Communications Manager (Manufacturing - Onsite in Sumter, SC)

About the role

The Plant Communications Manager is responsible for leading and executing all internal (80%) and external (20%) communication activities for the Sumter plant. This role ensures alignment with Continental’s corporate, divisional, and local objectives while positioning the plant as an employer of choice and a responsible member of the community.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive plant communication strategy to strengthen Continental’s reputation and position the plant as an employer of choice and responsible community partner
• Ensure alignment of all internal and external communications with corporate, divisional, and local business objectives through close coordination with Location Communications Tire Division and central teams
• Serve as the official spokesperson for the Sumter plant and establish strong relationships with local media, authorities, institutions, and community stakeholders
• Plan, write, edit, and disseminate all plant-related communication materials, including press releases, media statements, articles, presentations, speeches, internal communications, and visual displays in compliance with corporate guidelines
• Manage and continuously improve internal communication channels (newsletters, info boards, intranet, internal TV, town halls, internal letters) to promote employee engagement and Continental’s employer brand
• Develop and execute external communication initiatives and coordinate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities at the plant level
• Serve as a communication consultant to plant leadership on labor relations, employer branding, project communication, and organizational change initiatives
• Plan, develop, and execute plant communication campaigns, events, and media activities, including press conferences and community events
• Define, develop, and implement a crisis communication strategy; ensure crisis communication training for relevant teams; act as designated speaker in crisis situations
• Actively participate in central communications initiatives and cross-functional projects, and provide communication training to plant management
• Follow all plant, ESH, CBS, quality, and department processes and procedures

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
• 5 years of relevant experience in internal and external communications, media relations, employer branding, and crisis communication in a manufacturing plant
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences in a manufacturing plant
• Experience advising senior leadership and serving as a trusted communicator for both leadership teams and shop-floor employees in a manufacturing plant
• Willingness and ability to work flexible or non-standard shifts is required onsite in Sumter, SC
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job posting

Benefits

• Immediate Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discounts, including tire discounts
• Competitive Bonus Programs
• Employees 401k Match
• Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment
• Employee Assistance Program
• Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional
• And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!