Head of Critical Communications

The Head of Critical Communications at Richemont will lead and oversee reactive communication strategies across all Maisons and spearhead preparedness projects. This role requires a strategic leader with strong crisis management skills to optimise risk management processes, build operational resiliency, and ensure alignment across departments and regions. With a focus on leadership and the development of a high-performing team, the successful candidate will enhance and protect the Maisons' brand equity. They will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to maintain brand reputation and manage issues and crises effectively. Leadership and Management:

• Lead the Critical Communications team, including managing a direct report, to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Collaborate closely with the Group PR Director to align communications and strategies with the department's collective knowledge of the Maisons' rich history and brand equity, always protecting the image, reputation, and integrity of the Maisons and Richemont.
• Advise and coordinate with senior management and manage the department's reputation agency to ensure timely responses to incidents.
• Ensure contractual obligations are upheld and assess the satisfaction level of services rendered.
Strategic Planning & Risk Preparedness:
• Anticipate vulnerabilities and strategically plan to optimise risk management processes, building operational resiliency for the Maisons.
• Frequent exchanges with Maisons' headquarter teams to discuss areas of vulnerability requiring support, leveraging Maisons' strategic plans and outlook for the short- and long-term.
• Develop and implement crisis management plans to minimise the impact of reputational issues, including template messaging and management plans for various scenarios.
• Host media trainings in collaboration with partner agency on sensitive topics to refine spokesperson messaging and prepare for media interviews, conference participation, or panel discussions.
• Monitor and notify Maisons and internal stakeholders on geopolitical events, industry headwinds, and news that could impact their reputation.
• Oversee the risk assessment process for Maisons' talent, partnerships, organisations, and other external associations.
Risk Management & Reactive Strategies:
• Ensure 24/7 availability for incident and crisis response, leading and coordinating reactive communication strategies across all Maisons, including issues related to products and collections, partnerships, exhibitions, supply chain, workforce, world events, and customers.
• Oversee high-stake situations and provide strategic guidance to the Maisons during critical moments, ensuring responses and actions align with Group policy, approvals, and direction to protect and enhance brand reputation.
• Oversee the department's monitoring operations, assessing the traditional and social media landscape before, during, and after a crisis to adjust Maisons' response strategy based on real-time insights, shifts in conversations, sentiment, and volume.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Be a trusted partner to various Group functions, including Corporate Communications, Marketing, IP, Legal, Security, Regions, and more, ensuring consistency and alignment in communications.
• Raising awareness and visibility of critical communications services across the Group at key internal events.
  
  Strong educational background in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive experience, both at an agency and in-house, in crisis management and communications, preferably within the luxury goods or high-end consumer products industry.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and cultures.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Availability for 24/7 incident and crisis response.
WHAT MAKES OUR GROUP DIFFERENT? Our true power does not lie in our similarities but in the rich diversity of our arts, cultures, and human skills, as well as our specific ability to foster untapped potential.