Head of Communications (m/w/d) Head of Communications (m/w/d)

📌 Core Information

- Job Title: Head of Communications (m/w/d)
- Company: Hyundai Motor Europe GmbH
- Location: Offenbach, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
- Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
- Category: Communications, Marketing
- Date Posted: April 28, 2025
- Experience Level: 10+ years
- Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

- Defining and leading the European Communications strategy
- Establishing and enforcing Communications governance across markets
- Collaborating with global teams to harmonize regional efforts
- Integrating communication initiatives into broader business operations
- Supervising the creation of press materials and executive speeches
- Monitoring media coverage and public sentiment
- Acting as the primary lead in crisis communication
- Crafting and implementing executive communication strategies
- Spearheading high-impact communication campaigns

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across multiple regions.

📋 Key Responsibilities

- ✅ Define and lead the overarching European Communications strategy, ensuring full alignment with Genesis global corporate objectives while adapting to regional market dynamics.
- ✅ Establish and enforce the Communications governance across all existing and future European markets, maintaining strategic consistency and reinforcing a unified, premium brand image across diverse audiences.
- ✅ Collaborate closely with Global Communications teams to harmonize regional efforts with the broader corporate communication strategy, ensuring a seamless global narrative.
- ✅ Integrating communication initiatives into broader business operations to drive measurable impact and strengthen brand positioning.
- ✅ Supervise the creation of all press materials, including press releases, executive speeches, and key messaging documents, ensuring precision, engagement, and alignment with brand values.
- ✅ Monitor and analyze media coverage, public sentiment, and industry trends to refine communication approaches, proactively identifying opportunities and mitigating risks.
- ✅ Act as the primary lead in crisis communication, safeguarding the brand’s reputation through strategic messaging and rapid response tactics.
- ✅ Craft and implement executive communication strategies, ensuring top management’s messaging is compelling, consistent, and aligned with corporate vision.
- ✅ Spearhead high-impact communication campaigns that elevate Genesis’ media presence, enhance brand perception, and contribute directly to business growth and market influence.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and crisis preparedness.

🎯 Required Qualifications

- Education: Degree qualified in Communications, Marketing, or a related discipline
- Experience: Minimum of 15 years in a related position
- Required Skills:
- Excellent in-depth strategic industry knowledge of the European automotive industry
- Highly evolved ability to make judgments and provide strategic advice
- Strong media relationships and a robust network across Europe/globally
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally with key stakeholders across Genesis and Hyundai Motor Group globally
- Capability of managing, protecting, and enhancing the corporate reputation of GME
- Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in English, with other European languages advantageous
- Experience in the automotive industry or a related field

ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates with extensive experience in communications and a strong understanding of the European automotive industry are preferred.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

- Salary Range: €120,000 - €150,000 per year (AI-estimated, based on experience level and market standards)
- Benefits:
- Highly competitive salary and benefits package
- Hybrid working policy and flexible working hours
- Executive leadership role supported by continued learning and professional development
- Opportunities to join company sporting clubs (tennis, soccer, yoga, golf)
- Free access to the company gym
- Highly international working environment
- Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on market standards for similar roles in the automotive industry. The final offer may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

- Industry: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
- Company Size: 501-1,000 employees
- Founded: 2000
- Company Description:
- Hyundai is a progressive, innovative leader in future mobility, with a clear vision for a zero-emission society.
- In Europe, Hyundai is accelerating at an impressive pace, with 75% of the cars sold designed, engineered, and built in Europe.
- Hyundai offers a highly international working environment, allowing employees the freedom to think without boundaries and explore every possibility.
- Company Specialties: Automotive, Marketing, Sales, Aftersales, IT, Design, and Customer Experience

📊 Role Analysis

- Career Level: Executive leadership role
- Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the CEO or another C-level executive
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site per week)
- Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to shape the European Communications strategy and make a significant impact on the company's brand and reputation
- Opportunities to work with global teams and gain exposure to international markets
- Possibility to progress to a global Communications role within the Hyundai Motor Group

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a real impact on the company's brand and reputation.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

- Office Type: Modern, international office environment
- Office Location: Offenbach, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
- Geographic Context:
- Offenbach is located in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region, offering a high quality of life and easy access to cultural attractions and international business hubs.
- The region is home to a diverse, multicultural population and a thriving automotive industry.
- Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, allowing for flexibility and a better work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

- Typical Process: Online application → Phone/Video screening → On-site interviews with key stakeholders → Final decision
- Key Assessment Areas: Strategic thinking, industry knowledge, communication skills, leadership potential, cultural fit
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Showcase your understanding of the European automotive industry and Hyundai's brand.
- Prepare examples of your crisis communication experience and strategic communication campaigns.
- Be ready to discuss your approach to managing and enhancing corporate reputation.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the candidate's role and responsibilities.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

- Company Values: Progressive, innovative, challenging, international, collaborative
- Work Style: Fast-paced, dynamic, cross-functional, data-driven, results-oriented
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Hyundai's progressive mindset and can-do attitude?
- How do you approach working effectively with diverse, multinational teams?
- How do you balance strategic thinking with a focus on delivering tangible results?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who thrive in fast-paced, international environments and possess a strong work ethic will likely find a good cultural fit at Hyundai.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

- Managing multiple stakeholders across diverse regions and time zones
- Balancing strategic thinking with the need for rapid response in crisis situations
- Adapting to the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the automotive industry
- Maintaining a consistent brand image across diverse markets and audiences

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome by strong leadership, effective communication, and a strategic mindset.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

- How this role differs from related positions:
- This role focuses on European Communications strategy, while related positions may have a broader global scope or a more specific regional focus.
- This role requires a strong understanding of the European automotive industry, while related positions may require industry-specific knowledge.
- Industry-specific context:
- The automotive industry is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Effective communication is crucial for maintaining a strong brand image and driving business growth.
- Career path comparison:
- This role offers the opportunity to progress to a global Communications role within the Hyundai Motor Group.
- Related roles may offer similar career progression opportunities within the company or industry.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the European Communications strategy and make a significant impact on the company's brand and reputation.

📝 Sample Projects

- Developing and implementing a comprehensive crisis communication plan for a major product recall
- Creating and executing a high-impact communication campaign to launch a new electric vehicle model in Europe
- Monitoring and analyzing media coverage to identify trends and inform strategic communication approaches

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to showcase the candidate's ability to think strategically, work effectively with stakeholders, and deliver tangible results.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

- How does this role fit into the broader corporate communication strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics, and how this role will collaborate with other departments?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the European automotive industry, and how can effective communication help address them?
- How does Hyundai support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in leadership roles?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does the hybrid work arrangement support this?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's responsibilities, the company culture, and the opportunities for professional growth.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

- Submit your application through [this link](https://jobs.hyundai-europe.com/genesis-career/job/Offenbach-Head-of-Communications-%28mwd%29-Hess-63067/1157132055/) by May 15, 2025
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your crisis communication experience and strategic communication campaigns
- Be ready to discuss your approach to managing and enhancing corporate reputation
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.