Head of Communications

Job description

Why we are here

Tony’s Chocolonely is committed to ending exploitation in cocoa. We are an impact company that makes chocolate, not a chocolate company that makes impact. With incredibly tasty chocolate, we lead by example, demonstrating that ethical practices and success can go hand in hand. Through Tony's Open Chain (TOC), mission allies like Albert Heijn, Ben & Jerry's, Jokolade, and Aldi have embraced a fairer, more transparent supply chain for their chocolate too.

What you will do

As Tony’s grows its mission globally, the Head of Communications will help turn impact into influence, conversations into action and bold ideas into headlines. This role will shape the narrative of one of the world's most outspoken purpose-led brands, lead the global communications strategy, advise senior leaders through high-stakes moments and ensure Tony's remains a trusted and influential voice in the conversations that matter. The role will also help Tony's navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and stakeholder landscape, translating policy developments and public affairs opportunities into compelling stories, strategic influence and meaningful impact.

You’ll develop an earned-first communications approach that builds awareness, trust and impact while protecting and strengthening Tony’s reputation around the world. You’ll report to the Head of Brand, Communications & Creative, lead a small team of 2 and work closely with the CEO, leadership team and colleagues across the business.

All wrapped up, in this role you'll:

• Lead our global communications strategy, positioning Tony's as the leading voice on ethical chocolate, systemic change and responsible business.
• Drive mission awareness, thought leadership and brand relevance through distinctive storytelling.
• Own Tony's Annual Fair Report as one of our most important strategic communication moments, leading narrative development, stakeholder alignment and PR amplification before, during and after publication.
• Partner with the business leads in Tony’s Open Chain, Sustainability and our markets on a range of public affairs topics.
• Help shape the narrative and public engagement across impact topics, from cocoa to the Better Business Act, B Corp, packaging, health and sustainability.
• Build and execute a global earned media strategy that creates talkability, sparks conversation and helps our mission reach people far beyond the chocolate aisle.
• Drive corporate communications and thought leadership, ensuring Tony's leaders are visible, credible and influential voices in important societal and industry conversations.
• Amplify our biggest campaigns with bold, creative earned-media ideas rooted in Tony's activist and journalistic DNA.
• Develop thought leadership platforms and spokesperson programmes for our leadership team, including media training, briefing structures and rapid-response narratives.
• Lead reputation management and crisis communications globally: navigate complex issues, make smart decisions under pressure and help Tony's stay trusted when the heat is on.
• Advise senior leadership and act as a strategic communications partner to the CEO and executive team during business-critical moments.
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leadership, proactively identifying opportunities, risks and emerging issues while shaping Tony's communications and public affairs agenda.
• Coach and empower your team, creating an environment where people can do their best work while continuously raising the bar.

Job requirements

We'll be especially excited if you bring:

• Over a decade of experience in senior communications, PR, corporate affairs, public affairs or impact communications roles, ideally in international and fast-moving organisations.
• A proven track record of building mission-led brands through earned media, thought leadership and strategic storytelling.
• Extensive experience developing and executing global PR strategies that generate meaningful reach, influence conversations and strengthen brand reputation.
• Strong experience leading the creation, narrative development and launch of annual reports, impact reports or sustainability reports, including their PR amplification.
• Deep experience navigating complex reputational challenges, crisis situations, difficult narratives or high-profile public issues.
• Experience working closely on public affairs topics and how to influence outcomes and shape narratives, including with consumers, regulators, policymakers, government bodies and industry stakeholders.
• Excellent strategic judgement and the ability to identify risks, opportunities and the right communication response in rapidly changing situations.
• Experience independently advising C-suite and executive stakeholders, providing clear recommendations and building confidence in high-pressure environments.
• An established network of journalists, editors and influential media contacts, with a track record of building trusted relationships and securing impactful earned media opportunities.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and communications skills in English and the ability to bring diverse teams, markets and viewpoints together around a shared narrative.
• The confidence to think big strategically while also rolling up your sleeves to make things happen.
• Previous people leadership experience and a passion for developing and coaching a high performing and engaged team.
• Eagerness to work in a fast-paced scaleup environment, bringing clarity and cohesion across functions.
• Excitement to travel internationally around 8–12 times per year, including regular trips to the US, to stay close to stakeholders, industry conversations and the issues shaping our mission.
• Experience in or exposure to the US market is a plus.
• We are all about being more in person than apart; this means we offer flexibility but see each other in the office on average 3 days a week. More is fine too!
• Believe wholeheartedly in Tony’s purpose. You live our core values: outspoken, in it together, entrepreneurial, raise the bar and makes you smile.

Our benefits

At Tony's you will get the opportunity to be part of something extraordinary, making real impact in the world while enjoying the benefits provided as you help the company succeed. Tony’s is dedicated to enabling employees to grow and develop their careers and offers training programs, regular feedback cycles, coaching and a generous L&D budget. Additional benefits include a luxurious vegan lunch, company bonus, a minimum of 28 holidays, inspirational team updates, unforgettable events and unlimited chocolate.