senior manager, Retail Partner Communications – Partner Experience

Now Brewing – senior manager, Retail Partner Communications – Partner Experience! #tobeapartner

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

The senior manager, Retail Partner Communications – Partner Experience is the strategic communications lead for partner experience‑impacting work across North America coffeehouses. This role owns internal communications strategy, narrative leadership, and execution for policies, programs, compensation updates, operational changes, and high‑risk issues that directly affect coffeehouse partners. The work requires senior‑level judgment, strong cross‑functional leadership, and the ability to bring clarity to complex, sensitive, and fast‑moving situations.

This is a senior individual contributor role that operates with a high degree of autonomy and serves as a trusted advisor to leaders across multiple departments including Coffeehouse Excellence, Partner Resources Organization, Legal and others.

As a manager, Retail Partner Communications, you will...

Retail partners experience changes through communication. This role helps ensure partner-facing messages are clear, accurate, and aligned—reducing confusion and supporting trust, stability and engagement across North America coffeehouses.

Lead Communications Strategy

• Own the partner communications strategy for PRO‑aligned, partner‑impacting initiatives.
• Set messaging, tone, sequencing, and channel approach across retail internal channels.
• Anticipate legal, operational, partner‑experience and reputational risks and guide communication decisions accordingly.

Drive Narrative & Clarity at Scale

• Translate complex PRO, Legal, and Operations decisions into clear, partner‑ready guidance – bringing structure and clarity during periods of ambiguity or rapid change.
• Create narrative frameworks that explain what is changing, why it matters, and what partners need to do with consideration for how internal messaging may be interpreted externally.
• Develop and lead end‑to‑end internal communications for major partner programs including partner experience surveys, compensation programs, etc.
• Manage strategy, messaging, r