Jobs and Careers

Mgr, Plant & Community Communications

Chattanooga, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 26 Jun 2026

About the role

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN.

Brief Role Description

This position is Career Level 20P+ located in Chattanooga, TN, with a Role Classification of Hybrid.

Role Summary

The Manager, Chattanooga Communications is accountable for defining and executing the internal communications and employee engagement strategy for Volkswagen’s Chattanooga manufacturing & operations site. Reporting to the Director of Workforce Communications, this role serves as the senior-most communications authority on-site, with responsibility for communications outcomes that directly impact workforce stability, labor environment, and operational execution.

The role shapes and influences plant leadership decision-making through strategic communications counsel tied to business priorities, risk mitigation, and workforce sentiment. As a member of the Plant Leadership Committee, this role contributes to site leadership discussions and helps ensure communications considerations are integrated into key plant decisions. In close partnership with HR, Manufacturing, Operations, Labor Relations, and Corporate Communications, this role ensures aligned, consistent, and compliant communications across all plant audiences, while establishing governance, standards, and direction for all employee-facing messaging.

Role Responsibilities

List essential functions in order of importance; include percentage of time spent performing each function (total should equal 100%)
Chattanooga Plant Communications Leadership and Strategy (25%)
Define and lead site-level communications strategy aligned to VWGoA priorities, ensuring alignment to business performance, workforce engagement, and operational continuity.
Influence plant leadership decisions through strategic communications counsel grounded in business priorities, workforce sentiment, and risk considerations.
Anticipate and proactively mitigate workforce and reputational risks through communications strategy and message planning.
Bring Volkswagen brand and product stories to life locally, equipping employees with clear, shareable messaging that supports employee ambassador engagement.
Establish and maintain an integrated editorial framework aligned to production schedules, operational milestones, and workforce priorities.
Content Oversight and Channel Governance (25%)
Establish and enforce governance, standards, and approval processes across all plant communications channels, including email, digital signage, SharePoint, presentations, and on-site materials.
Serve as final decision authority for employee-facing messaging in high-impact or sensitive situations.
Ensure all communications are aligned with labor, legal, and enterprise requirements, maintaining consistency and integrity across all messaging.
Define and oversee measurement approach for communications effectiveness, using insights to continuously improve reach, engagement, and impact.
Team Leadership and Resource Management (20%)
Lead, develop, and scale the site communications team through goal setting, performance management, and ongoing coaching.
Drive capability building and succession planning for the plant communications function.
Prioritize and allocate resources to support both planned communications and rapid-response needs in a complex manufacturing environment.
Oversee external vendor and agency relationships, ensuring effective use of resources.
Employee Engagement and Plant Activation (15%)
Define and lead workforce engagement strategy for a multi-shift manufacturing environment, aligned to plant performance, morale, and employee experience.
Oversee planning and execution of key engagement moments, including town halls, leadership forums, recognition programs, and plant milestones.
Ensure engagement strategy effectively reaches both hourly and salaried employees across shifts and work environments.
Operational Change, Issues, and Rapid Response (15%)
Lead communications strategy and execution for operational changes, including production shifts, scheduling adjustments, and workforce-impacting decisions.
Serve as primary communications lead for plant-level crises, labor-sensitive issues, and busine