Head of Communications - Automotive | Group Communications | Corporate Services

Job Requisition ID: 170374 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United A”rab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

We are currently seeking a communications professional to join the Group Communications Team in the capacity of Head of Communications - Automotive.

Overview of the Role

As a key communications leader and trusted advisor to the Automotive Division, the Head of Automotive Communications plays a vital role in shaping the external and internal perception of one of the most dynamic parts of our business.

This role is responsible for leading all communications strategy and execution for the Automotive Division, ensuring every brand voice is aligned, every message is impactful, and every campaign drives business outcomes. Sitting at the intersection of Group Corporate Communications and the Automotive Leadership Team, the role is both strategic and hands-on — guiding narrative development, steering media engagement, managing high-stakes moments, and championing best-in-class execution across channels.

With a sharp focus on growth, reputation, and brand consistency, this role will drive cohesive communications across product launches, executive visibility, tier-1 events, and internal initiatives. It’s a unique opportunity to shape the story of a fast-evolving automotive portfolio in a highly competitive regional market.

Key Accountabilities

• Serve as the Automotive Division’s lead communications partner within Group Corporate Communications and the Automotive Leadership Team.
• Develop and implement 360° communications strategies (across media, digital, social, events, and internal channels) to support business growth and brand equity.
• Act as the strategic bridge between individual automotive brands, the Automotive Division, and Group Corporate Communications.
• Work closely with global and regional brand communications teams to ensure consistency, alignment, and adherence to global standards.
• Drive division-wide initiatives and high-impact campaigns to elevate reputation, increase visibility, and foster internal pride.
• Provide expert counsel to senior automotive executives on communications strategy, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage agency partners and vendors, ensuring delivery against quality, performance, and governance standards.
• Build and enforce a clear communications governance model, including SLAs with brand teams and agencies.
• Lead and coach a core team of two communications managers, while indirectly guiding wider communications resources across the brand network.
• Own and manage the budget for PR, comms, social media, Tier 1 activations and sponsorships for the Automotive Division.
• Establish a strong measurement framework, delivering actionable insights and regular performance reporting.
• Division-wide communications campaigns aligned with business priorities.
• High-quality messaging, press releases, executive speeches, and digital content.
• Tier-1 events and activations that deliver measurable business and reputational impact.
• Quarterly and annual reports showing communications performance and insights (e.g., media sentiment, share of voice, engagement, ROI).
• Consistent brand communications across all automotive brands, supported by clear guidance and coordination.

Required Skills to Be Successful

• End-to-end communications strategy and execution
• Executive communications and advisory
• Brand storytelling and campaign development
• Event and activation management
• Media and influencer relations
• Analytics and performance measurement
• Strategic thinking with strong commercial awareness
• Leadership and team development
• Stakeholder management and influencing
• Agility in fast-paced, high-change environments
• High emotional intelligence and executive presence

What Equips You for the Role

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in senior communications roles, preferably within the automotive or mobility sector. Prior experience leading or advising multinational automotive brands is essential

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Before you click “apply”: Please read the job description carefully to ensure you can confidently demonstrate why this opportunity is right for you and take the time to put together a well-crafted and personalised CV to further boost your visibility. Our global Talent Acquisition team members are all assigned to specific businesses to ensure that we make the best matches between talent and opportunities. We not only consider the requisite compatibility of skills and behaviours, but also how candidates align with our Values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

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