Senior Director , Communications

About Grainger:

Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money.

We're looking for passionate people who can move our company forward. As one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, we have a welcoming workplace where you can build a career for yourself while fulfilling our purpose to keep the world working. We embrace new ways of thinking and recognize everyone is an individual. Find your way with Grainger today.

 

 

Position Details:

 

Develop and oversee the internal and external communications strategies for corporate, business functions and leadership.  Responsible for the development and oversight of the overarching strategy and tone for all enterprise-wide communications across all geographies and all roles within every aspect of the business. Be the partner with executives in the corporate functions as well leaders across the company globally to create relevant programs that promote top priority company initiatives.

Lead a team responsible for functional, audience-specific (wired, non-wired, on the go ) communications programs, including major change initiatives, and engagement and reputation programs. These strategies are expected to lead to a shared understanding of Grainger’s direction and leaders’ and team members’ roles in company success.

Provide recommendations on communicating with diverse employee audiences and collaborate with centralized channel management team to ensure communication vehicles are appropriate and available, and identify and use new communications technologies.

This is based in our Lake Forest, IL location (Tues/Thu in-office) and will report to VP, Communications and Public Affairs.

 

 

You Will:

 

• Manages a team of 3 employees.
• Sets internal and external communication strategy to lead business performance and ensure engaged, aligned workforce of brand advocates. 
• Sets overarching crisis communications strategy, including regular review of crisis playbooks, exercises and messaging. 
• Provides strategic counsel, coaching and media relations support to executive leaders to ensure priorities and messaging are aligned and articulated in a manner consistent with the company strategy and culture. Develop and oversee the strategy, direction and delivery of executive communications to maintain appropriate positioning and visibility across Grainger’s audiences.
• Provides coaching to leadership on external speaking opportunities; manage speaker’s bureau and establishes framework to leverage senior leadership voice and advance reputation of the company.
• Partner with Technology, Legal and Finance to support relevant programs that have broad, company impact.  
• Gathers team member sentiment analysis to help senior leaders understand team members’ perspective on company direction, strategy, culture, etc.
• Measures effectiveness of enterprise and corporate function communications through a variety of vehicles, including communication audits, surveys and informal networks. Collaborate across the Communications & Public Affairs team to develop relevant metrics and reporting.

 

 

You Have:

 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations or related field required
• MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in related field preferred.
• Exceptional and persuasive communication skills.
• Ability to lead, influence and navigate across all levels of the organization, including senior leaders and Communication and Public Affairs team members.
• Ability to facilitate and distill multiple perspectives from senior executives into communications that will resonate with broad audiences.
• Ability to stay ahead of trends in technology to ensure Grainger is best using channels to reach team members in the most effective and cost-efficient manner possible.
• Excellent planning skills, with a proven ability to manage, prioritize and allocate resources.
• Ability to attract, develop and retain talent.

 

 

Rewards and Benefits:

With benefits starting day one, Grainger is committed to your safety, health and wellbeing. Our programs provide choice to meet our team members' individual needs. Check out some of the rewards available to you at Graing