Senior Communications Manager (Crisis)

Zip Code:

77077

Description: This position will be responsible for developing and implementing targeted communications strategies, messaging, programs and customized tools and channels to help achieve business and leadership objectives and drive alignment and engagement across the enterprise.

This individual will serve as a trusted advisor and partner and operating in an “embedded” fashion to provide comprehensive support to functional teams and executives. He/she will coordinate cross-functionally with a wide array of subject matter experts and business and functional leads to deliver strategic communications that align with and the company’s mission, purpose and strategic and transformation priorities.

This position plays an integral role in creating and executing communications strategies and plans that enable Sysco’s ability to effectively engage with an array of stakeholders, both internal and external, across an array of channels.

Fundamental Qualifications:

• The candidate must demonstrate the ability to craft strategic communications plans, which include conducting basic needs assessments, identifying and analyzing stakeholders and audiences, drafting strategies, action plans, tactics and messages, overseeing resources, managing implementation, and measuring/analyzing results. He/she must be able to effectively demonstrate a One Sysco mindset and approach and develop/deliver compelling narrative that consistently conveys the company’s purpose, mission, values and strategic priorities, when developing supporting communications tactics and messaging. He/she must have a proven ability to transform complex concepts into simple communications that can be easily grasped by a diverse audience. He/she must have the ability to appropriately influence, when and where needed, especially when providing insight and counsel to the range of stakeholders (leaders, project teams, third-party vendors) encountered in this role.
• This role requires substantial experience in the strategic management of sensitive, high-stakes, reputation management-related communications; the ability to work very well under pressure; produce and direct the production of a wide variety of world-class communications; exhibit sound judgment and sensitivity to organizational dynamics; support the business when it comes to addressing issues and/or managing crises; provide confident, proactive counsel to leadership; and be readily available and flexible as needs arise.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of strategic communications plans and manage the tactical delivery of high-profile communications for functional leaders and teams, key projects, etc., including internal, external and leader communications and public/media relations, to support the company’s business and transformation priorities. This includes accountability for: leadership messages and presentations, organizational announcements, video script and production and additional materials as needed.
• Provide strategic counsel to a wide variety of business stakeholders on aligning individual communications to the broader, program- or enterprise-level strategy.
• Continuously and actively manage close, collaborative relationships with a broad range of internal partners including with Marketing, Merchandising, HR, Operations, Technology, Executive Leadership, among others.
• Oversee communications plans, messaging and narrative support. Prepare speeches, talking points, etc. as needed for internal and external communication.
• Develop and implement rich and meaningful communications to corporate, market- and region-level programs and initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with social media manager to create social media activities when appropriate to build an engaged community of followers across the company.
• Help support and drive organizational, functional and business change agendas.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of marketing and communications KPIs, measurement and reporting focused on business results.
• Manage the review and approval process for communications materials
• Determine when language translation of materials is appropriate and coordinate with translation agency.

People/Relationship Management

• Serves as a trusted advisor and business partner for functional and business unit leadership and their respective organizations.
• Establishes a level of trust and credibility that enables the influence of both direct and indirect leaders.
• Demonstrates ability to work with senior leaders and cross functional teams across multiple organizational lines.
• Exercises a high degree of diplomacy, professionalism and confidentiality at all times, especially given the high-pressure nature of the role at times.

Content Development/Editorial

• Design and develop content for various mediums to achieve communication strategies and objectives.
• Translate leadership messages into communications that are clear and appropriate for all levels of associates.
• Ensure a robust, consistent flow of content for company channels and enterprise editorial calendar.
• Responsible for ensuring relevance, consistency, integration, alignment and appropriate timing of messages across assigned areas of responsibilities, wherever appropriate.
• Manage content for the company intranet, employee app and other communications platforms.

Meetings/Events

• Play an integral role in the planning and execution of large-scale events, including quarterly town halls as well as other events and activities as required. This includes concept development, messaging, materials development, event logistics and onsite support as needed.

Required Minimum Education/Experience:

• 7+ years Communications experience with varying scope and responsibility in a corporate setting, preferably with a large Fortune 500 company; agency experience a plus.
• BA or BS in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English or other applicable field.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, presentation development, editing and proofreading skills.
• Proven track record for strategic communications program visioning, planning, execution and measurement.
• Able to define success criteria, identify project risks, opportunities and core stakeholders.
• Strong influencer capability; demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally to drive consensus and alignment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, a focused listener able to work quickly, thoughtfully and collaboratively with an array of stakeholders.
• Knowledgeable of graphic design and how the design process works to support collateral and other materials development.
• Knowledgeable of video production and how the production process works to support video development from concepting to scripting to editing and posting.
• High-level proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher); proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Acrobat, In Design, Illustrator, Photoshop and Premier/After Effects) preferred.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• This position can be performed from the corporate facility.
• Must be able to do limited travel to Sysco facilities or operating companies.

Other

• Based in Houston

BENEFITS INFORMATION:

For information on Sysco’s Benefits, please visit https://SyscoBenefits.com

HOW WE PROTECT OUR ASSOCIATES

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

• Personal protective equipment and masks provided
• Temperature screenings
• Social distancing guidelines in place
• Sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning procedures in place

OVERVIEW:

Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 57,000 associates and a fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 326 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 625,000 customer locations.

We offer our associates the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations.

We’re looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

This opportunity is available through Sysco Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates.

Sysco