Manager, Corporate Communications

Position Summary:

We're seeking a dynamic, experienced Corporate Communications professional to lead and execute external and internal communication strategies for our growing retail brand. This role will be responsible for helping shape our corporate narrative, manage media relations and crisis communications, build employee engagement, oversee our intranet platform and more. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, has a proven track record of success managing proactive and reactive press relations, brings a blend of agency and in-house PR experience, with a proven track record in retail, CPG, healthcare or lifestyle sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

External Communications & Media Relations

• Secure positive media coverage in key media outlets through compelling press releases, media kits, pitches and more

• Manage relationships with media contacts, journalists, and influencers, leveraging tools like Cision, PR Newswire, MuckRack, Meltwater, Signal AI, etc.

• Support crisis communications and corporate reputation management efforts, including media inquiries

• Develop and maintain a corporate newsroom or press page, ensuring accurate and consistent brand representation

• Track media coverage, analyze trends, and report on share of voice and sentiment

Content Development & Editorial Planning

• Advance brand narrative with consistent, engaging and effective content on Petco's LinkedIn page

• Create thought leadership content for executives (e.g., bylines, LinkedIn posts, speeches, internal communications, etc.)

• Build and maintain a corporate editorial calendar integrating internal and external milestones

• Support brand storytelling through partnerships, community impact initiatives, and product news

Internal Communications & Intranet Management

• Lead internal storytelling and executive messaging to drive culture, values and strategy alignment

• Manage employee communication platforms, including company-wide intranet (e.g., Unily, Workplace by Meta or similar) and ensure content is engaging, accurate, and aligned with business priorities

• Collaborate with cross-functional departments, including HR, IT, marketing, leadership, merchandising and more to deliver effective employee communications for key initiatives

• Continuously measure engagement and performance of all efforts across channels to improve based on feedback and data

Cross-functional Partnership

• Act as a communications liaison between corporate, retail field teams, and executive leadership

• Collaborate closely with Marketing, HR, Legal, and Investor Relations to ensure message consistency

• Provide communication support for change management initiatives and business priorities

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism or related field

• 6-10 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, preferably in both agency and in-house roles (agency experience is a must)

• Proven media relations and crisis communications experience are a must

• Experience in retail, CPG, healthcare or lifestyle industries highly preferred

• Values deadlines and has impeccable time-management and organizational skills

• Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills

• Sharp attention to detail

• Proficient in analytics evaluation and reporting (LinkedIn, Unily, other social platforms)

• Proven success in managing comms platforms (e.g., Unily, Sprinklr, email marketing tools, LinkedIn/social media accounts, SharePoint, Workplace by Meta)

• Hands-on experience with media monitoring and distribution tools (e.g., Cision, PR Newswire, MuckRack, Meltwater, Signal AI, TV Eyes)

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and operate at both strategic and tactical levels

Preferred Attributes:

• Highly collaborative and empathetic communicator who understands diverse audiences

• Data-driven approach with a passion for continuous improvement

• Confident working with senior executives and representing the voice of the brand