Head of Communication

Location: Tubize, Belgium

We say HI*

*Human Intelligence – Welcome among Thales Team!

Thales in Belgium is part of an internationally leading technology group in the defence and security, aerospace as well as digital identity and security markets. In a world characterised by uncertainties, we ensure that our customers, partners and employees can pursue new paths with confidence. For a future we can all trust.

Say HI* – to your career as

Head of Communication – Thales Belgium & Luxembourg (BeLux)

You will join a team of more than 1,200 people across twelve sites in Belgium and Luxembourg, including:

Tubize, recognized by domestic and international partners for expertise on products such as Communication systems and products, command and control, crypto solutions, and many others;

Herstal, specialized in the design, development, production and supply of weapon systems and ammunitions for use by customers in the Defense (MoD), Aerospace (OEM) and Land (OEM) sectors.

Discover all Thales activities in Belgium here.

Your mission

As Head of Communications, and member of the country Executive Management Committee of Thales Belgium, you will be responsible for developing and implementing an integrated internal and external communication strategy, with equal focus on employee engagement and external positioning, as well as managing all communications projects within the region.

You will synchronize communications efforts with the Thales BeLux’s goals of driving business growth, customer satisfaction and building a competitive global footprint.

Working in close cooperation with both Country Management and the Corporate Communications functions, your role encompasses collaboration on a wide range of activities including media relations, events & exhibitions, corporate social responsibility, branding and social media.

You are in charge of the animation of the communication community within the various entities of BeLux.  

You will lead this mission within a small team, which calls for a hands-on, pragmatic approach, the ability to prioritize across a broad scope, and comfort operating with limited resources.

Your responsibilities

Your role is to develop an integrated communications strategy for Thales in BeLux including:

External Communications, Media Relations and Social Networks

• Lead the development and execution of an integrated external communications strategy that supports business and growth objectives and elevates Thales profile
• Act as main contact for national and local media. Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists and media outlets on the overall narrative of Thales Group in BeLux
• Proactively build capability and readiness for crisis and emergency response, in close collaboration with Group communications. 
• In partnership with country and corporate leadership, management of local community relations and sponsorship programs.

Leadership and Internal Communications:

• Oversee all leadership and internal communications, ensuring employees are informed, engaged, and aligned with company objectives and values (employee engagement programs, intranet, town halls, …).
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Country Executive team and local management on internal messaging, change communication and employee engagement.
• Design and roll out internal communication campaigns supporting business priorities, transformation programs and cultural initiatives across BeLux entities.
• Develop and animate internal communication channels and tools (intranet, newsletters, digital screens, town halls) to strengthen employee engagement and sense of belonging.

Content & Brand development

• Develop premium content (media, executive speeches, digital and social media, video, fact sheets, country presentations, website…)
• Ensure consistency of the corporate messaging architecture, Thales’s visual identity and company branding across all channels.

Events Management:

• Manage and execute different types of events, including, exhibitions, conferences, customer events and internal events, working in close partnership with key stakeholders

Alignment with Global Communications:

• Ensure representation and visibility of regional Communications activities through participation in all relevant network meetings and internal reporting channels.
• Oversee the annual communications budget

We are looking forward to

• A university degree or equivalent in public relations, communications, journalism and/or marketing.
• Minimum 8 years of working experience in the communications field, ideally in a management position.
• Excellent written and verbal skills with the ability to communicate ideas simply and accurately.
• Familiar with working in international and high-tech environments.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• A strategic thinker.
• A team player who works well in complex matrix environments.
• Comfortable working in a small, agile team with limited resources, wearing multiple hats and prioritizing effectively.
• Creative and enthusiastic.
• You are fluent in both French and English. Dutch is a significative asset.

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. The Group is investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – Big Data, artificial intelligence, connectivity, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust.

For more than 20 years, Thales has pursued a robust corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy based on the highest international standards. The principles behind this policy are now captured in the company’s purpose of “building a future we can all trust”, which was adopted in 2020.

Say HI* – Your journey to us

At times of change our international teams are ready to meet the complexity of today with the industry-leading technologies of tomorrow. Will you be part of it? We are looking forward to your online application. Great journeys start here, apply now!

*Human Intelligence