Sr Director, Corporate Communications and Engagement

Highline Warren Overview

Highline Warren is the leading distributor and manufacturer of consumable and maintenance products in the North American automotive aftermarket. We offer more than 30,000 products, including conventional and synthetic lubricants, windshield washer fluids, antifreezes, chemical products and automotive filters. Manufacturing and distributing over 30,000 products across owned brands, licenses, private label and third parties, we are also the largest and lowest cost producer of windshield wiper fluid and passenger car motor oil. With a diverse platform and vertically integrated capabilities across 9 manufacturing plants and 11 distribution centers, Highline Warren employs approximately 1,800 individuals who serve over 14,000 customers with nearly $2 billion in annual revenue.

In Nov. 2020, Highline Aftermarket and Warren Distribution were combined to create the company it is today. With more than 100 years of liquids manufacturing excellence and a national distribution network, we simplify the supply chain and ensure our customers are best positioned to win in the market. In Aug. 2023, the company invested in establishing a corporate communications and engagement function, with a primary focus on standing up employee communications first. Also, in Oct. 2023, the company revealed its refreshed brand identity, which reflects the combined company’s forward direction and momentum in the industry. As the company scales, we continue to scale our communications function. We are looking for a driven leader who can advance our internal and external communications strategies – and continue to build new strategies for the future.

Summary of Role

The Director of Corporate Communications is an integral member of the marketing leadership team and will partner closely with our entire executive leadership team. You will oversee internal and external communications strategies, as well as our community affairs and giving program. You will build upon the existing internal communications program – and develop and implement a public relations and community/volunteerism program while managing the company’s reputation and crisis response needs. Other responsibilities include developing and approving speeches, articles and public statements by organization executives as well as overseeing media relations, corporate social media and external communications platforms. You will also monitor the public climate and recommend programs that reflect the organization's viewpoint.

TYPE OF POSITION: Full Time SUPERVISOR: Chief Marketing Officer

STATUS: Exempt Physical Exam: NO

• Manage corporate communications team, including manager of employee communications and brand journalism, and outside contract resources, where applicable.
• Lead and continue developing Highline Warren’s strategic communications roadmap by leveraging traditional and new media to address the needs of all internal and external constituents while maintaining alignment with company’s overall objectives.
• Articulate and enhance our culture, including company mission and values that help drive performance through our internal communications and employee relations programs.
• Oversee and strengthen content strategy for organization’s employee intranet, digital signage, corporate social media and other internal/external channels.
• Maintain and redefine the corporate narrative, as needed, and ensure consistent delivery of the company messaging.
• Serve as a company’s primary spokesperson; cultivate and maintain local, regional, national and industry media relationships; proactively identify opportunities for media and reporter engagements, including facility tours, executive interviews and more.
• Develop and manage a variety of communications materials associated with strategic communications plans and campaigns, including news releases, executive briefs, key messages, digital content, media kits, internal and external executive memos, intranet site content, presentations, fact sheets, employee newsletters, video briefs and scripts, and situation-specific materials.
• Organize and develop the strategy for the company's corporate social media programs aimed at enhancing brand and reputation.
• Expand crisis communications response strategies, as necessary, including alignment across Highline Warren senior leadership.
• Conduct executive and subject matter expert media training to prepare for publicity events.
• Oversee, implement and enhance company’s comprehensive community affairs program, including philanthropic giving, our Highline Warren Helping Hands employee relief fund, volunteerism programs and industry public affairs efforts.
• Serve as liaison to major industry associations, determining company’s involvement, positioning and sponsorship levels.
• Build relationships and work with high level decision makers among our customers, partners and national leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry.
• Serve as change management ambassador, helping to define communications needs and messaging for digital transformation and other major change efforts.
• Establish communications standards, templates and best-in-class processes to drive consistency and repeatability, where applicable.

• 7 years corporate communications experience entailing both traditional and non-traditional communications and mediums.
• 3 years of direct management experience as well as experience managing outside marketing, public relations and social media agencies/freelance workers or contractors.
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic and measurable communications plans aligned to company’s business objectives.
• Strong experience presenting to and engaging senior executives.
• Strong experience with managing events, leading cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional writing capabilities with the ability to execute internal storytelling, external media releases, company announcements and development of content for senior executives.
• Strong experience establishing and maintaining relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization, in the business community and with vendors.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the Essential Functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This is a desk-based job and will require the individual to remain seated for long periods of time and have the manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, calculator, phone, copier/scanner, and similar machines.
• Requires around 15% travel to our various sites and locations, including internal and external meetings.

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