Head of Group Brand Communications & Marketing

Job Purpose:

The Head of Group Marketing & Communications is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, leadership, and management of all marketing, branding, content, PR, communications, and events functions. This role ensures Cradle’s marketing and communications strategies are aligned with the company’s mission to be the focal point of Malaysia's startup ecosystem. The candidate will drive collaboration across all units to maximize impact, optimize resource allocation, and establish Cradle as a thought leader and critical player in the startup ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

a. Strategic Vision & Direction

• Define and implement a multi-year marketing and communications strategy that supports Cradle’s mission of being a key player in Malaysia’s startup ecosystem.
• Ensure all strategies (Brand, Marketing, Content, PR, Events) are aligned with Cradle’s corporate objectives and mandates (Grants, MYStartup, Super, CSV).
• Lead forward-thinking initiatives that keep Cradle ahead of market trends and anticipate shifts in the startup ecosystem.
• Oversee strategic responses to opportunities and crises, ensuring Cradle maintains its leadership position.

b. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and mentor unit heads (Brand, Marketing, Content, PR, Communications, Events), ensuring all teams are aligned with Cradle’s overall objectives.
• Develop strategic plans for each unit and ensure effective execution through continuous support, resources, and performance reviews.
• Foster a high-performance culture with a focus on innovation, accountability, and collaboration across all departments.
• Implement succession planning and leadership development within the marketing and communications department.

c. Budget Oversight & Resource Allocation

• Manage the annual marketing and communications budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to support the highest-impact activities.
• Make data-driven decisions to allocate resources to projects that align with long-term strategic goals.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure all marketing investments align with Cradle’s financial goals and deliver a measurable return on investment (ROI).

d. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all units (Brand, Content, PR, Events) and external platforms.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration, ensuring seamless execution of campaigns and projects across multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., Ecosystem Development, Legal, HR) to align communication and marketing initiatives with organizational priorities.
• Foster partnerships with external stakeholders, including marketing agencies, media outlets, and influencers, to amplify Cradle’s brand presence.

e. Performance Tracking & Accountability

• Establish KPIs for each unit (Brand, Marketing, Content, PR, Events) to track performance and measure the success of all initiatives.
• Conduct regular reviews of ongoing campaigns and projects, making adjustments based on data-driven insights to optimize results.
• Provide regular performance reports to the executive team, highlighting successes, challenges, and strategic recommendations for improvement.

f. Stakeholder Management & Engagement

• Lead Cradle’s external stakeholder engagement strategy, ensuring strong relationships with startups, investors, government agencies, and partners.
• Align marketing and communication efforts with stakeholder expectations and ecosystem developments to maintain Cradle’s leadership role.
• Develop strategies for consistent engagement with ecosystem players to reinforce Cradle’s position as a thought leader in the startup community.

g. Crisis Management & Strategic Communications

• Develop and oversee crisis management strategies to protect Cradle’s reputation during PR challenges.
• Lead the development of transparent and strategic communication plans, ensuring internal alignment and public trust.
• Respond swiftly and effectively to industry rumors or crises, ensuring Cradle’s position remains clear and strong.

h. Strategic Event Planning & Execution

• Oversee the development of Cradle’s event strategy, ensuring events (e.g., Cradle Summit) align with corporate goals and maximize stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure collaboration between the Events, PR, and Content teams to ensure events are effectively promoted and have high visibility.
• Leverage events to drive Cradle’s strategic message and solidify Cradle’s position as the leader in the startup ecosystem.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that drive business objectives and solidify Cradle’s position in the ecosystem.
• Team Management: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, foster collaboration, and develop talent.
• Budget Management: Expertise in managing large budgets and allocating resources to maximize ROI.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Strong ability to use analytics and insights to guide strategy and improve performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skilled at working across departments and with external partners to ensure seamless campaign execution and messaging.
• Crisis Management: Experience handling crises with clear, strategic communication and protecting the company’s reputation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in marketing, branding, communications, or PR, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams, managing large-scale marketing campaigns, and overseeing multi-channel strategies.
• Strong knowledge of digital marketing, public relations, event management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in the startup ecosystem or innovation sector is a plus.