Manager, Communications Strategy and Planning, Abu Dhabi

A central role within a high-profile organisation, shaping how strategy is communicated and understood at every level of the business. This position sits at the intersection of corporate strategy, planning and communication. It offers the chance to work closely with senior leadership, translate complex priorities into clear narratives, and ensure communication supports real business outcomes.

About the Role: Manager, Communications Strategy and Planning

In this role you will lead the development and delivery of communication strategies that align closely with organisational goals. This is not a traditional communications role. It requires a strong understanding of business planning, performance management and transformation, combined with the ability to communicate effectively across a complex organisation.

You will work across multiple functions, ensuring consistency, clarity and alignment in how strategy is communicated both internally and externally. You will also play a key role in strengthening how communication supports decision-making at senior level.

The role is based at head office in Abu Dhabi and involves regular interaction with leadership teams across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities of the Manager, Communications Strategy and Planning

You will be responsible for shaping and delivering communication strategies that support business priorities. This includes:

• Developing and executing communication strategies aligned with corporate objectives
• Supporting leadership by translating strategy, performance and transformation initiatives into clear communication
• Working with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between communication plans and business goals
• Leading initiatives to improve communication effectiveness across the organisation
• Monitoring performance and communication metrics to identify opportunities for improvement
• Managing communication planning cycles, budgets and resource allocation
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Supporting change management initiatives and ensuring clear communication throughout transformation programmes
• Ensuring communication supports effective decision-making across the organisation

Skills and Experience Required for This Communications Strategy Role

This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, business understanding and communication capability. You will bring:

• Significant experience in corporate strategy, business planning or performance management
• Exposure to communications strategy, corporate affairs or executive communication
• Experience working in large, complex organisations with multiple stakeholders
• The ability to translate data, insights and strategy into clear and compelling narratives
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working closely with senior leadership
• Experience supporting transformation or change initiatives
• A structured and analytical approach, combined with strong communication skills

A background within energy, infrastructure, industrial or similarly complex sectors is highly relevant, although candidates from other large corporate environments will also be considered.

Why This Communications Strategy and Planning Role Stands Out

This is a rare opportunity to step into a role that combines strategy, planning and communication at a senior level.

You will be working in an environment where communication is closely tied to business performance and long-term direction. The role offers visibility, impact and the chance to shape how strategy is understood and delivered across the organisation.

Apply for This Communications Strategy Role in Abu Dhabi

If you are interested in a role where communication goes beyond messaging and plays a central role in shaping business outcomes, we would like to hear from you.

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales and commercial.

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