Director - Branding, Marketing & Communications

Leggett & Platt • Detroit, MI

15d

About The Position

We, at Leggett & Platt Inc., are searching for a Director – Branding, Marketing & Communications within our Marketing team to help support our Automotive business. Did you know we are the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of seating support and comfort systems for transportation manufacturers, as well as tier one and two suppliers within the automotive industry? That’s right! Our automotive products fall into four primary groups: Seating and Lumbar support, Motors, Actuators and Massage Systems. If you join our team, your work will ensure people across the world have a little more comfort in their lives. As Director – Branding, Marketing & Communications, you will be responsible for shaping, protecting, and advancing LPA's global reputation via clear, consistent, and compelling communications. This role leads the strategy and execution of external media relations, internal communications, executive messaging & proactive issues management (identify/assess/manage situations that could negatively impact LPA's reputation, operations or stakeholder trust before they become a crisis).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related field required
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations or related communications roles
• Minimum 10 years in a leadership role with responsibility for global or multi-region communications
• Demonstrated experience in both external & internal communications
• Experience supporting executives & senior leadership teams
• Experience in B2B, automotive, manufacturing, industrial or tech/software companies that are publicly traded & operate in a globally complex matrixed organization
• Proven experience in issues management/crisis comms
• Deep knowledge of communications best practices
• Working knowledge of media relations / reputation management / crisis communication
• Knowledge of AP Style & corporate editorial standards
• Understanding of brand governance & messaging frameworks
• Familiarity with legal, regulatory & compliance considerations related to communications

Nice To Haves

• Certification through Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) or International Assoc. of Business Communicators (IABC) preferred but not required

Responsibilities

• GLOBALLY INTEGRATED EXTERNAL & INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY: Support VP in establishing clear messaging frameworks aligned with LPA growth strategy, differentiated brand positioning & business priorities; Ensure message & brand consistency across regions while empowering appropriate tailoring for impactful, local market application.
• EXECUTIVE & LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS: Serve as a strategic communications advisor to senior leaders; lead development of executive messaging, speeches, talking points/message maps, presentations, etc. Support leadership visibility, thought leadership & credibility with internal & external stakeholders.
• EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA RELATIONS: Oversee proactive/reactive media relations strategies; Manage external agencies & media partners; ensure accurate, timely & aligned responses to media inquiries & external stakeholders
• INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS & EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT: Lead communications that inform, inspire, engage & align employees globally. Translate strategy, performance & change initiatives into clear, compelling employee communications; ensure consideration of varied communication needs among salaried & hourly employees.
• CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS & ISSUES MANAGEMENT: Lead crisis communication planning, preparedness & response. Partner with Legal, HR, Leadership & others to manage sensitive issues; Act as communications lead during high-risk / reputational situations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director