Join AniCura as Head of External Communications Affairs and lead the charge in shaping our reputation and driving impactful communications. Be the voice that brings our vision to life and helps shape the future of veterinary care across global markets.

About AniCura:

AniCura is a family of well-known animal hospitals and clinics specialized in veterinary care for companion animals. AniCura provides modern, high-quality veterinary care for pets at over 500 practices in 15 European countries and creates peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety. AniCura has a turnover of around $1B with the aspiration to expand business through a combination of organic growth and new hospital acquisitions. Every year, AniCura’s 12.000 passionate veterinary professionals attend to three million companion animal patients. Since 2018, AniCura has been a part of Mars Veterinary Health, a family-owned company focused on veterinary care.

Job overview:

AniCura is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of External Communications Affairs to play a key role in building and managing our reputation through external communications and stakeholder relationships. You will bring to life AniCura's strategy and vision, contributing to shaping the future of veterinary care.

As a member of the Corporate Affairs Brand team, you will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Corporate Affairs function, working closely with AniCura Market General Managers, Heads of Marketing Communications, and colleagues at Mars Veterinary Health and its other business units. You will lead the external communications agenda, covering media relations, PR, crisis management, public affairs, government relations, and community engagement across all AniCura markets.

Description

Job Title: Head of External Communications Affairs [AniCura Group]

Department: Marketing Corporate Affairs

Reports To: AniCura Group Corporate Affairs Brand Director

Location: Netherlands / Belgium / Germany / Spain / Sweden [Hybrid]

Languages : Proficient in English and any other European language is a plus.

Key Stakeholder: Members of AniCura Corporate Affairs Leadership Team and MVH Corporate Affairs Community, AniCura Market General Managers, External Media Relations

Contract: Full Time

Key responsibilities:

Champion the Five Principles of Mars within your team and daily work.

Be responsible for the creation and implementation of the External Corporate Affairs strategy and communications plan at AniCura, including clearly defined objectives, initiatives, and follow-up measures.

Manage AniCura´s Public Affairs/Government Relations agenda and engage with stakeholders at all levels on behalf of the business.

Serve as Communications Leader on the Crisis Management Team and support the management of crises and issues across AniCura in partnership with Local Market Leadership Teams and Communications Managers to maintain and secure business continuity.

Monitor public opinion, industry trends, and regulatory developments that may impact the organization's reputation or operations.

Guide the business regarding external threats and opportunities and create strategies to protect, enhance and/or accelerate business strategies.

Deliver the highest quality communications in the veterinary industry and ensure a strong ROI and continuous improvement.

Be responsible for the media monitoring service across Europe and support local teams with analysis, insights and reactive communications as needed

Directly support and contribute to local market communications activities and media management when required

Represent AniCura interests in relevant trade associations, media, government/regulators, and other communities. Serve as first point of contact for media enquiries.

Education Professional Qualification:

University degree in communications/public relations preferred, marketing qualification or equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

5-7 years of progressive experience in senior communications or corporate affairs roles within a global company; pan-European regional experience is highly desired.

Experience in the veterinary or human healthcare industry is preferred.

Expertise in shaping and driving communications strategies, with a proven ability to build trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders.

Demonstrated experience in managing Public Affairs, Media Relations, and Crisis Communications across multiple markets.

Proven track record in crisis and media relations management, including acting as a spokesperson.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with sound decision-making abilities.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to effectively convey complex messages to a wide range of audiences.

Ability to influence and inspire others, with a talent for working on organizational change communications.

A strategic thinker with strong analytical capabilities, who is also a team player, approachable, and contributes positively to a collaborative work environment

Key Competencies:

Manages Ambiguity

Action Oriented

Organizational Savvy

Business Insight

Decision Quality

Drives Vision Purpose

Our offer:

Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to shape the future of veterinary care, together.

An industry competitive salary and benefits package

A stimulating work environment with good opportunities for personal development

Freedom to take responsibility and the opportunity to influence .

Flexible working hours, hybrid working, international, digital work environment .

Learning and development opportunities

The opportunity to cuddle our beloved 4-legged friends in our offices.

We are always open for a conversation to discuss your individual needs.

If this sounds like you

Please contact Lekya Kanamarlapudi, Group Corporate Recruiter, who will be happy to tell you more about this opportunity and the recruitment process. Or apply by submitting your resume through clicking the apply button below.

AniCura is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.