Sr. Manager, Internal & Franchise Communications

At Panera, we value bold thoughts, brave actions, and winning together in a workplace of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust. As Senior Manager, Internal & Franchise Communications, you will be part of a team of strategic communicators who live these values and inspire and celebrate them in others.

The Corporate Affairs team gets things done, and we do it in a fast-paced, fun environment. You’ll help create messages and experiences to inspire, instruct, inform, and engage associates throughout Panera. You’ll design innovative communications campaigns using multiple channels and assets, always exploring new and better platforms and tools. You’ll work closely with cross-functional partners, offering communications expertise and delivering inspiring and impactful communications consistent with Panera’s culture. You’ll need to be flexible, well-organized, and forward-thinking.

This position is hybrid and requires three days per week at our Newton, MA offices.
 

Duties & Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute internal communications plans to increase associates’ and franchisees’ understanding of business strategy and priorities, as well as increase engagement and ownership mentality throughout Panera.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute organizational and change management communications plans.
• Oversee the creation and delivery of internal content, including glowing copy, videos, and other multimedia assets.
• Advance communications plans for senior executives, including content creation for multiple events and other internal programs, to ensure consistency and alignment with business strategy and priorities.
• Provide direct support to the People team on culture and policy communications to our team members.
• Support ongoing communications to Panera’s franchise owners, including business messages, meeting content and meeting delivery, and strategic communications plans.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with multiple internal stakeholders to identify current and future opportunities for delivering compelling and relevant content.
• Lead and manage projects by providing thoughtful, strategic, and actionable project plans with clear timelines, deliverables, and outcomes.
• Support large-scale enterprise-wide company meetings.
• Aid strategic communications projects and special assignments from concept to completion, on time and on budget.
• Stay current on industry news and trends, as well as cultural themes that call for internal action; help identify solutions for gaps and areas of improvement.
• Exercise fluency in working on multiple, simultaneous communications programs that require both strategic thinking and high-speed tactical execution, such as menu changes.
• Further a long-term internal communications strategy that proactively supports Panera’s vision, culture, and brand. Ensure all messaging, positioning, visuals/graphics, and digital and media platforms align with overall company strategies.
• Support all franchisee communications initiatives, including the writing of memos, prep for presentations for meetings, and supporting logistical needs.

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism or related field required.
• 8-10 years of professional experience in communications, with a focus on internal or business-related communications; experience in a retail or franchised organization a plus.
• Outstanding written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Bold and creative - proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or related creative/design tools required.
• Experience partnering with senior executives to deliver consistent messages through different voices.
• Strong ability to deliver communications to multiple levels of an organization, from senior executives to field-level employees.
• Direct experience managing or supporting the planning of company meetings and events.
• A demonstrated track record of delivering clear, concise and effective communications on complicated issues using innovative communication methods that impact thinking and behavior.
• Experience working in collaborative, fast-paced environments and understanding of the balance between communication and other functions.
• Experience managing multiple communication channels.
• Experience as a user/administrator of SharePoint a plus.
• Track record of impact and results.

Working Conditions

• Required periodic travel for meetings and events (approx. 5-10%)

Physical Requirements

• While performing this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear & use hands and fingers to operate keyboards
• Hybrid role based in the Newton, MA Support Center, in office work at least 3 days per week.

Direct Reports

• This position will not have direct reports.

Competitive Pay $104,942- $146,918 annually.

The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.