Mgr, Plant & Community Communications

Role Summary

The Manager, Chattanooga Communications is accountable for defining and executing the internal communications and employee engagement strategy for Volkswagen’s Chattanooga manufacturing & operations site. Reporting to the Director of Workforce Communications, this role serves as the senior-most communications authority on-site, with responsibility for communications outcomes that directly impact workforce stability, labor environment, and operational execution.

In close partnership with HR, Manufacturing, Operations, Labor Relations, and Corporate Communications, this role ensures aligned, consistent, and compliant communications across all plant audiences, while establishing governance, standards, and direction for all employee-facing messaging.

Role Responsibilities

• Chattanooga Plant Communications Leadership and Strategy (25%)
  

  • Define and lead site-level communications strategy aligned to VWGoA priorities, ensuring alignment to business performance, workforce engagement, and operational continuity.
  • Influence plant leadership decisions through strategic communications counsel grounded in business priorities, workforce sentiment, and risk considerations.
  • Anticipate and proactively mitigate workforce and reputational risks through communications strategy and message planning.
  • Bring Volkswagen brand and product stories to life locally, equipping employees with clear, shareable messaging that supports employee ambassador engagement.
  • Establish and maintain an integrated editorial framework aligned to production schedules, operational milestones, and workforce priorities.

• Content Oversight and Channel Governance (25%)
  

  • Establish and enforce governance, standards, and approval processes across all plant communications channels, including email, digital signage, SharePoint, presentations, and on-site materials.
  • Serve as final decision authority for employee-facing messaging in high-impact or sensitive situations.
  • Ensure all communications are aligned with labor, legal, and enterprise requirements, maintaining consistency and integrity across all messaging.
  • Define and oversee measurement approach for communications effectiveness, using insights to continuously improve reach, engagement, and impact.

• Team Leadership and Resource Management (20%)
  

  • Lead, develop, and scale the site communications team through goal setting, performance management, and ongoing coaching.
  • Drive capability building and succession planning for the plant communications function.
  • Prioritize and allocate resources to support both planned communications and rapid-response needs in a complex manufacturing environment.
  • Oversee external vendor and agency relationships, ensuring effective use of resources.

• Employee Engagement and Plant Activation (15%)
  

  • Define and lead workforce engagement strategy for a multi-shift manufacturing environment, aligned to plant performance, morale, and employee experience.
  • Oversee planning and execution of key engagement moments, including town halls, leadership forums, recognition programs, and plant milestones.
  • Ensure engagement strategy effectively reaches both hourly and salaried employees across shifts and work environments.

• Operational Change, Issues, and Rapid Response (15%)
  

  • Lead communications strategy and execution for operational changes, including production shifts, scheduling adjustments, and workforce-impacting decisions.
  • Serve as primary communications lead for plant-level crises, labor-sensitive issues, and business continuity events.
  • Partner with plant leadership, HR, Labor Relations, Legal, and Corporate Communications to manage high-risk and high-visibility situations.
  • Provide strategic counsel to leaders during sensitive or rapidly evolving situations, ensuring clarity, consistency, and risk mitigation in messaging.
  • Shape workforce communications strategy in partnership with Labor Relations and the UAW to support effective communication in a unionized environment.

Qualifications

• Years of Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience in internal communications, corporate communications, public affairs, or a related field. Experience in a manufacturing or labor-sensitive environment strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated executive advising and people management experience.

• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

• Desired Education: Post graduate work a plus.

Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to influence and advise senior leaders.
• Strong judgment and decision-making capability in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities across enterprise and site-level needs.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong knowledge of emerging technologies and platforms that improve workforce communications and engagement.

Required Skills

• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and shape operational decision-making.
• Experience advising leaders during high-impact or sensitive situations.
• Experience overseeing internal channels, governance frameworks and content workflows (email, digital signage, SharePoint, presentations, on-site materials).
• Experience leading employee engagement strategy in a frontline, multi-shift environment.
• Experience operating in highly complex, matrixed, and labor-sensitive environments.
• Demonstrated ownership of communications during crisis or high-risk events.

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with Chattanooga or greater Tennessee community.
• Established relationships with automotive, local or business media.
• Knowledge of German, Spanish or other language a plus.
• Experience partnering with Labor Relations and HR to deliver aligned workforce communications in a unionized environment.
• Knowledge of Volkswagen structure and practices or automotive manufacturing.