Regional Communications Director - Middle East, KSA & Africa

Location: Dubai, United Arab EmiratesIn fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.For over 50 years, Thales has been a trusted partner of the United Arab Emirates, providing innovative and cutting-edge solutions in Defence, Aeropsace and Cyber & Digital, aligned with the nation’s long-term vision. With a strong local presence and more than 500 employees across three offices, Thales is deeply embedded within the UAE’s ecosystem. Thales Emarat Technologies plays a pivotal role as a key industrial enabler, fostering national sovereignty, self-reliance, and innovation. Through localization, strategic collaboration, and exporting ‘Made in the Emirates’ technologies to global markets, we contribute significantly to the UAE’s ambitious growth and development while helping build a future we call all trust.

Summary

The Regional Communications Director is responsible for managing all internal and external communications for the Company ensuring its messages are consistent with the Group business strategy and the Thales standards.

You will work together with the head of International Communications (functional reporting) and the Head of Region to enhance the Group’s overall brand and image. Key point of contact for the Middle East, KSA & Africa, you will daily interact with the head of region, countries’ directors, marketing director, key account managers and HR representatives. You will also cooperate regularly with the various departments of the Group Communications (Branding and Advertising, Media relations, Digital Communications, Events and Exhibitions, Managerial, HR…) and the Thales Global Business Units.

You will take decision in order to maximise the return of investments of your actions, in line with the Group Communications directives.

You will be able to challenge the status quo.

To facilitate the examination of your application by our English-speaking managers, we thank you for applying in English.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Your role is to drive strategic communications to support the Group's commercial objectives in the region:
• Developing an integrated communications strategy for Thales in the Region (internal and external) and scheduling the growth of local capabilities.
• Implementing communications plans to increase brand awareness and recognition for the organisation identifying the adequate communication channels.
• Managing the creation of regional content and storytelling, in line with the Group directives. Collating and analysing the various communications and ensuring consistency.
• Developing relationships with key media to secure and grow media coverage both online and offline. Maximising opportunities for positive PR and playing down any negative PR.
• Monitoring media stories relating to the company in partnership with the Group level.
• Delivering local events (exhibitions, events, seminars, staff briefings…).
• Developing the company’s internal communication strategy across the Middle East region in coordination with the HR department.
• Overseeing the annual communications budget and ensuring its use is fully maximised (R.O.I. of the initiatives for the brand awareness/public audiences).

Qualification and Education

• Graduate with a Master degree from University or Business school, you have a previous experience in communications within a multinational company (15 years) together with proven experience in management. Project management capabilities are a plus.

• A proven ability to lead communications strategies in complex organisations. An experience in Public Affairs would be appreciated.
• Mandatory proficiency in English and Arabic (oral and written). French knowledge would be a plus.

Preferred Skills

• You are recognized as a confident communicator and presenter, with refined interpersonal skills.

• You are creative and innovative, always looking for excellence.
• You are reliable, quality-oriented and conscientious.
• Your ability to plan, schedule and estimate risk is making the difference.
• You have strong writing, editing and proofreading skills. Layout and design, professional printing/publishing skills are a plus.
• You master the region’s digital/social media trends.

Travel

• Frequent travels in the Middle East countries are expected.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working. Great journeys start here, apply now!