HO External Communications | Defence and Space (d/m/w) (m/w/d)

Job Description:
Are you a seasoned communications professional with a passion for defence and aerospace? Airbus Defence and Space in Taufkirchen is seeking a
Head of External Communications for Defence and Space (d/f/m)
to lead and execute strategic communications initiatives that significantly raise Airbus’ profile and visibility as a leading defence player.
Your mission is to foster a positive perception of Airbus’ Defence and Space solutions, products, people and topics in support of the Company’s strategic objectives, notably related to raising the awareness and familiarity of Airbus Defence and Space as a leading defence player. You will lead and execute strategic external communications initiatives towards the broader public and all relevant communications audiences You will further capture and represent the “outside-in” view from relevant Communications target audiences in order to maximise impact of Communications efforts.
Join us and play a crucial role in shaping the narrative for one of the world's most innovative aerospace and defence companies.
Your location
Our site is just a stone's throw away from Munich, the beautiful capital of Bavaria. Are you into sports and other outdoor activities? The Alps and Lake Starnberg are within an hour’s reach, offering a multitude of recreational options.
Your benefits

• Attractive salary and special payments
  
• 30 days paid vacation and extra days-off for special occasions
  
• Excellent upskilling opportunities and great international, group wide development prospects
  
• Special benefits: employer-funded pension, employee stock options, discounted car leasing, special conditions for insurances, subsidies for public transport, employee benefits at cooperating companies
  
• On-site-facilities: Kindergarten close to the site, medical officer for check-ups and other health-related services, canteen and cafeteria, gym
  
• Compatibility of family & work (job sharing, part-time models, flexible working hours, individual timeout)
  
• Working in a diverse environment, with more than 140 nationalities, where every voice is heard
  

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Lead and directly manage a team of around 15 FTEs to develop and implement comprehensive external communications strategies aligned with Airbus Defence and Space key objectives priorities, ensuring consistency with Airbus’ overall messaging and brand positioning.
  
• Provide leadership to a diverse team of external communication professionals, fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in execution.
  
• Translate Defence and Space communications priorities into actionable and SMART key external communications objectives and drive a performance process allowing for continuous improvement and impact measurement.
  
• Drive corporate / media / social listening (“outside-in”) to analyse trends, sentiment and trending topics to generate strategic and tactical options in support of Communications objectives.
  
• Collaborate closely with Defence and Space communications advisors, senior executives and cross-functional teams to align external communications efforts with business objectives and company-wide communications priorities
  
• Support national (home country) positioning by translating Defence and Space communications priorities into impactful campaigns for national (home country) audiences.
  
• Oversee all aspects of media relations, including proactive outreach, crisis communications, and spokesperson training, in the Defence and Space domain.
  
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers to secure positive coverage and mitigate potential reputational risks.
  
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Tier-1 media inquiries and coordinate responses with the wider GXT team and internal subject matter experts.
  
• Develop and implement a robust social media and digital communications strategy to engage stakeholders and amplify Airbus' presence across all platforms of relevance to the Defence and Space objectives.
  
• Drive content creation, community management, and analytics to optimise social media performance and enhance brand visibility.
  
• Work with chief social media and web editors to stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in social media and digital communication, leveraging innovative approaches to connect with target audiences effectively.
  
• Oversee the management and optimisation of Airbus.com’s Defence and Space pages and content, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and user experience excellence.
  
• Lead content strategy and development efforts, collaborating with internal stakeholders to create compelling narratives and multimedia assets that showcase Airbus’ leadership, innovation, and customer value proposition.
  
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities to a talented team of communication specialists, empowering them to achieve individual and collective goals.
  
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, creativity, and accountability within the communications team, promoting a supportive and inclusive work environment.
  
• Drive performance management processes, including goal setting, performance evaluations, and recognition programs, to motivate and retain top talent
  

Desired skills and qualifications
You have a strong understanding of the aerospace and defence sector. You possess exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal and are proficient in strategic thinking, planning, and execution, along with a demonstrated history of successful collaboration with diverse stakeholders. You are extensively experienced in Media Relations and Social Media, ideally also in crisis communication. The ability to cultivate professional relationships and network effectively is paramount, as is comfort with working in a cross-cultural environment.
Above that you bring the following qualifications and experience:

• University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
  
• A proven and longtime record of experience in media relations, communications or public relations, with a specific focus on the defence environment.
  
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communications strategies and plans.
  
• Established network of key journalists and influencers in the defence sector.
  
• Solid understanding of the European defence industrial landscape, influencers, institutions, and decision-making processes.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and German (fluency in other EU languages, particularly French or Spanish, is desirable).
  
• Experience in working with diverse teams and managing projects across different departments.
  
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
  
• Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
  
• Familiarity with communication tools and platforms, including media monitoring, social media management, content management systems and corporate listening.
  

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.
Take your career to a new level and apply online now!
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company:
Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
Employment Type:
Permanent
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Experience Level:
Professional
Job Family:
Leadership
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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com .
At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.