External Affairs Manager

The EMEA Corporate External Affairs Manager will serve as a strategic business partner to the International Impact teams supporting both proactive and reactive communications that drive a change in brand perceptions, responsible business growth and protect the company's reputation and customer/stakeholder trust in the brand.

This role reports to the Director, International External Affairs and Crisis, and will be based in Europe, preferably our UK office.,

• In partnership with the Director, strategically manage and execute a compelling, trust driving strategy for the European business grounded in persuasive and credible earned and paid media and stakeholder engagement.

+ To include, working with and managing our agency partner to execute our proactive European plan which is designed to challenge perceptions of McDonald's as a global corporation in Europe, demonstrating commitment and progress on key issues that drive impact with media and key stakeholders across the region
+ Use European business plan methodology as a blueprint to drive development of a truly global approach to proactive storytelling

• Develop relationships on behalf of McDonald's with media at international titles/wires


Partner with International Markets to Protect and Promote Reputation

• Establish rapport as a strategic business partner with International Global Impact market teams for external affairs and crisis management support as part of the Global External Affairs and Crisis Centre of Excellence

+ Work closely with other Impact managers in markets outside of the US to consult and assist on media enquiries/strategies that cross borders

Develop and Execute Proactive and Responsive Approaches to core issues and initiatives

• Work closely with our Government Relations and Sustainability teams to drive our people, planet and business strategy through proactive and responsive external campaigns and storytelling and ensure consistency across our markets

+ In support of those campaigns/initiatives, develop key communications materials and assets for international media and templates for local markets to adapt including, but not limited to: media pitches, media releases, statements, strategic communications plans, executive briefing documents, Q&A documents and owned channel posts.

• Support international senior leadership through the development/execution of executive earned media strategy; this includes, but is not limited to, identifying external opportunities, developing messaging/narratives, risk mitigation strategies and media training
  
  You will be part of the Global Impact Team. McDonald's Global Impact team is aligned around a mission to make McDonald's one of the most respected, trusted, and admired brands in the world. We will do this through actions to drive responsible business growth, investments to foster community, values-based advocacy, and compelling communications that matter to our customers, our System and our global partners.