Lead Communications Specialist - Reputation Management

Company Overview

Wherever you work and whatever role you fill, when you represent the Bridgestone name you know that you are a valued teammate who is part of our larger mission to Serve Society with Superior Quality. We start by offering each teammate more than just a salary. We provide formal training, competitive performance incentives, paid vacation and holidays, healthcare packages for full-time and part-time employees, and a 401k plan to help build your future. We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they are allowed to bring their whole selves to work and know they are supported. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of. Show us the smart stuff, the tough stuff, the bold, beautiful and brave stuff. Because who you are is what we need. Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee and is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone Americas and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

Position Summary

The Lead Communications Specialist, U.S. and Canada Stakeholder & Reputation Management is responsible for executing communications programs and activities in alignment with Bridgestone North America’s manufacturing and facilities business strategy and objectives. This position will play a critical role in advancing Bridgestone’s transformation from the No. 1 tire and rubber company to a leader in sustainable mobility solutions. The role is part of the Bridgestone West Strategic Communications team, which is comprised of the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The Lead Communications Specialist, U.S. and Canada Stakeholder & Reputation Management reports to the Director, Stakeholder and Reputation Management and is based at Bridgestone Tower in Nashville, TN.

Responsibilities

• Execute strategic and integrated communications plans/activities to protect and enhance Bridgestone’s external reputation in the communities where it does business.
• Partner with the Marketing COE, Commercial Marketing team and business leaders in the development of communications plans/activities including but not limited to North American facilities’ milestones and achievements, employee recognition (where appropriate), strategic business communications (e.g., M&A, divestments, staff reductions).
• Support the development of social media and thought leadership content.
• Continuous monitoring and support mitigation activities to preserve and protect the company’s external reputation.
• Provide crisis communications planning and support which aligns with Global Crisis Communications Team’s goals and objectives.
• Identify unique and intriguing storytelling opportunities to drive attention, excitement, and business results in support of Bridgestone West and Global Communications objectives.
• Monitoring KPIs, assessing and measuring campaign/project performance and associated narratives.
• Maintaining a regular cadence of communications with internal and external clients and stakeholders.

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 working years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or equivalent work experience
• 5-7 years of relevant work experience developing and managing regional and/or global communications strategies and programs, preferably for a global company; agency experience a plus.
• Experience in client service, problem-solving, decision-making and project management skills.
• Prior experience writing content in a clear, concise, compelling way in the face of challenging deadlines.
• Experience in media, crisis and issues management.
• Excellent influencing and negotiation skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with a cross-functional team of both internal teammates and external agency partners.

Nice to Have:

• Bi-lingual in French