Internal Communications Manager

Bath & Body Works - Columbus, OH

Full-time - Mid Level

Columbus, OH

Health and Personal Care Retailers

About the position

At Bath & Body Works, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture that prioritizes delivering exceptional fragrances and experiences to our customers. The Associate Communications Manager role (Internal Communications) is pivotal in connecting a network of leaders and internal partners to develop and implement communication strategies that resonate with our brand and culture. This position is responsible for providing ongoing strategic counsel, establishing message hierarchies, and acting as a change catalyst and campaign manager for business priorities across various associate audiences, including those in the home office, field, and distribution centers. The role requires a strategic thinker who can serve as a communications strategist for a two-way communication program aimed at enhancing associate understanding of business goals and strategies. The Associate Communications Manager will develop a message framework and communication approach to support the business agenda and manage high-profile, complex initiatives. Additionally, the individual will create measurement strategies to monitor associate understanding and attitudes, identifying and addressing any gaps that may arise. In terms of counsel, the Associate Communications Manager will advise partners on communication and change management issues, taking into account organizational sensitivities and nuances. This role also involves enhancing the communication skills of partners by providing tools, templates, and training to empower managers to become effective communicators. The execution of communication strategies will involve translating these strategies into actionable plans that inform, align, and engage associates regarding business priorities and culture. The Associate Communications Manager will align messages to the established framework, write and edit communications with clarity, and provide constructive feedback to others. Managing project timelines, logistics, and execution is also a key responsibility, along with developing and enhancing existing communication processes and vehicles such as publications, videos, surveys, and executive presentations to maximize their effectiveness and impact.

Responsibilities

• Serve as communications strategist for a two-way communication program that builds associate understanding of business goals and strategies.
• Develop message framework and communication approach to support business agenda and specific, high-profile and complex initiatives.
• Create measurement strategies for monitoring associate understanding and attitudes to identify and address gaps.
• Advise partners on communications and change management issues, including organizational sensitivities and nuances.
• Help develop communication skills of partners by providing tools, templates, and training.
• Translate strategies into action plans to inform, align, and engage associates with regard to business priorities and culture shaping.
• Align messages and themes to message framework; write and edit messages and materials with clarity of purpose and intent.
• Demonstrate ability to translate messages for a variety of audiences.
• Manage project timelines, logistics, and execution.
• Develop new and enhance existing processes and communication vehicles to increase their effectiveness and impact.

Requirements

• 5-8 years of experience with all aspects of internal communications, including speechwriting, presentation development, organizational announcements, crisis communications, and creating engaging communication vehicles.
• Experience in engaging associates in and communicating about health and wellness benefits is a plus.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability in coaching leaders and partners regarding all aspects of communication and associate engagement.
• Excellent team orientation and partnering skills across functions.
• In-house experience preferred; experience with stores organization preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent experience required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in engaging associates in health and wellness benefits communication.
• In-house experience in a retail environment.

Benefits

• No cost mental health and well-being program
• Health coverage with a variety of plans to choose from
• Flexible and affordable saving programs
• Paid time off
• Merchandise discount