Senior Manager, External Communications

Who We Are:

Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB) is the parent company of Wrangler®, Lee® and Rock & Republic®, with owned manufacturing facilities in Mexico. Kontoor also owns and operates over 140 retail stores across the globe. Our global company employs more than 13,000 people in 65 countries, with world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, and regional headquarters in Geneva and Hong Kong.

Job Posting:

Senior Manager, External Communications

Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Manager, External Communications, to join our global Corporate Communications department. This role is critical in building and maintaining strong media relationships while enhancing Kontoor Brands' reputation and visibility through external relations with various stakeholders including media, local communities, industry groups, and partners. The successful candidate will serve as a key spokesperson and relationship builder, crafting compelling narratives that enhance our brand reputation and protect our business interests across all external channels.

Key Responsibilities

Media Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts, journalists, and editors across fashion, retail, business, and local markets
• Serve as primary media contact and spokesperson for Kontoor Brands, managing interview requests and coordinating executive media opportunities
• Stay abreast of industry trends, news cycles, and coverage drivers to identify opportunities and develop an "always on" media strategy that proactively generates coverage for Kontoor Brands
• Build strategic relationships with external stakeholders including community leaders, industry associations, NGOs, and advocacy groups
• Coordinate with local market teams to develop region-specific external communication strategies and media relationships

Strategic External Communication Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Develop and implement comprehensive external communications strategies that align with Kontoor Brands' global business strategy and objectives
• Collaborate extensively across corporate functions and with Brands to ensure coordinated support for all necessary external communications
• Work closely with business leaders to understand priorities and translate complex strategic initiatives into clear, compelling external messaging
• Partner with global teams to ensure consistent messaging across all markets and regions while adapting for local stakeholder needs
• Support crisis communication initiatives through strategic external communication planning and execution in partnership with relevant stakeholders
• Craft high-quality written communications including executive messages, company announcements, newsletters, intranet content, and presentation materials
• Ensure all internal communications maintain consistent brand voice, messaging, and strategic alignment

Corporate Social Media Strategy & Management

• Develop and execute corporate social media strategies that enhance brand reputation and support business objectives
• Manage corporate social media channels to effectively communicate company news, culture, and values to external audiences
• Leverage social media platforms as proactive tools to promote positive brand narratives and respond to emerging issues
• Monitor social media conversations about the brand and industry, identifying opportunities for engagement and potential reputation risks
• Collaborate with marketing teams to ensure alignment between corporate social media and brand social media efforts

Content Development & Writing

• Craft high-quality written communications including press releases, media statements, bylined articles, executive speeches, and stakeholder correspondence
• Develop key messages, talking points, and communication toolkits for spokespeople across various external forums
• Ensure all external communications maintain consistent brand voice, messaging, and strategic alignment

Education and Additional Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field
• 8-10 years of progressive experience in external communications, public relations, media relations, or related field
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with proven ability to craft compelling content for media and external stakeholders
• Strong media relations background with established network of media contacts and proven track record of securing positive coverage
• Experience developing and managing corporate social media strategies and content
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities with ability to translate business strategy into actionable external communication plans
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines
• Crisis communication experience with ability to respond quickly and effectively to emerging issues

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
• Experience in retail, consumer goods, or fashion industry
• Global or multi-market communication experience

Why Kontoor Brands?

At Kontoor, we offer a comprehensive benefit package to fit your lifestyle. Our benefits are crafted with the same care as our products.

When our employees are healthy, secure, and well, they bring their best selves to work. Kontoor Brands supports you with a competitive benefits program that provides choice and flexibility to meet your and your family’s needs – now and in the future. We offer resources to support your physical, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing, plus benefits like discounts on our apparel. Kontoor Brands also provides four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible employees who are new parents, Flexible Fridays, and Tuition Reimbursement.

We are proud to offer a workplace culture centered on equitable opportunities and a sense of belonging for all team members. Here we have a global workforce of high-performing teams that both unlocks our individual uniqueness and harnesses our collaborative talents.