Manager, External Communications, Asia

About the role

The company is looking for an experienced External Communications Manager to strengthen its profile and reputation across Asia. As the external communications business partner, you will work with senior leaders, technical experts and MarCom colleagues to turn business priorities, projects, people and expertise into compelling external stories. You will lead regional media relations, develop thought leadership and market communications, activate integrated social campaigns and maximise visibility through industry recognition and awards. You will also support the regional deployment of global initiatives as part of the Global Marketing & Communications team.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver external communications plans aligned with regional priorities and local market needs.
• Build relationships with key business, trade and industry media to secure local coverage and regional exposure.
• Create stories around projects, people, technical expertise, innovation and impact.
• Support thought leadership, leadership profiling, media enquiries, spokesperson preparation and reputation management.
• Create, edit and adapt high-quality English- and Chinese-language content tailored to each market.
• Localise and activate regional and global campaigns across Asia, integrating PR, social media, thought leadership and project storytelling.
• Monitor campaign performance and turn insights into recommendations.
• Coordinate priority local and regional awards and maximise communications opportunities from them.
• Monitor media, industry and market developments and advise stakeholders.

Required profile

• Degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing, Business or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years' experience in external/corporate communications, PR, media relations or integrated communications, ideally in a regional or multi-market environment.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Chinese; Traditional and Simplified Chinese is an advantage.
• Good understanding of the media and business environment in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan; experience across Asian markets.
• Experience in thought leadership, executive profiling, corporate social media and integrated campaign activation.
• Ability to interpret communications performance and manage priorities across multiple markets.
• Experience in professional services, engineering, infrastructure, the built environment or another complex B2B sector is an advantage.

Required skills

• Strong media relations, writing, editing and storytelling capabilities.
• Sound editorial judgement, cultural awareness and understanding of reputation and communications risk.
• Strong stakeholder-management skills and confidence working with senior leaders and technical experts.