Communications Manager

The Communications Manager will play a pivotal role in informing and inspiring employees to become passionate brand ambassadors who champion business goals and strategies that drive results. Requires critical thinking, collaborating with cross-functional teams, interpersonal skills, and adaptability to navigate complex business landscapes. This person will serve as a strategic communications advisor to senior leadership and must have an executive presence — confidently making strategic recommendations that lead business partners to meaningful results.

What you'll do:

• Serves as a strategic communications partner to internal clients — often senior executives.

• Leads, inspires, and mentors team members to grow as communication professionals.

• Carefully considers the target persona when developing communication solutions.

• Develops and executes strategic communication plans and campaigns. 

• Demonstrates exceptional writing and editing skills; consistently upholds the brand and style guide requirements.

• Works closely with the Director of NA Company Communications, senior executives and functional leaders across NA to develop and deliver engaging communications to employees.

• Analyzes data to monitor the effectiveness of communication channels and campaigns. 

• Continually pushes self and teammates to grow professionally — expanding communication knowledge, industry best practices, explores innovative solutions, and networks with other professionals.

• Stays informed about emerging communication technologies, trends, and best practices; makes recommendations for adoption or integration as needed. 

• Partners with HRIS to define criteria and create department, function, and ad hoc audiences for content delivery.

• Monitors system performance and ensures platform security and compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

• Provides counsel and communications support to functional leaders as needed.  

• Handles sensitive, confidential information, initiatives and/or projects with care.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

When you will work:

• Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
• Hybrid schedule in Wyoming, MI. 4 days in office with 1 day remote

What you'll bring to the table:

• Bachelor's Degree in communications, marketing, public relations/media relations, journalism, human relations, English or related field required

• Master's Degree preferred

• Prior management or leadership experience strongly preferred

• Eight to ten years of experience in corporate communications with demonstrated success leading people and projects

• Experience partnering with senior leaders to develop strategic communication plans while always keeping the target audience in mind when crafting messages

• Managing channels and delivery of strategic communication to advance the organization’s mission and goals and improve employee engagement

• Proven experience with strategic communications planning and company communications.

• Ability to deliver major communication projects effectively and professionally.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate across diverse teams.

• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and issues-management skills.

• Ability to ask thoughtful questions and listen carefully to uncover the root problem.

• Strong writing and storytelling expertise. 

• Ability to project manage multiple time-sensitive projects and deadlines.

• Highly collaborative style with experience in developing communication strategies.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, influence and mentor people.

• Knowledge of current communication trends and ability to adapt strategies accordingly.

BE PART OF AN AMAZING CULTURE WHERE WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, MATTERS TO US!

Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.  If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line. 

All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.

Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug tests.