Communications Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Communications Manager to join our Marketing team

Department purpose

Our business development, marketing and communications team is integral to the setting and achievement of the firm's global business objectives, which includes supporting our partners and associates in their pursuit of becoming our clients' trusted advisers, building and maintaining long-lasting, deep institutional client relationships, winning new clients, increasing the visibility of the firm globally, positioning the firm as the thought leader and most advanced law firm among the global elite law firms. The function works as one team across the globe with close collaboration between the central groups, such as communications, and the professionals working in local offices, practice groups, sectors and clients.

Role purpose

This role focuses on driving insightful and strategic communications and campaigns to develop A&O Shearman's profile in the APAC market, requiring a consistent and innovative approach to communications and client relationships. As the most senior communications professional for the APAC region, you will be the go-to person for crisis management and guidance on all reputation issues. You will oversee the local communications support provided to the region, ensuring that each office receives the necessary resources, guidance, and expertise to execute effective communications and campaigns.

Working closely with the Market Leads, Sector Leads and partners, this role serves as the key contact for internal and external communications initiatives across APAC. This role involves developing multi-channel strategic campaigns (in-person events, webinars, hybrids, etc.) to attract and engage clients, showcase A&O Shearman capabilities, and raise brand awareness. Additionally, an element of this role will assist in handling communications and campaigns related to environmental and social responsibility, reflecting A&O Shearman's commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Key relationships

• Global Communications Heads
• Market Leads
• Sector Leads
• APAC BDMC colleagues
• Regional and Office Managing Partners
• Practice Group Heads
• Advanced Delivery Centre
• Partners and lawyers
• Legal PAs

What you will do

• Identify and pursue opportunities to promote and protect the APAC A&O Shearman brand.
• Develop, implement, and manage local communications strategies and campaigns that align with the A&O Shearman brand in APAC.
• Create and execute a unified communications strategy for the APAC region, aligning with global communication priorities, to ensure cohesive messaging and effectively promote regional growth and brand positioning.
• Foster a collaborative team environment by overseeing and supporting APAC communication resources, while providing manager-level guidance and strategic oversight to promote teamwork and shared success.
• Drive the development of technical capabilities for APAC communications roles by providing training, mentorship, and access to resources that enhance skills and expertise.
• Manage the firm's engagement with the media, providing strategic counsel for internal stakeholders, identifying media engagement opportunities, proactively pitching content ideas, handling incoming enquiries, drafting and issuing press releases, and maintaining key media relationships.
• Ensure APAC's integration into the global communications network and alignment with the global communications operating model and best practices by actively participating in global meetings and channels, and relaying key insights and updates to the APAC communications team and regional stakeholders.
• Identify and leverage global thought leadership and campaigns at the APAC level, ensuring coherence with regional strategies and priorities.
• Collaborate with local and regional staff for Inclusion, Pro Bono & Community Investment, and other social responsibility initiatives to enhance the brand profile and build strong community support internally and externally.
• Partner with the BD team to deeply understand marketing goals, challenges, and perception gaps, and provide senior-level insights and advice on the development and execution of innovative digital media campaigns.
• Embed best practices in communications across the region, driving continuous improvement and consistency messaging.
• Remain innovative to ensure communications efforts help A&O Shearman stand out amongst our competitors and secure its position as the most advanced law firm.
• Manage APAC reputational issues, advising on communications strategies and approaches.
• Oversee the management of our brand and visual identity across APAC offices, collaborating with regional design agencies to create impactful advertisements, banners, and social media content.
• Liaise with BD, partners and lawyers on a regular basis to source key themes, market trends and developments to proactively promote the firm's expertise and insight via media and digital channels in alignment with the firm's regional growth priorities.
• Run education sessions for partners on global communication strategies and how to leverage Haiilo content on their personal LinkedIn pages, ensuring alignment with global and regional pages.
• Ensure all communications activities are measurable and data-driven, utilising insights to enhance future initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
• Prepare and coordinate key award submissions (e.g. APAC FT innovation awards).

What you will have

• Graduate degree / University degree in business/related disciplines.
• Relevant marketing/ business development experience at an equivalent level within a professional services organisation.
• Extensive experience in public relations and corporate communications, with the ability to build and manage media relationships effectively.
• Proficient in using a wide range of digital marketing platforms and tools (e.g., Content Management Systems, WeChat, LinkedIn, Google Analytics).
• Deep media relations expertise, particularly in successfully building a profile and managing potential risks.
• Project management skills, with the ability to plan and execute tasks efficiently.
• Demonstrated experience working with senior management within a complex international organisation, showing an excellent track record in this area.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels.
• Proven experience in developing and executing high-quality, innovative social media campaigns using LinkedIn and WeChat, with a deep understanding of best practices in social media trends and algorithms.
• Strong influencing skills, with the ability to articulate ideas and strategies effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and urgent situations with agility, remaining flexible to adapt to fast-changing dynamics, and resilient under pressure.
• International outlook with an understanding of the cultural nuances of doing business in the APAC region.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrates highly developed skills in Microsoft Office Suite, use and application of AI and marketing technology stacks (CRM, EDM).

What we can offer you

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

If this role is not of interest we may have another suitable opportunity here for you at A&O Shearman Visit our careers portal at A&O Shearman Careers and submit your CV to our Talent Network to be notified when the perfect opportunity becomes available