📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Lead of External Communications (m/w/d)
🔹 Company: KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA
🔹 Location: Einbeck, Lower Saxony, Germany
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 office days per week)
🔹 Category: Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid work arrangement
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing external communications strategy
- Leading and developing a team for effective collaboration and excellent results
- Creating engaging content and managing media relations
- Supporting executive appearances and overseeing crisis communication
- Monitoring and reporting on communication KPIs and engaging with stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and excellent communication abilities. The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role and be comfortable working in a dynamic, international environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and implementing external communications strategy
✅ Leading and developing a team for effective collaboration and excellent results
✅ Creating engaging content and managing media relations
✅ Supporting executive appearances and overseeing crisis communication
✅ Monitoring and reporting on communication KPIs and engaging with stakeholders
✅ Coordinating and aligning communication measures with other departments and international colleagues
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of autonomy and requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Relevant degree in communication, journalism, or a related field
Experience: At least 5-10 years of relevant experience in editorial and press work, with leadership experience being an advantage
Required Skills:
- Excellent storytelling abilities
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Proven experience in content creation and media relations
- Fluency in German and English, both written and spoken
- Proficiency in MS Office
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the life sciences sector (e.g., agrarwirtschaft)
- Familiarity with crisis communication and corporate positioning
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in a similar role and a strong portfolio demonstrating their communication skills will be highly competitive for this position.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €60,000 - €80,000 per year (estimate based on industry standards for a similar role and experience level)
Benefits:
- Flexible working hours
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Professional development opportunities
- Childcare support
- Job bike
- Christmas bonus
- Vacation pay
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible working hours and the option to work remotely for 2 days per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a similar role and experience level. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal salary structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA is a leading global plant breeding company, focusing on corn, sugar beet, cereals, rapeseed, sunflowers, and vegetables. The company operates in an international market with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.
Company Size: KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA has 5,001-10,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and development.
Founded: The company was founded in 1856 and has since grown into a globally recognized player in the agricultural sector.
Company Description:
- KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA is a family-owned company with a strong tradition of independence and innovation
- The company focuses on plant breeding, seed production, and sales, as well as biotechnology and genetic engineering
- KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA operates in an international environment with motivated employees and experienced teams
Company Specialties:
- Plant breeding
- Seed production
- Seed sales and marketing
- Biotechnology
- Genetic engineering
- Plant breeding innovation
- Sustainable agriculture
Company Website: http://www.kws.com
ASSUMPTION: KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA offers a dynamic and international work environment with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The company's family-owned structure fosters a culture of closeness, reliability, foresight, and independence.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a high degree of autonomy, leadership, and strategic thinking.
Reporting Structure: The Lead of External Communications reports directly to the Head of Corporate Communications.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring employees to work on-site for 3 days per week and remotely for 2 days per week.
Growth Opportunities:
- As a senior-level position, this role offers opportunities for career advancement within the company's communications department or other departments
- The company's international presence provides opportunities for global career development
- KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development
ASSUMPTION: This role offers excellent growth opportunities for candidates with strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a proven track record in external communications.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The company's headquarters in Einbeck, Lower Saxony, Germany, features a modern and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA has its headquarters in Einbeck, with additional offices in Berlin, Germany, and Patos de Minas, Brazil.
Geographic Context:
- Einbeck is a town in Lower Saxony, Germany, with a population of approximately 30,000 people
- The region offers a high quality of life, with easy access to nature, cultural attractions, and recreational activities
- Einbeck is well-connected by road and public transportation, with the nearest international airport being Hannover Airport (HAJ), approximately 45 minutes away
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible working hours and the option to work remotely for 2 days per week
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA is collaborative, dynamic, and international, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The company's headquarters in Einbeck offers a modern and well-equipped work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the company's SuccessFactors system
- Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members to discuss the role, responsibilities, and expectations
- Final interview with the Head of Corporate Communications to discuss career aspirations and make a hiring decision
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with the company's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission, values, and industry by conducting thorough research and incorporating your findings into your application materials
- Prepare for the interview by practicing common interview questions and developing thoughtful responses that showcase your qualifications and fit for the role
ATS Keywords: External Communications, Lead, Storytelling, Media Relations, Crisis Communication, KPI Monitoring, Stakeholder Engagement, Communication Strategy, Team Leadership, Content Creation
ASSUMPTION: The application process at KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA is designed to assess candidates' communication skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in external communications.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Content management systems (CMS)
- Media monitoring and analysis tools
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with the tools and technologies listed above and be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Family ownership and independence
- Innovation and sustainability
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Continuous learning and development
Work Style:
- Dynamic and international work environment
- Strong focus on innovation and sustainability
- Collaborative and team-oriented culture
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, international work environment with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability?
- Are you a strong leader with excellent communication skills and a proven track record in external communications?
- Do you enjoy working collaboratively with team members to achieve excellent results?
ASSUMPTION: KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA values candidates who are passionate about innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to the company's values and mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires a high degree of autonomy and may involve working under tight deadlines and pressure
- The company's international presence may require occasional travel and working with colleagues in different time zones
- The role may involve managing conflicting priorities and stakeholders with competing interests
- The company's family-owned structure may present unique challenges and opportunities for career development
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities, with strong communication skills and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, international work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other communications roles in its focus on external communications and leadership responsibilities
- The role requires a strong strategic mindset and excellent communication skills, with a focus on storytelling and media relations
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to a Head of Communications or similar leadership position within the company or industry
ASSUMPTION: This role offers excellent opportunities for career advancement and professional development within the company's communications department or other departments.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive external communications strategy for a major product launch
- Managing media relations for a high-profile crisis situation, including coordinating with internal stakeholders and external partners
- Creating engaging content for various channels, including articles, videos, and social media posts, to raise brand awareness and drive customer engagement
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with similar projects and be able to demonstrate their ability to develop and execute effective external communications strategies.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's approach to external communications and how this role fits into the broader communications strategy?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the communications department?
- Can you provide an example of a successful external communications campaign and discuss the role's contribution to its success?
- How does the company foster a culture of innovation and sustainability, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will ask thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role, the company, and the industry, and their commitment to driving excellence in external communications.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA careers page
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for the interview by practicing common interview questions and developing thoughtful responses that showcase your qualifications and fit for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after the interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
