Director Brand Communications

Job Title: Director, Brand Communications

Location: Evanston, IL (Hybrid)
Reports to: Vice President, Marketing, Foods North America
Experience Required: 15+ years in agency and CPG brand-side roles

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic, digitally native Director of Brand Communications to lead the strategic development and execution of our Omni-channel media, communications, and digital transformation initiatives. This leader will bring deep expertise from both agency and CPG environments, with a proven track record of driving brand growth through innovative media strategies, compelling storytelling, and high-impact partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead the integrated media and communications strategy across paid, owned, earned and shared channels.
• Champion a digital-first mindset, driving transformation across platforms and teams.
• Translate brand objectives into actionable media and communications[AM1]  plans that deliver measurable business results.
• Develop a comprehensive approach to audience-based targeting and messaging along the consumer path to purchase
• Lead the creative briefing and development of assets to support the delivery of the Kerrygold brand strategy

Media Planning & Investment

• Oversee the planning, execution, and optimization of omni-channel media investments (TV, digital, social, influencer, programmatic, etc.).
• Partner with media agencies to ensure best-in-class planning, buying, and performance tracking.
• Leverage data and analytics to continuously optimize media mix and ROI.

Digital & Social Innovation

• Lead the evolution of our digital ecosystem, including performance marketing, content strategy, and emerging platforms.
• Build on existing social media success to deepen engagement and drive brand relevance.
• Identify and activate new digital tools and technologies to enhance consumer experience.

Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships

• Lead PR strategy and execution to elevate brand reputation and visibility.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships, influencers, and brand ambassadors.
• Oversee crisis communications and media relations in collaboration with corporate communications.

Measurement & Reporting

• Define KPIs and implement robust measurement frameworks to assess campaign effectiveness.
• Deliver regular performance reports and insights to senior leadership.
• Foster a culture of test-and-learn to drive continuous improvement.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of media, digital, and communications professionals.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with brand, insights, shopper marketing, and external partners.
• Build plans in partnership with a Global brand team of subject matter experts, adopting relevant frameworks and strategic inputs as appropriate.

Company Background:

Ornua is a leading dairy co-operative which sells premium dairy products globally on behalf of its Member Co-operatives, Ireland’s dairy processors and, in turn, Irish dairy farmers. 

 

Ornua has revenues of €3.4 billion and is supported by a global team of approximately 2,800 employees. The Group operates as a commercial organisation across 10 business units, including 12 production facilities located in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa. 

 

The commercial organisation is responsible for the marketing and sales of Ornua’s consumer brands including Ireland’s most successful food export: Kerrygold. Consumer markets are served by production facilities in Ireland, Germany and the UK and by in-market Sales & Marketing Teams in Asia, Germany, Ireland, MEA, Poland, Spain, rest of Europe and North and Latin America. 

 

It also manages the procurement of Irish and non-Irish dairy