Manager, Public Relations

Panera Bread•Newton, MA

3d•$104,942 - $146,918•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Relations Manager plays a key role in shaping and executing Panera's communications strategy. This dynamic position involves collaborating with cross-functional teams and agency partners to drive brand visibility and relevance, manage media relations and monitoring, and support strategic marketing initiatives. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, proactive communicator and possesses excellent media relations skills. This is a hybrid role. Candidates must be able to work out of our Newton, MA offices three days per week.

Requirements

4-6 years of experience in the public relations field
Agency experience required
High energy self-starter with an unapologetic bias for action
Must be able to work autonomously with people at multiple levels within the organization
Ability to multi-task, work successfully with teams, and work under pressure
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Exceptional project management skills with strong attention to detail
Bachelor's degree, preferably with a concentration in public relations, marketing or communications
Flexibility to respond to issues outside of standard working hours required
Occasional travel required

Nice To Haves

Experience managing or working with agency resources a plus

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Planning: Contribute to the development and implementation of Panera's communications strategy as part of the Corporate Affairs team.
Collaborate with internal marketing teams and agency partners to create integrated consumer communication plans aligned with Panera's initiatives.
Support the ideation and execution of key brand moments, coordinating with legal, operations, marketing, and other relevant departments.
Work to ensure brand consistency across all communication platforms.
Media Relations: Manage the press inbox daily, ensuring timely and accurate responses to media inquiries.
Manage the Panera press page, ensuring all coverage and press materials are up-to-date weekly.
Stay up-to-date with industry news and national trends
Research, draft, and refine press materials, Q&As, and key messaging for various company consumer and corporate announcements.
Prepare comprehensive press recaps for stakeholders, including quarterly and annual performance measurement.
Assist in developing and executing proactive consumer media strategies for major brand campaigns and product launches.
Act as a member of Panera's crisis team, responding to issues management needs in coordination with the Corporate Affairs team.