Sr. Manager, External Communications

Job Description:

Our client is seeking a strategic communications leader to oversee the External Communications team and deliver best-in-class strategies to promote, protect and elevate brand.

As Senior Manager of External Communications, you’ll shape the voice of an entire family of powerhouse brands. You and your team will craft dynamic, high-impact content that inspires, educates and engages external audiences including the media, industry organizations, potential Franchisees, potential employees and other stakeholders in the U.S. and globally. You’ll lead an award-winning team of passionate communicators who thrive on delivering results and making headlines. This is your chance to amplify an iconic brand and help write the next chapter in our 100-year history.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of an external communications strategy that supports all of banners and brands –.
• Drive brand visibility, strengthen reputation, and influence consumer behavior through innovative earned media strategies that generate measurable impact.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, delivering strategic counsel and communications that align with organizational priorities and amplify our external voice.
• Collaborate across functions to uncover compelling narratives, proactively identifying storytelling opportunities tied to key initiatives such as fresh food, private brands, proprietary beverages, and Delivery.
• Safeguard the brand by leading proactive and responsive crisis communications strategies that mitigate reputational risk.
• Elevate and drive reappraisal of the brand through thought leadership strategies, establishing executives as thought leaders in their respective fields through speaking engagement opportunities and media interviews.
• Build and execute proactive awards strategies promoting both the brand and the exceptional talent behind the brand.
• Guide best-in-class external communications channel management of the newswire, company website and more.
• Partner with global teams to deliver cohesive media relations strategies, ensuring alignment across international markets.
• Lead with a data-driven and outcomes-focused mindset to maximize effectiveness and output of team against corporate priorities.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 10+ years of corporate communications experience
• Proven leadership experience with an ability to manage an internal team as well as external agencies and contractors
• Strategic understanding of current and emerging communication needs, channel management, planning and utilization in corporate environment
• Strong, clear and concise communication and writing skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management and prioritization skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
• Previous QSR, Retail or Franchisee experience a plus

Education And Experience:

• Education: Bachelors/4-year degree (public relations, communications, journalism, or business preferred)
• Years of Relevant Work Experience: 10+ years
• Years of Management Experience: 2-3 years

Salary: $160,000 - $180,000 (based on experience level) + Annual Performance Incentive + benefits.