Senior Communications Manager

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?  

The role will ensure requests for internal & external communications from the business are being delivered through exacting communications plans and innovative two-way communications channels and therefore contribute to building employee engagement and employees’ understanding of how certain projects, programmes and initiatives contribute to the wider business agenda.

Manage and enhance the editorial aspects of the corporate website, develop and manage the internal communications plan and plan, edit, and  project manage the design and print of corporate publications, including the Annual Review.  As member of the Corporate Communications team within Legal & CORA , this role is one of several designed to support of CORA’s strategic imperative of positioning British American Tobacco as a responsible company.

The Sr. Communication Manager will lead communication strategies for Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) campaigns in PTC, focusing on Modern Oral products. The role involves media relations expertise, strategic messaging, regulatory compliance, and campaign execution to ensure the successful promotion of THR initiatives in a developing market where Pakistan is recognized internationally as a lead market for Modern Oral. This role will play a significant part in developing the right narrative for ensuring all NC products get the right regulatory framework in Pakistan.

What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?

(please provide a list of typical accountabilities to be performed. Please avoid unfamiliar acronyms, project names or BAT jargon and ensure terminology is external market friendly. Please prioritise the most critical accountabilities and reflect them within the first 8 points)  

• Develop and manage internal communications plans and strategies in line with the Groups’ strategic priorities for Group, functions, programmes or projects with global range and exposure
• Ensure aligned messaging, timing, frequency, channels, tools, processes and suppliers
• Accountable for executional excellence of all deliverables
• Responsibility for budget, resource and time management
• Ensure and monitor effective implementation

• Maintain and develop local corporate website as a high quality, up-to-date and innovative communications medium that optimises opportunities to demonstrate British American Tobacco as a responsible company.
• Write, edit, co-ordinate and ensure legal approval gained for all site content.
• Joint responsibility for the design and functionality of web site – including initiating improvements.
• Responsible for executing the Group’s internal communications strategy and plan aimed at delivering employee understanding, engagement and ownership of the company’s vision and plan and enhancing corporate reputation.
• Co-ordinate with relevant teams (HR, Global Legal & CORA etc.) to help develop a network of  employee communicators with aim of sharing and promoting best practice and raising awareness of and buy-in to the role of internal communications 

•  Work proactively with the businesses, Corporate Press Office and other Legal & CORA stakeholder managers, devise and implement internal communication plans for key business, reputation and issues management initiatives, to ensure that the employee stakeholder group is fully involved and engaged.
• Communicate with external communication channels including digital and print media to ensure that BAT is represented in line with its vision.
• Responsible for managing employee communication through a range of tools including Interact, Bulletin Board, Business Connection briefings, Open Forums and publications to best use of a variety of channels for company messages.  Review existing channels of communication and where appropriate develop new and creative approaches to enhancing staff communication.
• Plan, write, edit and manage other publication projects for the end market and external stakeholders. Introduce new ideas and publications as deemed necessary.

• Responsible for guardianship of corporate identity by following the company identity guidelines
• Commission and brief external contractors, including writers, photographers, designers and printers to deliver high quality work to budget. 
• Develop strategic partnerships with media outlets to ensure PTC’s narrative pertaining to different business issues are communicated to the right stakeholders.
• Formulate and lead D4C communication plans that will be required by the business for different issues.
• Lead the design, development and execution of comprehensive THR campaigns through the utilization of a mix of communication tools to reach and mobilize target audiences, including media, digital campaigning, and grassroots activities.
• Develop comprehensive business cases for strategic campaigns, including campaign and business objectives, expected business impact and benefits, associated risks, strategic approach, investment requirements, and metrics for tracking and reporting.
• Create and adapt messaging tailored to PTC’s specific market conditions, with a focus on VELO as part of THR strategies.
• Develop strong relationships with local media outlets to position VELO as a practical solution for THR in Pakistan.
• Oversee the creation of media materials (press releases, Q&A, talking points, etc.) that communicate the benefits of THR, emphasizing the role of VELO.
• Develop and maintain relationships with a broad ecosystem of agencies to ensure access to a wide range of campaign-related expertise and the ability to quickly scale up campaign operations and effectively communicate campaign goals.
• Work closely with legal and regulatory teams to advocate for favourable regulations that support the role of VELO in THR.
• Stay informed on global THR trends and policies to anticipate and address regulatory changes.
• Monitor competitive landscape (Tobacco Control Community) and identify opportunities to differentiate VELO in the local marketplace through impactful campaigning.
• Regularly report on campaign progress, outcomes, and media coverage to senior leadership, making data-driven recommendations for improvement where applicable.
• Scientific Regulatory Engagement:
• Identify scientific gaps, issues and challenges faced in Pakistan.
• Deploy an array of existing scientific research adapted to different audiences to support local regulatory context – utilizing both global research and local/regional scientific research where applicable.
• Deliver effective scientific communication as per strategic plans on areas of THR (e.g. product category, regulatory goal, targeted audience etc.)
• Deploy THR narratives scientifically substantiated to influence positive regulatory outcomes in localized geography.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE

ESSENTIAL(please provide only criteria considered to be ‘must haves’)

Experience Required

(Please put the most critical information in the first 2 points

• More than 6 years of experience in comms and scientific engagement preferably in a global company and regulated industry.
• Experience in PR & Communications
• Strong skills in digital media, experience in handling online tactics and strategies for specific audiences

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

(Please put the most critical information and reflect it in the first 4 points)

• Deep cross functional appreciation of the business – marketing, operations, Legal & CORA, finance, legal
• Active interest in business, tobacco and tobacco control issues, aptitude for absorbing information and intuitive application to the debate
• Cultural awareness and appreciation of the local business and regulatory environment
• Commitment and passion – attention to detail and a desire to succeed.
• Understand how a story relates to the strategy and where/how it could amplify
• Knowledge of what will cut through with different audiences.
• Ability to identify when an agency is needed and to brief accordingly.
• Ability to work independently and manage and advise a range of stakeholders independently.
• Knowledge of multicultural communication and diversity and inclusion principles

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.