Communications Manager (Manufacturing - Onsite in Sumter, SC)

Continental•Sumter, SC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Communications Manager is responsible for leading and executing all internal (80%) and external (20%) communication activities for the Sumter plant. This role ensures alignment with Continental’s corporate, divisional, and local objectives while positioning the plant as an employer of choice and a responsible member of the community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
5 years of relevant experience in internal and external communications, media relations, employer branding, and crisis communication in a manufacturing plant
Providing a professional portfolio of relevant work is a required component of the application and interview process
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences in a manufacturing plant
Experience advising senior leadership and serving as a trusted communicator for both leadership teams and shop‑floor employees in a manufacturing plant
Willingness and ability to work flexible or non‑standard shifts is required onsite in Sumter, SC
Must be available and willing to work onsite in the manufacturing plant 5 days a week
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job posting

Nice To Haves

7 years of relevant experience
Experience in a plant‑based, manufacturing, or industrial environment

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive plant communication strategy to strengthen Continental’s reputation and position the plant as an employer of choice and responsible community partner
Ensure alignment of all internal and external communications with corporate, divisional, and local business objectives through close coordination with Location Communications Tire Division and central teams
Serve as the official spokesperson for the Sumter plant and establish strong relationships with local media, authorities, institutions, and community stakeholders
Plan, write, edit, and disseminate all plant-related communication materials, including press releases, media statements, articles, presentations, speeches, internal communications, and visual displays in compliance with corporate guidelines
Manage and continuously improve internal communication channels (newsletters, info boards, intranet, internal TV, town halls, internal letters) to promote employee engagement and Continental’s employer brand
Develop and execute external communication initiatives and coordinate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities at the plant level
Serve as a communication consultant to plant leadership on labor relations, employer branding, project communication, and organizational change initiatives
Plan, develop, and execute plant communication campaigns, events, and media activities, including press conferences and community events
Define, develop, and implement a crisis communication strategy; ensure crisis communication training for relevant teams; act as designated speaker in crisis situations
Actively participate in central communications initiatives and cross-functional projects, and provide communication training to plant management
Follow all plant, ESH, CBS, quality, and department processes and procedures
Other duties as assigned