HR & Workforce Communications Lead

International Motors•Lisle, IL

About The Position

The HR & Workforce Communications Lead serves as the strategic communications lead for the Human Resources organization and is responsible for developing and executing an integrated communications strategy that supports the company's people strategy and business objectives. Reporting within Human Resources, this position serves as the central point of coordination for all HR communications activities, including Labor Relations, Employee Relations, Total Rewards, Talent, Safety, Security, Employee Experience, University, and other HR enabling hubs and shared solutions. The role maintains a strong dotted-line partnership with the Communications & Brand team to ensure HR and workforce communications align with enterprise messaging, executive communications, brand standards, and corporate reputation. In addition, this position oversees the company's plant communications network, providing strategic direction to plant communications managers responsible for employee communications across manufacturing operations. The role partners closely with HR leadership, Communications & Brand, Legal, and Production & Logistics to ensure employees receive timely, consistent, and meaningful communications that strengthen trust, engagement, and organizational alignment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and at least 9 years of communications experience
At least 2 years of lead experience OR Master's degree and at least 5 years of communications experience
At least 2 years of lead experience OR At least 12 years of communications experience
At least 2 years of lead experience
Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States.
We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status)

Nice To Haves

Experience in complex B2B industries such as manufacturing, transportation, technology, logistics or industrial sectors
Proven ability to support complex labor relations issues with strategic communications guidance
Ability to operate as both a strategic advisor and hands-on practitioner
Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills
Strong analytical mindset with experience measuring communications effectiveness and ROI
Strong writing and editing skills

Responsibilities

Develop and lead the enterprise HR communications strategy in support of the company's business and people priorities.
Serve as the communications advisor to the Chief Human Resources Officer and HR Leadership Team.
Coordinate communications across all Human Resources functions to ensure employees receive clear, consistent, and well-timed messaging.
Develop communication plans supporting HR initiatives, programs, policies, organizational changes, and business transformation.
Establish governance, editorial standards, communication planning processes, and messaging frameworks across the HR organization.
Coordinate communications supporting labor negotiations, contract implementation, employee relations initiatives, workforce policies, and other sensitive employee matters.
Prepare executive messaging, FAQs, leader toolkits, presentations, and communication resources for workforce-related initiatives.
Establish communication standards and best practices that create consistent employee experience across manufacturing and distribution locations while allowing flexibility for local business needs.
Ensure effective communication of safety initiatives, operational priorities, business updates, company strategy, and organizational change to frontline employees.
Build a collaborative network of plant communicators that shares best practices, content, and communication strategies across the enterprise.
Serve as the primary communications liaison between Human Resources and Communications & Brand.
Ensure HR communications are aligned with enterprise messaging, executive communications, external communications, and employer branding.
Coordinate communications when workforce issues have potential external visibility or reputational impact.