Description

Overall Purpose of the Role
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) brings the Disney, Pixar, MARVEL, Star Wars, National Geographic and 20th Century brands into the lives of families and fans in region through innovative products and experiences.
The Director will lead all aspects of communications for DCP EMEA including PR, internal communications, executive engagement, issues management and B2B communications. In addition to developing and executing high impact PR strategies to drive the DCP business, the Director will liaise with the wider communications teams across The Walt Disney Company to unlock synergy support for key campaigns, and identify relevant partnerships externally, complementing the work of integrated marketing/promotions.
An excellent strategist with strong creative flair, the Director will inspire the team to deliver campaigns that drive earned media across the region and beyond. With a strong network of press contacts, they will lead by example on media relations, continually looking at new ways to deliver great stories and drive social buzz around Disney’s brands and products. A natural collaborator, they will work across the business to represent and deliver integrated communications campaigns– always keeping commercial goals front and centre.
Overall Responsibilities
Primary communications “client manager” for DCP leadership in EMEA
Primary point of contact within DCP for corresponding communications teams in the US and in-markets
Build communication strategies tied to long term issues facing the business
Support the local markets when issues arise and manage communications with relevant stakeholders across the business
Ensure all campaigns are leveraged with our key B2B audiences to maximise commercial value
Determine and prioritise communications activations at a regional and UK level
Develop strategic and long term (12-18 month) plans and tools for the markets to budget and activate locally while providing guidance for target audiences and KPIs
Lead reporting and analysis of all local, regional and global activities within DCP  EMEA for distribution to the regional and global leadership
Liaise with all internal teams to manage DCP product recall or IP leaks issues (global, EMEA corporate, product integrity, legal etc.)
Monitor the news agenda closely and demonstrate a good understanding of the industry
Ensure systems are in place to evaluate consumer engagement and sentiment around issues via social media to put in place appropriate response
Work to proactively troubleshoot issues providing advice and guidance to the business
Executive Support
Provide support to DCP EMEA leadership team on all aspects of communications including presentations, speech writing, internal communications and messaging documents
Ensure that the DCP leadership team is kept fully informed on coverage, potential issues and, as appropriate, competitor activity
Provide guidance and professional expertise to support the development of internal communications for DCP EMEA, including Town Halls and wider team meetings
Work with executives to support the development of their external commercial profiles.
Work alongside DCP EMEA commercial teams to evaluate and ensure that all activities are delivered in a way which supports the external brand image of TWDC
Internal Communications
Oversee robust internal communications programme with Comms Manager for DCP EMEA; partner where necessary with other Comms teams within EMEA and NAM as required to deliver programme e.g. Town Halls, content for internal platforms.
Issues Management/Corporate Communications
Offer advice and guidance to the DCP leadership team on issues that arise providing messaging, internal announcements and press statements and recommendations on the best/most appropriate platforms on which to communicate both internally and externally; liaise as needed with other TWDC/DCP Comms teams
Communication Strategy and Campaign Planning
Work with marketing to develop annual strategic communications plans that reflect the overall segment Annual Operating Plans
Work with brand commercialisation, marketing, and category leadership to understand strategic priorities and identify areas of growth potential before developing innovative communications campaigns to drive the business
Determine and develop annual budget requirements and ensure budgets are appropriately tracked/managed throughout the year
Ensure creative campaign strategies meet business objectives and set KPIs for specific campaigns and teams
Build relationships across the business in EMEA and globally to maximise business impact of campaigns
Work with the markets to ensure planning cycles are aligned and plans are delivered from the regional team in a timely manner
Review campaign performance and identify lessons that can be used to enhance the success of future activities
Campaign delivery
Develop strategic media engagement programmes around key campaigns to maximise business impact
Approve all media materials including press releases, Q&A documents, presentations, statements and speeches
Maintain excellent media relationships with key reporters and liaise with senior journalists to deliver on message coverage and manage the media agenda as appropriate
Oversee PR events ensuring successful delivery
Develop briefs for third-party agencies, lead pitches and negotiate costs working with procurement and legal as necessary
Manage relationships with external agencies, guide them on delivering the best results and ensure appropriate service levels/value for money
Experience and Professional Qualifications Required
Significant communications experience in a leadership role within a blue-chip brand-led organisation and/or PR firm
Proven experience of devising and implementing internal communications programmes
Strong track record of supporting a leadership team on all aspects of communications, including the development of external profiles, speech-writing, media training etc.
Understanding of the global media landscape and strong media strategy skills
Outstanding network of media contacts across Europe (Trade and Consumer) and the ability to confidently handle media issues
Experience of leading and developing a team
Skills Required
Excellent oral/written communication and presentation skills
Disciplined organisational skills in all aspects of job performance with strong attention to detail
Ability to juggle and prioritise multiple projects and execute quickly while maintaining set list of priorities and focus
Flexibility, resourcefulness and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing and growing environment
Ability to influence people/lead in a matrixed organisation and build strong internal/external relationships
Creative spark, strategic vision and the ability to devise and deliver compelling communication strategies
High level of corporate professionalism, maturity and political savvy
Additional information
This role requires you to be in Hammersmith 4 days per week
Flexibility for occasional UK, European or international travel may be required
Flexible hours may be required to meet business needs