General Description of the Role

The Senior Manager of Public Affairs and Communications plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the organization’s engagement strategy. This position is responsible for managing institutional relations, public policy advocacy, corporate communications, and community relations across Jamaica and partnerships markets of the Caribbean. The role ensures strategic coherence across the corporate affairs department and provides high-level guidance to local internal teams and external stakeholders.

The incumbent also oversees the work of the J. Wray & Nephew Foundation and in so doing provides leadership for the development of the strategies and policies to drive the delivery of the Foundation’s core pillars under Social Inclusion, Education and Culture.

Objectives

The mission of the position is to:

• Proactively shape the image and the perception of JWN’s corporate brand by devising public policy strategies, media and social media strategies, overseeing the philanthropy efforts and ensuring reputation at the leadership level of influential private sector organizational bodies
• Foster strong relationships with and access to policymakers, private sector leaders, media representatives and other persons for JWN & Campari Executives 
• Directs JWN’s public response on crises communications and issues in the public domain which can potentially negatively impact the business in alignment with the Group guidelines
• Negotiates complex, multi-stakeholder projects that incorporate departments within JWN and partners outside of the organizations.
• Provide leadership and vision to the Public Affairs function so that JWN is viewed as an exemplary corporate citizen 
• Provides strategic leadership for the J. Wray & Nephew Foundation

Key Responsibilities

As Senior Manager for Public Affairs and Communications, you will lead strategic initiatives that enhance the company’s reputation, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory positioning in Jamaica. You will directly manage the Corporate Communications Manager and the Public Affairs & Government Relations Manager, ensuring alignment with regional and global priorities.

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and coordinate execution of integrated communication and public affairs strategies aligned with business objectives and sustainability goals.
• Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on reputational, regulatory, and stakeholder matters that will allow the business to anticipate external challenges in Jamaica and the region.
• Provide strategic direction and mentorship to direct reports, fostering a high-performance, collaborative team culture.

Corporate Communications

• Oversee corporate communications, including media relations, crisis communication (in alignment with Group corporate comms), and corporate brand messaging.
• Ensure coherent, consistent and culturally relevant messaging across all channels and audiences.
• Lead issue and crisis management planning and response in alignment with Group HQ.

Public Affairs & Government Relations

• Directly oversee engagement with government agencies, regulatory authorities, and principal stakeholders to advocate for beneficial policy results.
• Oversee the monitoring and day-to-day analysis of legislative and regulatory developments impacting the business.
• Coordinate appropriate representation of the company in industry associations, public forums, and stakeholder consultations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reputation Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, NGOs, and other external stakeholders.
• Drive initiatives that enhance corporate reputation, social license to operate, and community impact.
• Serve as an active representative of the JWN Foundation to secure the appropriate involvement and support of the business necessary to achieve the Foundation objectives.

Key Relationships

• Internal: JWN Managing Director, JWN Leadership team, Regional Public Affairs leaders, JWNF Foundation
• External: Government and legislative stakeholders, regulators, trade associations, NGO partners, competitors, corporate media.

Experience & Competencies

• Minimum 10 years of proven public affairs experience acquired either within national, CARICOM, international institutions, trade associations or multinational companies.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing senior-level teams, including setting strategic direction, coaching, and performance management
• Ability to influence and communicate at all levels within an organization, including executive level engagement
• Proven external stakeholder engagement track record to advance public policy positions with a range of diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, international organizations and investors
• Experience in corporate communications, including media relations, executive messaging, and internal communications strategy.
• Proven leadership experience in nonprofit organizations, including stakeholder engagement, advocacy campaigns, and board-level collaboration.
• Track record in developing and delivering a thought leadership strategy across a range of external platforms and channels
• Familiar with cross-cultural issues and working in complex matrix organizations.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Takes an entrepreneurial approach; is agile, pragmatic, proactive, adaptable, and skilled at managing change.
• Familiarity with sustainability, environmental policy, or corporate responsibility is a plus.

Education/ Professional Qualifications

• MBA and a First Degree with major in Public Affairs / International Relations
• Additional qualification in Project Management (PMP) would be an asset
• Knowledge of an additional language (Spanish, French, Italian) is considered a plus