Role Purpose:
The Group Communications Manager is responsible for delivering strategic, high-impact communications across AKI Group and all brands and business units. This role requires a highly creative, out-of-the-box communicator who can elevate AKI's storytelling through fresh thinking, modern communications techniques, and strong integration with digital and social channels.
The role includes content creation, speechwriting, media relations, PR agency management, events communications, and cross-BU storytelling. Exceptional Arabic and English writing skills, a PR/journalism background, and a master's degree are mandatory.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Creative, Modern Communications Strategy (Group + BUs)
- Develop an innovative communications strategy that integrates PR, storytelling, digital execution, and social amplification.
- Approach communications with out-of-the-box creativity, ensuring messages feel fresh, relevant, and people-centred.
- Maintain a unified AKI narrative across all brands and industries.
2. PR Agency Management
- Manage PR agencies, ensuring strong execution, creativity, and aligned messaging.
- Review and approve all outputs including press releases, media pitches, thought leadership, and PR plans.
- Push agencies to execute campaigns that are strategic, creative, and digitally amplified.
3. Media Relations & External Engagement
- Build strong relationships with Arabic and English media across the UAE and GCC.
- Secure high-quality interviews, features, and coverage for AKI Group and business unit leaders.
- Identify unique media angles and opportunities that elevate AKI's voice.
4. Content, Storytelling & Leadership Speeches
- Draft speeches, talking points, scripts, and remarks for Group leadership and BU leaders.
- Produce high-quality written content including press releases, articles, op-eds, campaign messaging, and leadership content.
- Translate business updates into compelling stories that highlight AKI's people, culture, innovation, and impact.
- Apply creative thinking to elevate every piece of content.
5. Events Communications & On-Ground Support
- Lead communications for major Group and BU events, launches, conferences, and ceremonies.
- Prepare all event messaging: invitations, speeches, press packs, talking points, and announcements.
- Ensure all events are supported with digital amplification in partnership with the Social Media team.
6. Cross-BU Collaboration & Story Pipeline Development
- Work closely with all business units to gather updates, achievements, human stories, and commercial milestones.
- Build a strong editorial pipeline that reflects AKI's full portfoliofrom healthcare to logistics to retail to fitness.
- Guide BU teams on creative, high-quality communications approaches.
7. Digital & Social Amplification Integration
- Collaborate with the Group Social Media Manager to ensure all communications are amplified across digital channels.
- Develop integrated PR + social strategies for campaigns, events, and announcements.
- Ensure digital mindsets guide all communications planning.
9. Reporting & Measurement
- Produce monthly and quarterly reports covering PR results, sentiment, media coverage, event outcomes, and digital amplification impact.
- Use insights to refine strategies and identify new opportunities.
Skills & Experience:
Mandatory Requirements
- Exceptional Arabic and English writing skills.
- PR agency or journalism experience (minimum 35 years) mandatory.
- Master's degree required in Communications, Journalism, PR, Business, or related fields.
- Demonstrated ability to think creatively and develop out-of-the-box communications.
- Proven speechwriting and content creation skills.
Professional Experience:
- 710 years experience in corporate communications, PR, or integrated communications.
- Experience managing communications for events and leadership engagements.
- Strong understanding of PR, digital, social media, and how they work together.
- Strong media relationships in the UAE and GCC.
- Experience working across multi-brand, multi-industry organisations.
Key Competencies:
- Out-of-the-box creative thinking
- Strategic planning and communications design
- High-quality writing and editorial judgement
- Digital integration and social amplification
- Strong media and PR agency management
- Speechwriting and event communications
- Cross-BU collaboration
- Crisis communication capability
- Professional maturity and discretion
What Success Looks Like:
- Storytelling that feels creative, modern, and true to AKI's identity.
- A strong pipeline of stories from all AKI business units.
- High-impact speeches and leadership content aligned with key narratives.
- Effective, creative PR campaigns amplified across social and digital.
- Strong media presence in Arabic and English outlets.
- PR agencies performing with excellence and creativity.
- Consistent, elevated reputation for AKI across all sectors.
Work Location: Dubai
