Head of Corporate Communications, Chinese Mainland (Location: Shenzhen or Beijing subject to the talent availability)

• CAF - Corporate Affairs
• Shenzhen, Chinese mainland
• Cathay Pacific
• Application Deadline

• Applicants must have the right to live and work in Chinese mainland.
• Once employment is confirmed, the employment contract and personnel file will be arranged through local FESCO/ FASCO.

• This role is to collaborate with the HKG head office and ensure the central strategy is being carried out in an effective and efficient manner.

• This role is accountable for increasing positive media coverage and brand awareness of Cathay Pacific through effective and long-term PR strategies in Chinese mainland. It is responsible for managing the reputation of the Cathay Pacific by building strong trusting relationships and engaging with media and public in Chinese mainland, as well as both internal and external stakeholders.

• The job holder must have an insightful understanding of the media landscape and public sentiment and will be responsible for developing the regional corporate communication plans and content/message to effectively communicate the Group's strategy & initiatives and respond to issues and media enquiries to ensure accurate information is shared to protect and maintain the positive image of the Cathay Pacific in Chinese mainland.

• Develop the overall strategy and implementation plan to build and maintain strong relationship with international and Chinese mainland's media and strengthen engagement to achieve positive coverage on promotional efforts and to secure understanding on less favourable developments.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with national and local media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Lead a team to handle day-to-day media enquiries and issues related the Cathay Pacific in Chinese mainland.
• Plan and execute PR events, press conferences, and promotional activities to create positive publicity and enhance Cathay's visibility.

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the airline's reputation and brand image in Chinese mainland and coordinate with social media team, catering the unique characteristics and preferences of different local CN markets.

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication plans to disseminate corporate news, announcements, and initiatives, ensuring consistent and coordinated communication efforts between HK and Chinese Mainland offices.
• Ensure external communications are executed according to agreed corporate communications plan.
• Evaluate the Company's need for external PR agency and to lead the sourcing process, if needed.

• Build and maintain strong trusting relationship with senior leaders and internal stakeholders to keep informed and abreast of all corporate initiatives and affairs to ensure corporate communication plans and contents are in place and executed to achieve positive media coverage.
• Be a trusted advisor and craft messages and communication contents for senior leaders, as and when required.
• Work with internal business units / stakeholders to formulate communication plans and contents to ensure accurate information is shared with media to secure understanding on less favourable story/news related to the Cathay Pacific and to mitigate and minimise the negative impact of any issues related to the company's policies, measures or initiatives.
• Promote the standing of the Cathay Pacific in Chinese mainland by elevating communication on customer propositions, sales and marketing initiatives, sustainable development as well as the corporate position on all key topics of interest through all communication channels/platforms.

• Develop and execute crisis communication plans to protect the airline's reputation and maintain stakeholder confidence.

• Emergency and Accident and Crisis Response responsibilities as required.

• University degree or above, preferably with major in communications, journalism, or related disciplines.

• A minimum of 10 years of working experience in corporate communications, while a journalistic, public relations or marketing communication background is also an advantage.
• At least 5 years should be at managerial or leadership capacity to manage direct reports.
• Strong communicator who has experience in advising senior management on strategic communication.
• In-depth understanding of socio-political landscape and keep abreast of current affairs.
• Good team player with strong people management and interpersonal skills.
• Excellence relationship and network with Chinese mainland and international media.
• Ability to work quickly and effectively in high-pressure situations.
• Exceptional leadership skills.
• Excellence command in written/spoken English and Chinese.
• Strong communication, writing and editing skills.
• Understanding of the airline business is an advantage.
• Travelling within the region is required.

Cathay Pacific