Head of Communications and Public Affairs

Why we are here

Tony’s Chocolonely is committed to ending exploitation in cocoa. We are an impact company that makes chocolate, not a chocolate company that makes impact. With incredibly tasty chocolate, we lead by example, demonstrating that ethical practices and success can go hand in hand. Through Tony's Open Chain (TOC), mission allies like Albert Heijn, Ben & Jerry's, Jokolade, and Aldi have embraced a fairer, more transparent supply chain for their chocolate too.  
 
 

What you will do

As we grow our mission globally, we're looking for a Head of Communications and Public Affairs who can help us turn impact into influence, conversations into action and bold ideas into headlines. This is not your average communications role - you'll shape the narrative of one of the world's most outspoken purpose-led brands, lead our global communications strategy, advise senior leaders through high-stakes moments and ensure Tony's remains a trusted and influential voice in the conversations that matter. You'll help Tony's navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and stakeholder landscape, translating policy developments and public affairs opportunities into compelling stories, strategic influence and meaningful impact.

You'll develop an earned-first communications approach that builds awareness, trust and impact while protecting and strengthening our reputation around the world.  You'll report to the Head of Brand, Communications & Creative, lead a small but mighty team of 2 and work closely with our CEO, leadership team and colleagues across the business. You will be based in our Amsterdam homebase to stay close to your stakeholders and teamies.

All wrapped up, in this role you'll: 

• Lead our global communications strategy, positioning Tony's as the leading voice on ethical chocolate, systemic change and responsible business. Drive mission awareness, thought leadership, and brand relevance through distinctive storytelling. 

• Own Tony's Annual Fair Report as one of our most important strategic communication moments, leading narrative development, stakeholder alignment, and PR amplification before, during and after publication. 

• Lead Tony's approach to non-cocoa public affairs topics, from Better Business Act and B Corp regulation to packaging, health and sustainability-related legislation. Build relationships with policymakers, regulators, industry bodies and advocacy organisations, helping shape conversations and influence outcomes aligned with Tony's mission and values. Partner closely with our Tony's Open Chain team to ensure a joined-up approach across our broader public affairs agenda, while they lead stakeholder engagement and advocacy on cocoa-related topics. 

• Build and execute a global earned media strategy that creates talkability, sparks conversation and helps our mission reach people far beyond the chocolate aisle. 

• Drive corporate communications and thought leadership, ensuring Tony's leaders are visible, credible and influential voices in important societal and industry conversations. 

• Amplify our biggest campaigns with bold, creative earned-media ideas rooted in Tony's activist and journalistic DNA. 

• Develop thought leadership platforms and spokesperson programmes for our leadership team, including media training, briefing structures and rapid-response narratives. 

• Lead reputation management and crisis communications globally: Navigate complex issues, make smart decisions under pressure and help Tony's stay trusted when the heat is on. 

• Advise senior leadership and act as a strategic communications partner to the CEO and executive team during business-critical moments. Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leadership, proactively identifying opportunities, risks and emerging issues while shaping Tony's communications and public affairs agenda. 

• Coach and empower your team, creating an environment where people can do their best work while continuously raising the bar. 

We'll be especially excited if you bring: 

• Over a decade of experience in senior communications, PR, corporate affairs, public affairs or impact communications roles, ideally in international and fast-moving organisations. 

• A proven track record of building mission-led brands through earned media, thought leadership and strategic storytelling.

• Extensive experience developing and executing global PR strategies that generate meaningful reach, influence conversations and strengthen brand reputation.

• Strong experience leading the creation, narrative development and launch of annual reports, impact reports or sustainability reports, including their PR amplification.

• Deep experience navigating complex reputational challenges, crisis situations, difficult narratives or high-profile public issues. You stay calm when others don't.

• Understanding of the policy and legislative landscape, with experience engaging regulators, policymakers, government bodies and industry stakeholders. You are curious about how legislation shapes business and society, and enjoy participating in discussions on topics such as sustainability, packaging and responsible business.

• Excellent strategic judgement and the ability to identify risks, opportunities and the right communication response in rapidly changing situations.

• Experience independently advising C-suite and executive stakeholders, providing clear recommendations and building confidence in high-pressure environments.

• An established network of journalists, editors and influential media contacts, with a track record of building trusted relationships and securing impactful earned media opportunities.

• Outstanding stakeholder management and communications skills in English and the ability to bring diverse teams, markets and viewpoints together around a shared narrative.

• The confidence to think big strategically while also rolling up your sleeves to make things happen.

• Previous people leadership experience and a passion for developing and coaching a high performing and engaged team.

• Eagerness to work in a fast-paced scaleup environment, bringing clarity and cohesion across functions. 

• Excitement to get out from behind your laptop and into our markets, travelling internationally around 8–12 times per year, including regular trips to the US, to stay close to stakeholders, industry conversations and the issues shaping our mission.

• Experience in or exposure to the US market is a plus. 

• We are all about being more in person than apart; this means we offer flexibility but see each other in the office on average 3 days a week. More is fine too!  

• You believe wholeheartedly in Tony’s purpose. You live our core values: outspoken, in it together, entrepreneurial, raise the bar and makes you smile. 

Our benefits (the icing on the cake) 

At Tony's you will get the opportunity to be part of something extraordinary; first and foremost, by making real impact in the world but also enjoying the nice benefits we provide as you help us succeed. We’re dedicated to enabling all Tonys to grow and develop their careers and therefore we offer training programs, regular feedback cycles, coaching and a generous L&D budget. We also offer a wide range of additional benefits, including a luxurious vegan-lunch, company bonus, minimum of 28 holidays, inspirational team updates, unforgettable events and unlimited chocolate. But we also know chocolate won’t cover the bills, so we’ve made sure your salary is just as rewarding, for this role that means a base salary between €107k and €125k on a yearly basis, including holiday pay.  

Sounds like you?  

Are you passionate about making a difference in the world? Look no further! If you're ready to take the chocolate industry to new heights with us, we'd love to hear from you! Please send your direct application, no agencies. We can't wait to hear from you!

At Tony's we are convinced that diversity of thought, background and perspectives will make us stronger (...just like the different flavors of our chocolate assortment). Our mission is founded on principles of equity and justice, and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new perspectives and life experiences, especially from underrepresented groups. We look forward to your application!