📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Regional Communications Business Partner, Chemical Manufacturing
🔹 Company: AkzoNobel
🔹 Location: Troy, MI; High Point, NC; Nashville, TN
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Chemical Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-08
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing communication strategies to enhance AkzoNobel's reputation
- Engaging key stakeholders, including media, trade associations, and employees
- Positioning AkzoNobel as a top employer to attract talent
- Collaborating with global teams and elevating regional stories
- Monitoring trends and best practices in corporate communications
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Design and execute internal and external communication strategies aligned with company positioning
✅ Protect and enhance the AkzoNobel brand through campaigns supporting innovation, sustainability, and employer of choice
✅ Assist in positioning AkzoNobel as a top employer to attract talent
✅ Design communications strategies to drive internal engagement and build employee ambassadors
✅ Support the global Public Affairs strategy by developing relationships with key stakeholders
✅ Prepare executives and spokespeople for interviews and create communications packages
✅ Collaborate with global teams to elevate regional stories for potential use in global channels
✅ Follow and implement trends and best practices in communications
✅ Monitor and report progress against agreed internal and external communications targets and objectives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Marketing, or related field
Experience: 7 years of communications experience in a corporate or agency environment
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of delivering integrated, multi-channel external and internal communications and public relations programs and campaigns
- Ability to coordinate multiple business demands in alignment with company strategy
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Effective time management and project management skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Fluent in English
Preferred Skills:
- Experience using communications and media software
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the chemical manufacturing industry or related sectors may have an advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $110,000 - $123,000 per year
Benefits:
- Medical insurance with HSA
- Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
- Annual bonus
- 401K retirement savings with 6% company match
- Generous vacation, personal, and holiday pay
- Paid parental leave
- Active diversity and inclusion networks
- Career growth opportunities on a regional and global scale
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee referral bonus
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: AkzoNobel is a global leader in paints and coatings, operating in over 150 countries with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
Company Size: AkzoNobel has 10,001+ employees, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: 1792, with a rich history and extensive experience in the chemical manufacturing industry.
Company Description:
- AkzoNobel supplies innovative paints and coatings that help color people's lives and protect what matters most.
- The company's world-class portfolio of brands, including Dulux, International, Sikkens, and Interpon, is trusted by customers worldwide.
- AkzoNobel is committed to sustainability and creating a better tomorrow while preserving the best of what we have today.
Company Specialties:
- Paints and coatings
- Sustainability and innovation
- Global operations and market leadership
Company Website: http://www.akzonobel.com
ASSUMPTION: AkzoNobel's extensive global presence and commitment to sustainability make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a challenging and impactful role.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior specialist level, requiring a high degree of expertise and autonomy.
Reporting Structure: The Regional Communications Business Partner reports directly to the Global Communications Director.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or meetings.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within the communications function
- Expansion into other regions or global roles
- Broadening of responsibilities to include additional aspects of corporate communications
ASSUMPTION: Given AkzoNobel's global presence and commitment to employee development, there are significant growth opportunities for the right candidate.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AkzoNobel's offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster creativity and productivity.
Office Location(s): Troy, MI; High Point, NC; Nashville, TN
Geographic Context:
- Troy, MI: A suburb of Detroit with a diverse population and a strong job market
- High Point, NC: Known for its furniture industry, High Point offers a mix of urban and rural living
- Nashville, TN: A vibrant city with a thriving music and arts scene, offering a high quality of life
Work Schedule: Standard business hours with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours to accommodate meetings or deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The location of this role may require occasional travel to other AkzoNobel offices or sites, depending on business needs.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the global communications director and other team members
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and strategic thinking
- Project management and organizational skills
- Understanding of AkzoNobel's business and industry
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of AkzoNobel's business and industry in your application materials
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on your communication skills, project management abilities, and strategic mindset
ATS Keywords: communications, marketing, public relations, project management, stakeholder engagement, brand management, trend monitoring, strategy development, campaign execution, digital communication
ASSUMPTION: AkzoNobel's application process may include assessments or case studies to evaluate candidates' skills and fit for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Communications and media software (e.g., Cision, Muck Rack, Meltwater)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the region and team preferences.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer focus
- Sustainability
- Innovation
- Performance-driven
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering excellence
- Adaptable and open to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate customer focus in your daily work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you drove innovation in a communications project?
- How do you balance multiple priorities and manage your time effectively?
ASSUMPTION: AkzoNobel values candidates who are passionate about their work, committed to sustainability, and eager to contribute to the company's success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple business demands and stakeholder expectations
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Adapting to changes in business priorities or market conditions
- Occasional travel requirements
ASSUMPTION: The right candidate will thrive in a challenging, fast-paced environment and be able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Regional Communications Business Partner vs. Global Communications Manager: The former focuses on regional stakeholders and may have less global influence, while the latter has a broader scope and more significant impact on global communications strategies.
- Chemical Manufacturing vs. Other Industries: AkzoNobel's unique industry context requires an understanding of chemical manufacturing processes, regulations, and industry trends.
- Career Path: This role can serve as a stepping stone to more senior communications positions within AkzoNobel or other organizations.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their long-term career goals and how this role fits into their overall professional development plan.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a regional communications campaign to support a new product launch
- Collaborating with global teams to elevate regional stories for use in global channels
- Monitoring and reporting on progress against agreed internal and external communications targets and objectives
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and the level of autonomy required for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the global communications strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the communications function, and how can this role help address them?
- How does AkzoNobel support the professional development of its employees, particularly in the communications function?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will success be measured?
- How does AkzoNobel foster a culture of innovation and sustainability, and what role does this position play in driving those initiatives?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role, the company, and its long-term success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills, demonstrating your understanding of AkzoNobel's business and industry
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on your communication skills, project management abilities, and strategic mindset
- If selected, be prepared to provide examples of your work and participate in case studies or assessments to evaluate your fit for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
