Director, Corporate Branding & Communications - Ajinomoto Foods North America

The Director –  Corporate Branding & Communications is responsible for the strategic corporate branding, and managing the public relations, internal communications, and packaging creative development. The role’s purpose is to develop the Ajinomoto corporate brand around the strategic directions set for the brand and create the overall communications plan to develop brand equities among external and internal stakeholders. Reporting directly to the SVP – Head of Strategic Branding & Marketing, the Director – Branding & Communications will collaborate closely with the SVP – Head of Strategic Branding & Marketing to develop a forward communications arc and plan to reach long term objectives.

The duties and responsibilities of the Director – Branding & Communications are outlined below and include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop a comprehensive corporate branding strategy that aligns with AFNA purpose and values and strategic positioning.
• Collaborate with the teammates of the Strategic Branding and Marketing Department to ensure aligned adherence to set strategies
• Steward the corporate brand through cross collaboration with cross functions as well as collaborate with the Category marketers in the Strategic Business Units to guide and assist with brand strategies
• Lead and manage a team of three covering external communications, internal communications, and packaging creative development
• Oversee all aspects of the external public relations communications, internal communications and packaging creative development
• Ensure creation and execution of effective public relations campaigns that promote our corporate brand, brands and products, and services to a variety of stakeholders and audiences
• Build and maintain strong relationships with agencies and manage agencies, vendors and consultants to ensure industry leading quality output
• Monitor and report the impact and effectiveness of team efforts and provide regular reports and feedback to senior management and relevant functions
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and guidelines related to all efforts
• Manage corporate relations with headquarters in Tokyo as well as ensure alignment with corporate guidelines

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations or other related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 to 15 years relevant and progressive experience in branding, communications and
• Minimum of 5 years of public relations responsibilities
• Preferably in the food industry or related sector experience
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic and creative branding, communications and public relations plans and campaigns that achieve measurable results.
• Proven excellence in verbal and written communications skills with the ability to craft compelling and engaging messages for various audiences and channels.
• Proven strength in managing multiple stakeholder relations, with demonstrated examples of managing complex relationships
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate, coach and inspire a diverse and high-performing team
• Demonstrated high level of professionalism, maturity, integrity, and ethical standards with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, manage multiple objectives and deadlines and adapt to changing priorities and demands
• Knowledge of and passion for Asian and ethnic foods and culture
• Ability in Japanese language preferred
• $165,000 to $170,000
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