Communications & Brand Engagement Manager

LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative that’s been supporting herd improvement in New Zealand’s dairy sector for more than 115 years. We’re focused on providing superior genetics, reliable testing and diagnostics, integrated on-farm software, and great customer service, all designed to help farmers make smarter decisions every day.

As a proud generational co-operative, we’re here for farmers, their families, and rural communities, not just for today, but for the future. And none of it happens without our people. Whether on farm, in the lab, or behind the scenes, every one of us plays a part in helping New Zealand farmers succeed.

About The Role

Reporting to the Head of Customer Experience, the Communication and Brand Engagement Manager is a strategic leadership role at the heart of how LIC communicates, connects, and builds trust with its farmer shareholders, customers, and industry stakeholders.

As a key member of the Customer Experience leadership team, you will lead the development and execution of LIC’s communications, marketing, brand, social, digital, events, and sponsorship strategies. You will be responsible for shaping and strengthening LIC’s reputation, ensuring our voice is clear, compelling, and consistent across every touchpoint.

This is a role for a commercially minded storyteller and influential leader who can translate strategy into impact. You will provide trusted communications counsel to senior leaders, drive integrated marketing and communication plans, and lead a high-performing team dedicated to enhancing engagement, protecting LIC’s reputation, and growing brand value.

Working closely across the business, you will ensure all communications align with LIC’s strategy and New Zealand Merino (NZM) objectives, helping elevate LIC’s profile, deepen customer connection, and deliver meaningful value to our farmer shareholders and stakeholders.

Your Key Focus

• Lead LIC's communications, marketing, brand, digital, social, events and sponsorship strategy.
• Champion a consistent, customer-centric brand and communication experience.
• Lead and develop a high-performing communications and marketing team.
• Drive measurable outcomes through data, insights and performance analysis.
• Provide trusted communications counsel to senior leaders and the Board.
• Strengthen LIC's profile through strategic partnerships and sponsorships.
• Ensure NZX compliance and excellence in corporate communications.
• Identify emerging trends, opportunities and risks to inform strategy.
• Lead media relations, issues management and crisis communications.
• Own communications policies, frameworks and best practice governance.

Your Skills & Experience

• Proven senior leadership experience in communications, marketing and/or brand.
• Exceptional written, verbal and stakeholder communication skills.
• Experience advising and influencing senior leaders and executives.
• Strong people leadership, coaching and team development capability.
• Strategic thinker with commercial acumen and sound judgement.
• Experience building integrated marketing and communications strategies.
• Strong project management and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to translate insights and data into action.
• Reputation, media and crisis management experience.
• A passion for building brands, engaging audiences and delivering results.

In Return

In addition to a competitive salary, you'll receive some great benefits including:

• Extra leave days
• Flexible working options
• Discounted health, life, income and disability insurances
• Access to our employee shares scheme
• Wellbeing discounts
• Free onsite parking and free EV Chargers for our team to use
• Our Hamilton office is located in a park-like setting, with tennis court, pool, and onsite café and social club!

The role provides the opportunity to join a progressive and forward-thinking agri-tech organisation. This is a pivotal role, which has the support of the business and senior leaders, who understand the value the communications function brings to LIC. The team you will lead are highly engaged and genuinely passionate about telling LIC's story.