Communications Manager

Role reports to: Director Marketing & Communications

Directly reporting to this role: Senior Corpororate Communication Specialist, Internal Communication Specialist, Copywriter, Digital Content Specialist

Location: Arnhem / Utrecht, Netherlands*

*We are moving from our current HQ Arnhem office (next to train station Arnhem Centraal) to a new office in central Utrecht in the summer of 2025.

About Medline

With roots dating back to 1910, Medline is a leading manufacturer and distributor of medical products. Our 30,000 employees around the globe provide high-quality surgical supplies, medical devices and solutions that healthcare professionals need to deliver the very best care possible in a variety of care settings.

Purpose

The Communications Manager is responsible for defining and executing Medline Europe’s internal and external communication strategy, including customer relations and communications, internal employee communications, media/press relations and strategy, M&A and crisis communications.

Activities and responsibilities

Overall management responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the company's goals and values;
• Promote the company’s brand and products to external customers and keep internal stakeholders engaged and aware of Medline’s activities and updates;
• Lead the communications team (within Medline’s broader marketing team);
• Enhance company’s visibility, awareness and reputation by developing and executing effective communication programs;
• Create an engaging strategy for various communication channels including website, social media, corporate publications, and advertising copy;
• Work with country marketing to cascade corporate strategy to specific markets;
• Monitor, analyse and communicate results on a monthly basis;
• Lead, develop and manage a team of individuals with diverse backgrounds;
• Hire and retain outstanding talent to work in high-performing teams;
• Provide your team with timely, candid and constructive performance feedback.

External communications and PR

• Developing an external communications plan to position Medline brand across EMEA, including strategy, goals, budget and tactics;
• Developing a media relations strategy, seeking high-level placements in print, broadcast and online media;
• Building and managing media lists, writing and distributing press releases;
• Coordinate all public relations activities including media inquiries and interview requests;
• Generate fresh news angles and story ideas to build a continuous flow of positive coverage;
• Serve as a strategic partner for the product divisions and the web team to create full marketing campaigns, e.g. brochures, e-mail marketing, social posts and webpages;
• Plan and coordinate media events, product launches, conferences, etc., and prepare related budgets;
• Manage, train and brief company spokespeople;
• Maintain a keen understanding of industry trends affecting clients and make appropriate recommendations regarding communications strategies surrounding them;
• Evaluate and manage new opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships and influencers;
• Direct social media teams to engage audiences across traditional and new media;
• Support the external communication in case of M&A;
• Support ESG related external communication;
• Manage, train and brief company spokespeople;
• Provide strategic counsel to Senior Management on PR and communication matters, including crisis management and reputation issues;
• Working with the local marketing teams to support local media strategies;
• Day-to-day management of agencies and partners.
  

Internal communications

• Drive internal communication programs, projects and campaigns to protect and enhance Medline’s reputation and support its trust and growth ambition;
• Drive the development and dissemination of the best practices for internal communication, including the approach to new digital solutions for improved internal comms;
• Supervise and approve contents for internal publications and communications, websites, brochures, news articles, press releases, promotional materials, social media etc.;
• Prepare company-wide communications and presentations.

Job requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communications or Marketing or a related field, or equivalent work experience;
• Proven experience (5-8 years) in corporate communications, public relations, content creation, brand management in international B2B companies. EMEA focused experience is a plus;
• Robust background in B2B external communications and proven track record in executing successful public relation campaigns across different markets;
• Ability to plan, work and execute cross-functionally, leveraging PR as one piece of the marcom puzzle and not in a silo;
• Proven ability to collaborate with Senior Management to maximize PR opportunities;
• Strong proficiency in PR distribution tools and monitoring technologies;
• Previous experience in M&A and ESG communication;
• Understanding of media channels and previous experience in mixed channels campaigns;
• Strong relationship with local and international industry media is an advantage;
• Experience in acting as company’s spokesperson;
• Solid experience in working with senior executives for media purposes;
• In depth understanding of internal communication best practices and proven experience in development and execution of comprehensive strategies aligned to the values and strategic priorities of a fast growing company;
• Proven ability to create, engage and maintain a strong network to achieve corporate goals;
• Proficient in English, another European language would be a plus;
• Excellent verbal communication and writing skills;
• Can-do attitude: you enjoy a good challenge and you excel in finding solutions;
• Able to think out of the box and not afraid to come up with innovative or alternative ideas for internal and external communication;
• Creative and innovative problem solving abilities;
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently and drive company initiatives at senior management levels;
• Ability to achieve results in a fast-paced, changing, highly demanding environment.

Our offer

• A comprehensive introduction by experienced colleagues - An individually tailored onboarding plan and fixed contacts so you can be off to a great start;
• Company pension plan;
• 26 days of vacation;
• A range of training opportunities – We actively support you in your professional development;
• Fresh fruit, free coffee, monthly team lunch and other benefits, such as a fitness plan reimbursement;
• Employee Assistance Programme – So that your mental well-being is taken care of;
• Hybrid and flexible working options – To make your work flexible and productive;
• International working environment - Our European headquarters in the Netherlands is truly diverse.
  

We believe that our Medline teams are stronger with different perspectives and experiences. We value a diverse workplace and encourage everyone to apply regardless of nationality, ethnic origin, colour, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age, religion or creed, marital status or any other personal characteristic. We are looking forward to your application.