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Manager, Media Relations & Issues Management

Ottawa, ON or Toronto, ON, Canada
Relocation Support is not available
This job posting is related to an existing vacancy

Be part of a revolutionary change.

At Rothmans, Benson & Hedges (RBH), a Philip Morris International company, we are transforming our business and building a future beyond cigarettes.

As we accelerate our journey toward a smoke-free future, we are looking for a communications professional who can help shape public conversations, keep building our reputation, and navigate a complex and highly visible external environment.

This is a unique opportunity to join a high-performing Communications team and play a critical role in one of the most significant corporate transformations in Canada!

About the Role

The Manager of Media Relations & Issues Management plays a critical role in shaping and protecting RBH’s external reputation at a pivotal moment in our transformation toward a smoke-free future.

Reporting to the Director of Communications & Sustainability, this role is responsible for leading the company’s media strategy, acting as the primary point of contact for journalists and media stakeholders, and providing strategic counsel to senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Media Strategy & Narrative Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of integrated media relations strategies aligned with RBH’s business priorities.
• Proactively shape and advance RBH’s external narrative, including its transformation, innovation agenda, and regulatory environment.
• Identify and capitalize on strategic media opportunities to drive impactful, high-quality coverage.
• Oversee media monitoring and reporting, including earned media metrics and insights to inform strategy.
• Continuously assess performance and optimize media engagement approaches.

Content Development & Media Campaign Execution

• Produce high-quality communications materials, including press releases, statements, key messages, and briefing documents.
• Lead the execution of national, regional, and local media campaigns to maximize reach and engagement.
• Partner with internal teams to identify and develop compelling, newsworthy stories tied to business priorities.

Issues Management

• Lead the development of media responses and positioning on complex, high-profile, and potentially sensitive issues.
• Provide real-time counsel to senior leadership during emerging issues or reputational risks.
• Ensure rapid, coordinated, and effective responses to media inquiries.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Government Relations, Sustainability, Scientific Engagement, Illicit Trade Prevention and other functions to ensure aligned, consistent messaging.
• Collaborate with regional and global PMI teams to support broader corporate and market-level communications strategies.
• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, ensuring that when appropriate external communications considerations are factored into business decisions.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5–7+ years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, or journalism, including front-facing media roles.
• Strong understanding of Canada’s political and regulatory landscape; experience in politics or regulated industries is highly valued.
• Proven track record of securing impactful media coverage and leading strategic media campaigns.
• Established network of media contacts, with the ability to continuously grow and leverage relationships.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.

Skills & Leadership Profile

• Strong strategic thinker with sound judgment and the ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments.
• Highly collaborative, with the ability to influence across a matrix organization.
• Results-oriented, with a focus on driving measurable impact and continuous improvement.
• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
• Confident communicator and credible spokesperson, capable of engaging senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Bilingual (English/French) would be an asset.

Why Join Us

At RBH, we are undergoing an exciting transformation to build a smoke-free future. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape national conversations, influence public understanding, and contribute to a high-profile, purpose-driven agenda.

This position will be Ottawa or Toronto based and will require travel, both domestically and internationally.

Very competitive remuneration, including comprehensive benefits and a bonus structure.

If your ambition matches ours, the opportunities are endless. You can make an impact that will last for generations. Join us and make history.

Annual Salary

Annual Salary for this position: CAD $145,416

RBH is officially certified as a Great Place to Work®.

Equity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity regardless of race, ancestry, color, religion, marital/family status, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, immigrant/newcomer status, age, citizenship, or disability.

Use of AI in Recruitment

We use artificial intelligence software to support the sorting and organization of applications. The software does not autonomously reject candidates; all applications involve human review.

Accessibility & Accommodations

For accommodations during the recruitment process:

AODA.RBH@rbhinc.ca

Learn More About RBH

RBH website: rbhinc.ca

LinkedIn: Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc.

Facebook: RBH Facebook

X: RBH on X

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