Senior Director, Communications (Finance)

Purpose of the Position

The Senior Director of Communications is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing Simmons Foods' communications strategy to enhance culture and brand reputation, engage team members, and bring to life organizational vision, purpose, and goals. This role leads all internal and external communications, including media relations, executive communications, crisis management, digital content and team member engagement.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Strategic Leadership. Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with organizational objectives. Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on communications, reputation management, and public affairs.

Media & Public Relations. Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers. Serve as the organization's spokesperson or prepare executives for media engagements. Lead crisis communication planning and response.

Brand & Messaging. Ensure consistency in brand voice, tone and messaging across all channels. Oversee the development of key messages, press releases, speeches, and thought leadership content. Build the Simmons brand as the employer of choice in the communities where we work.

Digital & Content Strategy. Create culture by telling our story and bringing ideas to life through design. Guide the creation and distribution of digital content across web, social media and email platforms. Monitor analytics and engagement metrics to optimize communication strategies.

Internal Communications. Foster a strong internal culture through effective communication and engagement with team members at all locations and levels of the organization. Partner with HR, L&D and leadership to support change management and organizational initiatives.

Team Leadership. Lead and mentor a high-performing communications team aligned with Simmons leadership competencies and values, with the heart of a servant leader. Manage budgets, vendors and agency relationships.

Other duties as necessary. Find ways to add value to the business by solving real problems. This position description is intended to guide the activities of the individual in the role and is not intended to limit thinking and creativity, nor is it intended that this will describe all the work that may be required.

Manages employees. Directs and supervises employees' work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.

Participates as a member of the Team . Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Move about in a manufacturing environment, office environment, and surrounding property.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As needed based on facilities and customers visited in the course of work - photo shoots, etc.

Travel: Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities, industry events or customers possibly requiring overnight stays.

Technical Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in communications, with 5 years in a leadership role. Proven success in developing and executing strategic communication plans. Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Strong media relations and crisis communications experience. Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Executive presence and the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

Industry Experience: Poultry, Pet Food, or food manufacturing preferred but not required.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Design, Marketing, or related field or 4 years experience.

Preferred Education: Masters degree