Principal External Communications

DISCOVER A BRIGHTER FUTURE 

At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future by focusing on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuine difference. Together, we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT OUR PERTH OFFICE

South32’s corporate office is based in the heart of Perth’s CBD. The corporate office houses key functions including HR, Finance, External Affairs, Sustainability Strategy, Corporate Development, Investor Relations, Group Risk, Legal and Technical. Our office is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from the Perth Underground Train Station. 

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• 26 weeks of full-paid or 52 weeks of half-paid parental leave for primary carers 
• Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognises both your individual performance and the overall success of the business
• The opportunity to become a shareholder of South32 through our share plans
• Flexible work options include working from home, flexible hours and job sharing

ABOUT THE ROLE 

This is a full-time, permanent position at our head office in Perth.

The Principal External Communications crafts compelling narratives, messaging and company positions to help stakeholders understand South32’s role and value, and to protect and enhance our reputation. By collaborating with multiple teams in our Perth head office and locations around the world, you will develop impactful content and external communications plans that will bring South32’s story to life for our diverse audiences.

Reporting to the Manager Corporate Communications, key responsibilities include: 

• Develop and maintain South32's corporate narrative and positioning on key topics, crafting messages by working collaboratively with key internal stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• Ownership of global positioning plans for the CEO and other Lead Team members, including identifying and securing speaking engagements, writing speeches and collaborating with communications colleagues to boost the reach of key messages.
• Lead the company’s Issues Management process and maintain the global issues register. Participate in crisis communications teams when required.
• Prepare content for our external channels, from developing engaging and informative website copy to assisting with drafting and copy-editing for the Annual Reporting Suite, while adhering to robust governance processes.

ABOUT YOU 

You will ideally have experience and demonstrate capability in the following: 

• 8+ years’ experience in an external communications role, preferably for a listed multinational company in the resources sector.
• Extensive experience in content development for various channels, including speech writing, corporate reporting, and website and social media copy.
• Strong capability in developing and implementing issues management and crisis communications.

• Analytical thinker with excellent attention to detail and the ability to ‘work through’ issues and appropriate responses.

• The ability to quickly gain trust and to build lasting mutually beneficial relationships.
• Communication skills that enable you to connect at all levels of the organisation, adapting your approach and style as necessary for the particular audience.

Qualifications for this position are: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as journalism, communications, public relations, business, or related disciplines.

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

This job advert will close on 5th September 2024.