Communications Manager

Feel the Drive – for us that means making mobility something you can experience with all your senses. We work for more comfort, wind in your hair, the perfect temperature in every season and driving with a clear conscience - for a safe and sustainable future.

We make mobility fun – are you there?

 

Our “Roof & Components (RC)” business unit develops and produces roof systems for every type of vehicle and autonomous driving. To achieve this, we rely on the most modern technologies and materials. Are you technically skilled and enthusiastic about product innovations? Then use your expertise and passion to help shape our success story.

 

 

About us
The Webasto Group is one of the 100 largest suppliers to the automotive industry. With our innovative sliding and panoramic sunroofs, convertible roofs, and groundbreaking heating, cooling, battery, and charging systems, we constantly create added value for the mobility sector. Our customers can always count on a pleasant atmosphere and driving experience. 

When you come and work with Webasto, you can expect to find an environment shaped by a remarkable sense of team spirit. We offer our colleagues the freedom to be creative in global development work – because the “We” in Webasto is your special plus. Are you a dedicated team player with a passion for innovation and looking for new challenges in an agile technology company?  More than 15,000 people are employed at Webasto worldwide.  Webasto offers a creative working environment built on trust, with flat hierarchies, short decision-making paths and excellent career development opportunities. 

Webasto is seeking motivated, dynamic and goal-oriented candidates, with an entrepreneurial attitude, to join our team as a Communications Manager at our North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI.   

 

 

What you will do – Essential Responsibilities

The Communications Manager at Webasto Americas will play a pivotal role in developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies to positively position the company's brand visibility, reputation and engagement with key stakeholders.  This role will involve not only overseeing a team of communications professionals, but also collaborating closely with other business leaders to support their communication needs and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communication Planning: Develop and implement communication plans that support overall business objectives while enhancing Webasto's brand presence internally and externally.

Executive Communication Support: Provide strategic communication counsel and support to the executive team, including the CEO and other senior leaders, by crafting compelling messages, presentations and other materials for both internal and external communication purposes.

Internal Communication: Lead internal communication efforts to ensure alignment with Webasto values, objectives and culture, fostering employee engagement across all levels of the organization.

Media and Public Relations: Develop and manage relationships with key automotive media and relevant stakeholders to secure positive media coverage and promote Webasto's thought leadership and expertise in its key product areas: roof systems and electrification. 

 

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other functional areas, such as human resources, operations and quality, to support their communication needs, including employee communications, change management, recruitment initiatives and key priorities, among others.

Crisis Communication Management: Develop and implement proactive crisis communication plans, as needed, to effectively manage and mitigate potential reputational risks, working closely with relevant stakeholders.

Content Development: Drive the development of content across various channels, company intranet, social media, town halls/employee meetings, maintaining the highest standards, in line with AP style and corporate guidelines.

Brand Management: Lead brand management activities, encompassing of use of corporate branding guidelines, internally and externally. 

Team Leadership: Provide leadership and mentorship to the communications team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment focused on creativity, innovation and continuous improvement.

 

Qualifications:

    •    Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Public Relations or a related field. 
    •    Minimum seven years’ experience in a similar role with management of a team. 
    •    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to tailor messages to different audiences and channels effectively.
    •    Stron