Head of Content (Communications Team)

About the Role - Job Description

Reporting into the Vice President, Communications and a member of the Global Communications Leadership Team, the Head of Content will set the strategic direction for and drive the execution of BHP’s narrative with external and internal audiences.  This is a critical role driving the content generation that underpins BHP’s reputational positioning – it combines strategic, innovative thinking with disciplined execution.  The Head of Content will need to effectively lead a team and provide regular coaching, supervision and direction so as to create a high-performing culture which delivers clear results for the Enterprise and positively supports BHP’s reputation with internal and external stakeholders.

The role is responsible for developing and executing BHP’s content strategy which includes the company’s overall narrative and all Executive Leadership Team speeches, major Company events including financial results and Annual General Meetings and supporting content tailored to digital and traditional channels. The content strategy will be aligned with global communications strategy, and the Head of will need to work closely with senior executives and the global communications team to make sure the strategy and content developed by the team is delivered effectively to key internal and external audiences.  Furthermore, the role will oversee communications for key company transactions as well as support the content development for the annual reporting suite which includes BHP’s Annual Report. A true brand catalyst, the Head of Content will lead campaigns and events to amplify key themes from these reports to support BHP’s external positioning.  In the event of a crisis, you will lead the Crisis Communications Management Team and act as the key liaison with the Crisis Management Team.

This is a global search that can be based in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, or Perth - Australia.

About You - Skills and Qualifications

You will bring deep experience leading multi-disciplinary communications teams in large, diverse businesses, preferably with a global or national geographic footprint.  They will bring proven mastery in a broad range of communications competencies including leadership communications, financial communications, employee communications, media, digital communications, and corporate affairs.  Operating in a fast moving, ambiguous environment, this leader will have extensive issues and crisis management skills and the ability to develop world-class content strategy.  A sound knowledge of GRI and reporting principles is preferable.  As part of a global function, collaboration across BHP, globally, regionally, and locally – with a wide variety of stakeholders – is a key component to this leadership role; thus cultural acumen, and leading with respect is woven into this leader’s DNA.

The ability to drive strategy, convert to measurable actions and results will be key. She/he/they will be sharp in making sound judgement, leveraging from relevant experience and working effectively at the senior most management level. A natural leader, the successful candidate will have the ability to “join the dots” between the BHP brand, community, content, corporate communications, reputation, and public policy.

We value diversity in thinking and the career of the successful candidate will testify to their ability get the best from a diverse and inclusive team culture. They will be able to demonstrate strong business acumen and understand the key drivers of shareholder value through sustainable business practices.  Energetic and results-orientated, they work well under pressure bringing attention to detail and an ability to meet multiple and interdependent deadlines. They are able to establish credibility through communications mastery, leadership and excellent influencing skills. 

Requirements

Minimum requirements that this candidate will bring are:

• Tertiary qualification (Bachelor’s Degree) in Communications, Business or related field required; Masters, MBA, Advanced Degree or leadership equivalent preferred
• Extensive, proven experience in Communications, Corporate/External Affairs, or related field in a multi-national matrixed organization is essential
• Proven experience of building and leading an inclusive and high performing culture and teams across global geographies
• Demonstrated confidence in Safety Leadership and holding yourself and others accountable
• The ability to develop strategy, and align stakeholders and cross-functional teams to drive performance through operating discipline to achieve great results
• Experience in influencing in all directions through working with peers, internal functions, regulatory authorities, and third party or external stakeholders
• Superb oral, written communication, and influencing skills across functions, industry sectors and levelling within an organization; English fluency mandatory – Spanish would be very beneficial (not mandatory)

Accountabilities

Your accountabilities will include but not limited to:

• Develop and implement a consistent company-wide narrative that will support the execution of the business strategy with key stakeholders
• Design and implement content management strategies, campaigns and engagement plans for company-wide strategic initiatives such as financial results, Annual General Meetings, external events and speaking opportunities. The content strategies will focus around themes such as  safety, operational performance, growth and innovation, social value and culture and will need to reflect the objectives of the global communications strategy and be appropriate for use across multiple stakeholders, geographies, channels and audiences.
• Develop content to support the Chairman, CEO and Executive Leadership Team, senior stakeholders and employees on key Company issues.
• Continually improve upon various channel strategies and work across teams to maximise content distribution.
• Set the strategic direction of and manage the execution of the CEO’s and Executive Leadership Team’s engagement plans.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the annual reporting suite,
• Lead the Crisis Communications Management Team in the instance of a crisis through superior stakeholder management and high value crisis communications, enable business continuity across BHP’s Assets, sites or locations globally
• Actively contribute to the identification of and focus on reputational issues that have potential to impact the company.
• Lead communications for corporate transactions, including partnering with the Portfolio Strategy and Development team and coordinating across internal audience owners. 
• Partner with Digital team to drive the regional strategy for website, social media, and intranet content