Head of Associate Experience Communications

Kroger•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

Develop and lead associate communications and engagement strategies that support the company's Purpose and Promise, our people strategy and Human Resources functional areas, overall business priorities, and the behavior changes needed to achieve them. Advise and counsel the chief people officer and HR leadership team and ultimately enhance Kroger's reputation as a great place to work and build a career. Demonstrate company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree journalism, communications or related field
Any prior experience managing agency resources
7+ years corporate communications or public relations experience
Consulting and influencing skills; strong listening skills
Proven ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive information appropriately
Ability to interact and influence at all levels of an organization including senior management
Ability to coordinate multiple priority projects involving different functional areas of the corporation
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Proven track record of teamwork, innovation and delivery of business communication results

Nice To Haves

7+ years corporate communications experience including internal communications
Any experience in a retail environment
Any experience communicating with a unionized workforce
Any experience writing materials on associate engagement, HR policy, health care, organizational change, compensation and benefits
Any HR or benefits experience

Responsibilities

Create/lead associate communication plans that improve associates' connection to Kroger's business priorities and how we support our associates
Develop/execute communication for the People strategy (hiring/retention, training/development, engagement, and benefits/comp)
Lead internal employer of choice communications across the company to build teamwork, foster alignment and improve performance
Develop/execute leadership communication strategy; provide direct support to chief people officer/HR leadership team; advise/counsel leaders on issues/opportunities
Create/maintain a recognizable employer brand to share our unique story as an employer of choice and recognize our associates in a way that connects with current associates, candidates and alumni
Ensure quality control of all communications; serve as brand ambassador and consult with key stakeholders to foster alignment
Establish metrics/key performance indicators to support business strategy and measure effectiveness; regularly report findings to stakeholders/leaders
Develop/implement systems, governance, and best practices for communication through data analytics, competitive market analysis, and collaboration/feedback
Lead development of compelling content across multiple channels to demonstrate the value of being part of the Kroger family and furthers our reputation as an employer of choice
Lead weekly executive announcement process, working with senior leaders on confidential communications
Develop/execute communication to support leaders and executives in understanding their role as a leader
Evaluate/measure effectiveness of communications programs using results to strengthen planning/execution of future communications
Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews/provide feedback to direct reports
Travel independently up to 30% to divisions or conferences
Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation