Global Communications Leader for Cargill Business Services

Position Overview:

Cargill Business Services (CBS) drives the implementation of a global shared services strategy across the following functions: IT, HR, Finance, Transportation & Logistics, Strategic Sourcing and Procurement, Ocean Transportation, and Trade Execution. Services are provided from seven CBS Centers. The Global Communications Leader for CBS will work closely with the CBS Leader, the CBS Leadership Team, in-scope functions, and Cargill Corporate Affairs to provide strategic communications counsel to enable the company’s shared services strategy. The Global Communications Leader for CBS is responsible for a combination of strategy and execution, working in tandem with communications and change professionals from throughout the organization to ensure that the shared services work is aligned with Cargill’s business strategy and integrated into our corporate narrative that shows how the company’s priorities work in support of Cargill’s business objectives.

Reporting Relationships and Organizational Context:

The Global Communications Leader for CBS will have a solid line reporting relationship to the head of Cargill Leadership + Organizational Communications (part of the Corporate Affairs Global Management Team) to drive strategic alignment, and to receive development and support as a member of Cargill’s Corporate Affairs job family. The Global Communications Leader for CBS also will have a dotted line to the head of CBS and will work closely with that leader/leadership team to ensure the communications and change strategy is aligned with CBS’ top priorities.

Principal Accountabilities:

30% - Communications Strategy Development: Develop a comprehensive CBS communications strategy and approach for the following stakeholders. Identify clear narrative that supports how CBS enables functions to contribute to enterprises and help businesses successfully grow, lead in their markets, and serve customers.

a. The CBS Job Family: Develop strategy, narrative and messaging through a variety of channels to engage and align the CBS job family.

b. In-scope CBS Functions: Align with function Global Operations Leads on strategy and execution of priorities for their respective job families operating in CBS Centers. Align with function communicators to ensure consistent strategy, content and tactical implementation.

c. Cargill Internal Stakeholders (Outside Job Family):

• Executive Leadership: Provide periodic updates on progress against goals to key executive groups, including the Cargill Executive Team and Board of Directors.
• Business and Enterprises: Collaborate with function Global Operations Leads and function communicators to develop strategy, content and process for communicating plans, progress and metrics to stakeholders. Partner with functions to determine most effective balance between CBS-led communication and function-led communication.
• Migration Teams: Continue to provide migration playbook to help functions and businesses be self-supporting around comms and change required for migrating work to CBS centers. Provide best practices and recommendations to functions, who will continue to own change and communications for their functional migrations. Responsible for updates to the communications chapter of the Migration Playbook, should the Playbook be updated by the PMO. Responsible for updating/providing edits to the playbook.

d. External Stakeholders: Proactively identify external forums and media outlets where exposure will advance Cargill’s and CBS’ business priorities. Work closely with subject-matter experts in Corporate Affairs to develop proactive agenda and respond to incoming media inquiries.

55% - Execute on Communications Strategy: Develop content and deliverables to achieve communication objectives, including how CBS supports and aligns with other initiatives across Cargill. Manage the delivery of global CBS communications to key audiences and stakeholders across Cargill, working in close partnership with Corporate Affairs, along with our regional and functional communication counterparts. Work with leadership and key subject matter experts to manage the approval process for all communications.

10% - Measurement: Develop measurement programs and drive continuous improvement based on feedback.

5% - Manage Other Internal/External Resources: Work with Cargill Corporate Affairs to identify additional internal and external resources to ensure sufficient capacity to execute on the communications needs of CBS.

Required:

• BS, BA in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, English or related liberal arts field
• 10+ years as a communications professional and/or relevant experience in leading communications efforts
• Ability to travel up to 20%, including international travel

Preferred:

• Demonstrated strong business experience
• Experience in shared service efforts and process-driven work environments
• Project or consulting work experience within a complex, global organization
• Strong change management skills with experience in organizational, leadership and team effectiveness and leading communications during a large-scale organizational change
• Knowledge of a language other than English

Success Attributes:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills – clear, concise, creative, and persuasive
• Ability to deal well with competing priorities and ambiguity
• Ability to integrate diverse activities into a clear, compelling framework that helps stakeholders understand how discrete actions support Cargill’s broader strategic agenda
• Proven experience in dealing with high-level executives and a demonstrated ability to counsel senior management
• Keen project management skills and the ability to track and coordinate competing priorities and work streams across a complex, global initiative
• Strong collaborative skills working across diverse groups, including the ability to source and manage communication vendors internationally