Senior Communications Manager – Corporate Services

Caterpillar•Irving, TX

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. This is Caterpillar As the Senior Communications Manager for Corporate Services, you will serve as the primary communications advisor to the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) and lead a global team of approximately 20 communications professionals supporting Caterpillar’s Corporate Services organization, including IT, Global Finance, Financial Products, Strategy, HR, and Legal. Reporting to the VP of Executive and Employee Communications, this role is a key member of the Enterprise Communications leadership team and plays a critical role in shaping and delivering communications that directly impact Caterpillar’s reputation, culture, and strategic direction. You will lead the development and execution of integrated internal and external communications strategies, ensuring alignment across Corporate Services and the enterprise. This role requires strong executive presence, sound judgment, and the ability to translate complex, high-impact topics into clear, compelling messaging for diverse global audiences.

Requirements

Corporate Reputation & Crisis Management: Proven ability to proactively protect and strengthen corporate reputation, including leading communications strategy during high-risk, high-visibility issues and crises with sound judgment, speed and message discipline.
Strategic Communications & Planning: Expert ability to develop and execute integrated communication strategies aligned to business and enterprise priorities. Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple, complex initiatives simultaneously.
Executive Influence & Advisory: Proven ability to advise and influence senior executives, including C-level leaders. Demonstrated success operating in a highly matrixed, global organization with an enterprise mindset.
Translating Complexity: Exceptional ability to simplify complex, technical, or sensitive topics into clear, compelling messaging tailored to diverse audiences. Experience supporting communications related to corporate functions (e.g., Legal, HR, Finance, IT) or similarly complex environments.
Leadership & Team Development: Experience leading and developing high-performing, global teams. Ability to foster collaboration, drive accountability, and build strong partnerships across functions.
Execution Excellence: Ability to manage high-pressure, high-visibility deliverables with speed, accuracy, and sound judgment. Strong attention to detail coupled with the ability to maintain a strategic perspective.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Demonstrated ability to build credibility and trust with senior leaders and stakeholders. Strong collaboration skills, with a diplomatic, solutions-oriented approach.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field
10 or more years of progressive communications experience
Experience managing teams

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead communications partner to the Chief Legal Officer, providing strategic counsel, message development, and end-to-end communications support across key priorities and enterprise initiatives
Lead and develop a high-performing global communications team supporting Corporate Services (IT, Global Finance, Financial Products, Strategy, HR, and Legal), driving alignment, consistency, and impact
Shape and execute integrated communications strategies across internal and external channels to support business priorities and enterprise initiatives
Advise senior leaders on communications strategy, organizational change, and executive positioning, ensuring clarity and alignment with enterprise messaging
Develop and deliver clear, compelling messaging on complex topics for a wide range of audiences, including employees, media, investors, customers, and government stakeholders
Drive enterprise alignment and collaboration across Corporate Services and business segments, partnering closely with senior communicators across the organization
Ensure speed, quality, and consistency in communications through streamlined processes and strong operational discipline
Anticipate and respond to reputational risks and opportunities, proactively shaping messaging in high-visibility situations
Represent communications in key leadership forums and, as needed, travel with senior leadership to maintain deep business context
Identify and leverage external platforms and opportunities (e.g., media, speaking engagements, social channels) to amplify strategic messages