DACH Communications Market Leader

At IBM, we believe technology shapes the world. We’re a catalyst for that innovation. We’re driving change that improves businesses, society, and the human experience. Our Global Affairs team tells this story. We shape IBM’s brand, capture attention in the market, and share our perspective with clients, partners, the media, and fellow IBMers. On our team, you’ll work with bright, collaborative minds who bring passion and creativity to everything they do.

You’ll be part of a culture built on openness, trust, and teamwork. Where your ideas matter and your growth is supported. Join us and help bring innovation to life. The DACH Communications Market Leader is responsible for leading IBM's internal and external communications efforts across the DACH market (Germany, Switzerland and Austria), ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across the region. This role plays a critical part in shaping IBM's public image, managing crises, and fostering positive relationships with media, IBMers and influencers internationally.

Develop Comprehensive Communications Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies, in collaboration with agency partners, that align with IBM's corporate objectives, answer to the needs of local markets, and strengthen IBM’s reputation as an enterprise AI leader. Oversee team planning for IBM’s product launches, updates, and major announcements – as well as driving a marketplace conversation around client success examples.

Oversee internal communications strategies in local DACH markets to ensure the IBMers are informed, engaged, and aligned. Stay up-to-date on industry trends, competitor activity, government and regulatory policies, and market developments to inform communications strategies. Create Compelling Campaigns: Adopt a modern, campaigning approach to communications, underpinned by creative thinking. Oversee the development of campaigns that align to IBM’s global and local business and reputation priorities and change perception of IBM among key internal and external stakeholders.

Cultivate a High Performing Team: Lead and manage a team of communications professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, measurable goals and coaching to ensure success. Collaborate with Stakeholders: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, marketing, government and regulatory affairs, and sales to ensure alignment and seamless execution. Manage Crisis Communications: Develop and execute sound issues and crisis management programs at speed to reduce any negative impact on IBM's brand and reputation and participate as the representative on the Crisis Management Team at a market or country level.

Build and maintain relationships with key media contacts and industry influencers. Proven experience (10+ years) in communications, preferably within a large, public, matrixed global organization. Superior verbal and written communication skills Native level German and fluency in English are essential Experience working with executive leadership teams with the confidence to advise C-level management. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, global environment.

Experience managing and leading teams in developing and executing strategic communications programs and press office activities across markets. Track record of team performance management and of setting consistent and high performance standards. Strong budget, project and communications agency management skills. Brand and Reputation Management: Experience in managing and protecting a brand and reputation through sound issues and crisis management practices, with the ability to speak with authority on the company's business strategy and offerings.

Crisis Management: Experience in developing and executing sound issues and crisis management programs at speed to reduce any negative impact on the company's brand and reputation. Communications Strategy Development: Experience with developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies at national or regional level to support business objectives and key plays, such as signature moments. Applied Understanding of Audience Segmentation: Experience with audience segmentation and messaging development, with the ability to design multichannel communication programs and deliver content through technology platforms and tools.

Competitive Positioning Knowledge: Experience with competitive positioning to ensure the company's value proposition and competitive differentiators are clearly communicated, with the ability to speak with authority on the company's business strategy and offerings. Experience with and understanding of the technology industry, including current trends, challenges, and opportunities. Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

High competency in using AI productivity tools, such as Co-Pilot, Claude or Chat GPT. Germany Enterprise Operations Professional Ehningen, DE (7240) IBM Deutschland GmbH