Sr. Director, Communications, Popeyes US&C

Restaurant Brands International•Miami, FL

13d

About The Position

Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI) is a global leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, with brands like TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®. RBI is committed to growth and sustainability through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework. Popeyes is seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to serve as the senior communications advisor to the Popeyes U.S. and Canada President. This role is a key member of the Popeyes leadership team, responsible for leading communications strategy across internal, franchisee, executive, and external audiences. The goal is to ensure all communications reinforce business priorities, build trust, and drive traffic and sales growth. This executive will translate business strategy into compelling narratives, guide leaders through critical moments, and ensure alignment across approximately 4,000 restaurants, franchisees, and corporate team members in the U.S. and Canada.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
15+ years of progressive communications experience, preferably within the restaurant, retail, hospitality or consumer industries.
Experience supporting senior executives and developing executive communications for high-visibility business moments.
Strong understanding of franchise business models and multi-unit operations preferred.
Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and provide strategic communications counsel.
Experience leading public relations, crisis communications, and reputation management initiatives.
Proven success leading cross-functional projects in complex, fast-paced organizations.
Strong people leadership experience with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
Experience using data and audience insights to evaluate communications effectiveness and inform strategy.
Passion for innovation and leveraging emerging technologies, including AI, to improve communications and team effectiveness.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of franchise business models and multi-unit operations

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary communications advisor to the Popeyes President and Executive Leadership Team, helping shape messaging, business priorities and strategic communications plans.
Develop executive communications for high-profile moments, including franchisee and leadership meetings, earnings support, annual Convention, Town Halls, media interviews, speaking engagements, and organizational announcements.
Partner closely with Investor Relations and senior leadership to align earnings messaging and executive scripts with broader business strategy and brand positioning.
Provide communications counsel during sensitive business decisions, organizational changes, and complex stakeholder situations.
Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy across internal, franchisee, restaurant and external audiences.
Translate complex business initiatives into clear, compelling communications that drive understanding, engagement and execution.
Ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels while strengthening the Popeyes brand narrative.
Simplify complex information into clear, actionable messaging for diverse audiences.
Lead the communications strategy for Popeyes franchisees and restaurant leaders across approximately 4,000 restaurants throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Oversee key franchisee communication channels including annual Convention, Franchise Board meetings, Roadshows, webcasts, newsletters, system updates, and operational communications.
Partner with Operations, Marketing, Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, and other cross-functional teams to support successful business initiatives and drive franchisee engagement.
Lead internal communications strategy to connect employees to business priorities, strengthen organizational culture, and reinforce the Popeyes vision.
Develop executive communications, organizational announcements and employee engagement initiatives that build alignment across Restaurant Support Centers and field teams.
Identify new communication channels and technologies that improve employee engagement and effectiveness.
Lead corporate communications and public relations strategy in partnership with Marketing and external agency partners.
Drive proactive storytelling, executive thought leadership, corporate announcements, and reputation-building initiatives.
Support major product launches, business announcements, and strategic initiatives through integrated communications planning.
Lead communications planning and response for crisis situations and sensitive business issues.
Partner with Legal, Operations, Human Resources, and executive leadership to provide timely communications guidance that protects the Popeyes brand and minimizes business risk.
Maintain crisis communication plans, messaging frameworks, and response processes.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing communications team across franchisee communications, internal communications, and public relations.
Manage external agency partners, budgets, and communications vendors to maximize effectiveness and return on investment.
Establish communications KPIs, measure channel performance, and continuously improve communications based on audience insights and business outcomes.
Champion innovation by leveraging AI and emerging technologies to improve content development, reporting, team efficiency, and communications effectiveness.