SSAB is now looking for an experienced and strategic Head of External Communications to lead the company’s global external communications strategy and activities. In this pivotal role, you will help shape how key stakeholders in key markets perceive SSAB as the company transitions toward fossil-free steelmaking.  

In this role, you will be part of the newly formed Group Communications management team, together with the other functional leads: external communication, internal communication, IR, brand & marketing, governmental relations and customer & employee journeys (digital platforms).

SSAB is a Nordic and US-based steel company listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and OMX Helsinki. With production across the Nordics and North America, SSAB is a global leader in special and premium steels redefining the future of steel and leading the transformation in the industry.

About the role as Head of External Communications:

As Head of External Communications, you will lead a small team of communications professionals and have the overall responsibility for planning and executing the company’s external communications strategy and activities, including, but not limited to media relations, financial communications, crisis communications and proactive positioning activities.

You work closely with the CEO, members of the Group Executive Committee, and other spokespeople across the company, training and supporting them in their external engagements.  This is a hands-on leadership role, where you’ll combine strategic planning with day-to-day execution. You will be a member of Group Communication’s management team, jointly responsible for building and protecting SSAB’s brand and reputation.

The head of External Communications will be crucial in securing trustworthy and transparent communications with external stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the media.

You will take a leading role in issues and crisis communications – both reactive and proactive- to train and prepare as needed.

Your key responsibilities will include: 

• Leading, developing, and implementing SSAB’s external communications strategy
• Acting as a trusted advisor and coach to senior executives and spokespersons
• Creating and execute on a proactive media agenda
• Managing all media relations in Sweden and internationally, acting as spokesperson when needed
• Taking a leading role in issues and crisis communications – both reactive to train and prepare and proactive as needed
• Monitoring media coverage and analyzing impact against defined KPIs
• Closely collaborating with colleagues in an integrated communications model
• Leading and coordinating external events and communication activities to support brand visibility
• Overseeing external communication campaigns and media activities
• Managing team budget and leading direct reports

Your profile:

We seek a seasoned communications leader with a solid background in Swedish and international media relations and stakeholder engagement, particularly in listed companies. You are calm under pressure, highly collaborative, and equally comfortable setting long-term strategies and rolling up your sleeves to make things happen. 

To succeed in this role, you bring:

• At least 10 years of experience in external and financial communications in listed companies
• Deep understanding of media relations in Sweden and internationally
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to build and motivate high-performing teams
• Experience as a company spokesperson and advisor to senior leaders
• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate complex strategies into clear messaging
• Operational and strategic experience in communications
• Fluency in Swedish and English, both spoken and written
• A relevant university degree (e.g., Communications, Journalism, Business Administration)

Your professional profile:

• Results-driven and proactive, with a strategic mindset
• A collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills
• An inspiring and empathetic leader who leads by example
• Skilled in coaching senior leaders, even in high-pressure situations
• A clear communicator, capable of explaining complex topics in simple terms
• Resilient and composed under stress
• Passionate about transforming strategy into impactful action

Good to know:

This full-time, permanent position is based at SSAB's HQ in Stockholm. Preferably with a start date at the end of summer, or as soon as possible, with respect to notice periods.  

Please apply through the “Apply now” button, upload your CV, and answer some questions. We do not want a cover letter. Due to the GDPR, we can’t accept applications through email.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please contact Christina Nerpin, Executive search/Senior recruitment consultant,  christina.nerpin@hammerhanborg.com, if you have any questions.

Why join SSAB?

Becoming a part of the SSAB family means joining a journey. A journey that we believe is essential for the sustainability of this planet. Steel has been one of the most important materials for developing our society and it will continue to be so. In the roofs over our heades, in the bridges connecting our cities and in the cars of tomorrow. At SSAB we are proud of our history and leadership in high-strength steel. But we are also aware that the production of steel is one of the largest emittors of greenhouse gases in the world. That has to change. That is why we have developed the world's first fossil free steel production and has committed to becoming largely fossil-free by around 2030. As part of SSAB you will be instrumental in realizing this goal and push for the green transformation of the whole steel industry.

Our offer

At SSAB we strive for a diverse and inclusive environment. We use our values – driven, true and ahead – in making everyday decisions, keeping the customer at the heart of what we do. This makes us all team players, each with the drive to improve. When joining SSAB you will become part of an organization of passionate problem solvers working together on important challenges. We will support your growth by providing a safe and friendly workplace that contributes to work-life balance. If you set out to achieve it, at SSAB you will have the possibility of broadening your skills and grow within your field or beyond.

We offer a wide range of appreciated benefits to our employees. Some examples of these are listed here:

• Profit sharing
• Life balance through reduction of working hours
• Wellness grants

At Hammer & Hanborg we make a difference between being competent and being the right person for a job. Competence is much more than a CV and we always match candidates based on potential, values and motivation. We think it’s important that it’s fun to work and we believe in collaboration based on trust and mutual respect. We strive to always encourage and challenge both ourselves and our clients to have the courage to develop and make change happen. We believe that Diversity and Inclusion are strengths and welcome all applicants. Together we create future professional life. You are welcome to join us.  Please read more: hammerhanborg.com 

Hammer & Hanborg by Jurek is a member of Diversity Charter Sweden who works for a world where different ideas, knowledge, experiences, and competence count, where difference is a resource.