional to lead its corporate communications activities in Canada. The Corporate Communications Senior Manager in Canada will be responsible for protecting and strengthening the company’s reputation in the Canadian market, developing and executing the local communications strategy, managing media relations and providing strategic communications advice to the Chief Communications Officer on matters affecting the company’s activities in Canada. The role requires an in-depth understanding of the Canadian media landscape, strong relationships with relevant national, regional and specialist media, knowledge of the country’s political and institutional environment, and the ability to identify and assess emerging reputational issues. Based in Toronto, Canada, the position will report directly to the Chief Communications Officer in Barcelona. The role will also have a functional reporting line to the Canadian country head and will work closely with him/her to ensure that Canadian business needs and developments are fully reflected in the company’s communications strategy. The responsibilities associated with this position require regular interaction and collaborative work, both in person and through virtual working environments.

Requirements

More than 10 years of progressively senior experience in corporate communications, media relations and reputation management.
Significant professional experience in Canada and a strong understanding of the Canadian media, corporate and stakeholder environment.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing corporate communications strategies in complex, highly visible or regulated organizations.
Established relationships with relevant Canadian media and a strong understanding of how national, regional, business, healthcare and specialist media operate.
Proven experience advising senior executives and providing clear, confident and independent communications recommendations.
Strong experience managing external communications agencies and ensuring accountability for strategic and operational delivery.
Experience managing sensitive issues, reputational risks and crisis communications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
University degree in communications, journalism or a related field.
Strong strategic judgement and the ability to identify when issues require escalation or global alignment.
Excellent knowledge of the Canadian media and stakeholder environment.
Strong writing, editing and corporate storytelling skills.
Ability to translate complex business, scientific or technical information into clear and credible communications.
Confidence advising and working directly with senior executives.
Highly collaborative, with the ability to work effectively across functions, geographies and levels of seniority.
Strong interest in science, healthcare and the broader life sciences sector.
Dynamic and proactive.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences or another highly regulated sector would be a strong asset.
Knowledge of the Canadian healthcare system and the country’s political and institutional environment would be an asset.
French is a plus.
Additional language skills would be highly valued.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement communications plans and initiatives for Canada, in close coordination and alignment with the Chief Communications Officer and the company’s global communications strategy, corporate narrative and business priorities.
Advise the Chief Communications Officer and global Communications team on relevant media, corporate, political and institutional developments in Canada.
Translate global communications priorities and messages into locally relevant actions and content for the Canadian market.
Maintain a direct and regular flow of information with the Chief Communications Officer, providing clear analysis of relevant developments in Canada and their potential implications for the company.
Lead the company’s media relations activities in Canada and act as the main communications contact for Canadian media.
Develop and maintain trusted relationships with relevant national, regional, business, healthcare and specialist journalists and media outlets.
Proactively identify media opportunities that support the company’s visibility, positioning and corporate narrative in Canada.
Manage media enquiries and coordinate responses, interviews, briefings and other media interactions, in alignment with the Chief Communications Officer.
Monitor the Canadian media landscape and identify emerging narratives, opportunities and potential reputational risks.
Provide the Chief Communications Officer and the global Communications team with timely, concise and decision-oriented updates on relevant media developments.
Lead the development and execution of corporate communications initiatives in Canada.
Prepare and adapt communications materials, including key messages, media statements, briefing documents, presentations, executive communications, Q&As and other corporate content.
Support Canadian executives and spokespersons in their external communications activities, including message development, preparation and media training.
Ensure consistency between communications in Canada and the company’s global corporate positioning, while adapting messages and content to the Canadian context.
Coordinate communications relating to corporate milestones, partnerships, investments, operations and other developments relevant to the Canadian market.
Support communications involving healthcare stakeholders, industry associations, patient organizations and relevant institutions in Canada.
Identify and assess potential communications and reputational risks in Canada and recommend appropriate strategies and responses.
Support the preparation and management of sensitive issues and communications crises affecting the company’s activities in Canada.
Develop scenarios, key messages, Q&As and supporting materials to enable timely and informed decision-making.
Monitor the evolution of relevant issues and provide clear analysis of their potential impact on the company.
Manage the day-to-day relationship with the company’s communications agency in Canada.
Set priorities, provide strategic direction and ensure that agency activities are aligned with the company’s communications objectives.
Work in close coordination with the company’s communications agency in Canada on media relations, monitoring, reporting, and the development and review of communications materials.
Maintain effective coordination between the Canadian agency and the global Communications team.