Strategic Communications Manager, External Relations & Corporate Reputation

About the role

Develops and executes communications strategies that strengthen LANXESS’ reputation, visibility, and stakeholder trust across North America. The role serves as a strategic partner to business units, group functions, and production sites by translating business priorities, innovation stories, customer-facing initiatives, and sensitive issues into clear, credible communications for external and internal audiences.

Leads media relations, issues management, crisis communications, executive visibility, digital storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and selected business-facing communications activities. The role also prepares leaders and site representatives for media or stakeholder interactions, manages agency and partner relationships, and uses communications insights to improve impact and alignment with business objectives.

Responsible for agency management, communication analytics, and special projects. Requires a high degree of independence and strong strategic judgment in a fast-paced and often ambiguous environment. The role must balance corporate reputation, business objectives, stakeholder expectations, legal considerations, and operational realities when developing communications strategies and messaging for varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead proactive/reactive media relations, act as spokesperson, develop press materials, manage journalist relationships, monitor issues and coverage.
• Partner with Market & Brand Communications and Business Units (BU) commercial teams to identify customer stories, product/application successes, sustainability stories, trade show/event opportunities, and market trends.
• Develop issues management and crisis communications plans, including executive messaging, stakeholder statements, and media response materials.
• Translate business priorities, innovation topics, customer stories, and site-level developments into clear communications for internal and external audiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Business Administration, or a Communications-related field.
• 10 or more years of relevant experience.

Schedule

This is a hybrid role with an on-site presence required in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office at a minimum of 3-4 days per week every week.

About Us

LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with about 12,000 employees in 32 countries. The core business of LANXESS is the development, manufacturing, and marketing of chemical intermediates, additives, and consumer protection products. LANXESS has achieved leading positions in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index and the MSCI ESG and ISS ESG ratings for its commitment to sustainability.

Pay

The established starting salary for this position, in this location, is $129,600. Actual compensation may vary based on geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level.

Benefits

• Compensation: Competitive compensation packages, inclusive of a global bonus program.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Retirement plans, health programs, life insurance, and medical care.
• Work-Life & Flexibility: Support in maintaining a balance between working hours and personal life through the global “Xwork” program, offering flexible working arrangements.
• Training & Development: Commitment to professional and personal development through ongoing education, training, and knowledge pursuit.
• Diversity: LANXESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, seeking diverse talent and backgrounds to foster respect, ownership, trust, professionalism, integrity, and healing across all sectors.