Function

Elia plays a vital role in the energy transition, working for the benefit of society. As the Head of External Communication & Reputation for ETB, the Belgian branch of Elia Group, you'll be responsible for managing ETB's brand image & reputation. Your job is to make sure external stakeholders understand ETB's mission clearly, supporting the continuation of its activities. By fostering positive perceptions and effectively handling public and stakeholder opinions, you'll be key in protecting ETB's reputation. Your focus will be on implementing communication plans that strengthen ETB's reputation in a sustainable way. 

In this role you work closely together with the Head of Group external communication & reputation aligning communication strategies and ensuring consistent messaging across the organization in order to enhance the group's reputation and manage external communications cohesively. 

Your role will be

Reputation Management:

• Develop and uphold a shared vision for Elia’s desired reputation, aligning company objectives with stakeholder expectations.
  • Define target reputation by establishing goals for each stakeholder group based on a deep understanding of their needs, securing buy-in from internal stakeholders, and documenting a reputational strategy to guide the organization.
  • Conduct assessments to evaluate stakeholder perceptions, identifying discrepancies, risks, and opportunities. Develop and implement tactical plans to address these factors, while integrating immediate responses into the strategy.
  • Identify reputational risks (regulatory, political, operational) and pinpoint opportunities that align with stakeholder interests.
• Drive and coordinate all reputation management activities within Elia.
  • Creating tools for monitoring and reporting on reputation to the Executive Committee. 
  • Establish systems for ongoing monitoring and reporting of reputational status, recommending strategies to integrate reputation management into business operations (cultural shift).
• Develop and test crisis communication protocols to safeguard Elia's image during crises, collaborating with external authorities and aligning communication strategies during emergencies.
• Stay attuned to external changes to ensure responsiveness and relevance.

External Communication:

• Develop and implement strategic communication plans that effectively convey Elia’s messages to external audiences, adapting to their needs and preferences.
• Drive communications initiatives that inform stakeholders about ongoing and strategic initiatives.
  • Ensure stakeholders correctly understand Elia’s mission and objectives to guarantee the continuity of its activities.
  • Foster clear and positive communication to clarify Elia's role in the energy sector and address public inquiries effectively.
• Ensure consistency and effectiveness across all external channels.
• Facilitate alignment across management levels to build trust and support with external parties.

Team Management in Communication and Reputation:

• Lead and motivate the team to achieve communication and reputation management objectives, fostering a collaborative and innovative working environment.
• Create clear objectives and expectations for team members regarding communication strategies and reputation enhancement efforts.
• Encourage innovation and teamwork to develop sustainable solutions for reputational challenges and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage the allocation of reputation management tasks, ensuring timely responses and seamless integration with strategic communication initiatives.

Your Profile

• Minimum 10 to 15 years of experience in reputation management and communications, with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication skills: experience in political and energy sectors is a plus.
• Excellent people management skills and ability to manage and motivate non-hierarchical teams
• Multilingual proficiency in Dutch, French, and English.Expertise in complex and rapidly changing environments.
• Autonomous, flexible, positive, passionate, and proactive.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, including decision-making processes.

Offer

• Salary: a competitive salary package, allowance for representation expenses, year-end bonus, double vacation pay, meal vouchers (€8 per working day), eco-vouchers, sport & culture vouchers, bonuses based on individual and group results.
• Insurance: group insurance, hospitalisation insurance, ambulant care insurance for the whole family and also personal accident insurance.
• Vacation: You will be entitled to 20 vacation days and 5 additional vacation days, 6 local days, 4 exempt days (after 1 year of employment) and up to 5 long-service days (1 day for every 3 years in employment). 
• Social fund: Year-end vouchers, birth and marriage allowance. We will also cover part of the cost of glasses, a dental prosthesis or similar needs.
• Communication: you will be given an iPhone, a phone subscription (for work and private use) and a laptop with internet reimbursement.
• Discounts: you will enjoy a 30% discount on your gas and electricity bill.
• Mobility: we will offer you a company car and public transport or a mobility budget.
• Elia shares: Elia will give you the opportunity to subscribe to shares with a discount of 16.66% on the average share price. 

Location

Boulevard de l'Empereur 20, 1000 Brussels