Senior Manager, Executive Communications

Rich's•Buffalo, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Executive Communications serves as a senior counselor and communications business partner to executive leaders across Rich’s. This digitally fluent communications leader advances executive storytelling and strategic communications, strengthening clarity, connection, and impact across executive-led narratives, enterprise initiatives, and moments of change. The role shapes executive messaging, anticipates communications needs, and translates complex business topics into compelling communications for contemporary audiences. The position develops executive communications such as presentations, speeches, talking points, leadership updates, and internal messaging. It brings modern storytelling, channel strategy, AI-enabled tools, and evolving formats to executive communications, while partnering with the Corporate Communications team to improve delivery and engagement. The role also supports enterprise initiatives, organizational changes, leadership events, executive preparedness, and communications involving complex or high-stakes situations. Rich’s is a family-owned global food company with more than 13,500 associates in 100 countries and annual sales of $5.9 billion. The company’s products and solutions serve food industry professionals in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among other areas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, or a related field.
10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, executive communications, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated experience as a trusted communications advisor or business partner to senior leaders or executives, with a high degree of discretion.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, including the ability to adapt tone and style for executive audiences.
Strong executive presence, sound judgment, and interpersonal skills; comfortable engaging with senior leaders and navigating ambiguity.
Ability to manage multiple high-visibility projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, often under tight timelines and shifting priorities.
Digital fluency and strong understanding of modern communication channels, tools, and emerging trends, including AI-enabled communications.
Collaborative team player who values shared success, operates with a “we” mindset, and supports teammates during peak moments.
Strategic, curious, and solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to think dynamically and creatively while working with discipline and precision.

Nice To Haves

Corporate or agency background preferred.
Experience working in complex, matrixed, or global organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted communications counselor and strategic business partner to executive leaders and enterprise teams.
Proactively advise leaders on executive messaging, positioning, and storytelling.
Partner with executive leaders to shape narratives around strategy, transformation, performance, culture, and change.
Develop and refine executive communications, including presentations, speeches, talking points, leadership updates, and internal messaging.
Translate complex business, financial, or technical topics into clear, engaging, audience-relevant communications.
Ensure executive messaging aligns with Rich’s enterprise strategy, values, and priorities.
Apply modern storytelling, channel strategy, AI-enabled tools, and evolving communication formats to executive communications.
Partner with Corporate Communications to evolve the delivery of executive communications across internal channels and platforms.
Pilot and scale approaches that increase engagement, accessibility, and impact.
Grow executive visibility and thought leadership through emerging and underutilized channels, including LinkedIn and Viva Engage.
Work with the Director of Executive Communications and VP of Communications and Culture on executive communications strategy, planning, and execution.
Collaborate with Corporate Communications peers across internal, external, digital, and reputation disciplines to ensure integrated communications.
Support major enterprise initiatives, organizational changes, leadership moments, and other high-visibility communications.
Help plan and execute marquee leadership events, including creative content development, video production management, and executive presentations.
Anticipate communications risks, sensitivities, and opportunities, and counsel leaders on complex or high-stakes situations.
Prepare executives for key meetings, milestones, and important moments so they are well-positioned and confident communicators.