Director Brand Communications

Job Title: Director Brand Communications

Location: Evanston IL (Hybrid)
Reports to: Vice President Marketing Foods North America
Experience Required: 15 years in agency and CPG brand-side roles

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic digitally native Director of Brand Communications to lead the strategic development and execution of our Omni-channel media communications and digital transformation initiatives. This leader will bring deep expertise from both agency and CPG environments with a proven track record of driving brand growth through innovative media strategies compelling storytelling and high-impact partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead the integrated media and communications strategy across paid owned earned and shared channels.
• Champion a digital-first mindset driving transformation across platforms and teams.
• Translate brand objectives into actionable media and communicationsAM1 plans that deliver measurable business results.
• Develop a comprehensive approach to audience-based targeting and messaging along the consumer path to purchase
• Lead the creative briefing and development of assets to support the delivery of the Kerrygold brand strategy

Media Planning & Investment

• Oversee the planning execution and optimization of omni-channel media investments (TV digital social influencer programmatic etc.).
• Partner with media agencies to ensure best-in-class planning buying and performance tracking.
• Leverage data and analytics to continuously optimize media mix and ROI.

Digital & Social Innovation

• Lead the evolution of our digital ecosystem including performance marketing content strategy and emerging platforms.
• Build on existing social media success to deepen engagement and drive brand relevance.
• Identify and activate new digital tools and technologies to enhance consumer experience.

Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships

• Lead PR strategy and execution to elevate brand reputation and visibility.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships influencers and brand ambassadors.
• Oversee crisis communications and media relations in collaboration with corporate communications.

Measurement & Reporting

• Define KPIs and implement robust measurement frameworks to assess campaign effectiveness.
• Deliver regular performance reports and insights to senior leadership.
• Foster a culture of test-and-learn to drive continuous improvement.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of media digital and communications professionals.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with brand insights shopper marketing and external partners.
• Build plans in partnership with a Global brand team of subject matter experts adopting relevant frameworks and strategic inputs as appropriate.

Company Background:

Ornua is a leading dairy co-operative which sells premium dairy products globally on behalf of its Member Co-operatives Irelands dairy processors and in turn Irish dairy farmers.

Ornua has revenues of 3.4 billion and is supported by a global team of approximately 2800 employees. The Group operates as a commercial organisation across 10 business units including 12 production facilities located in Europe North America the Middle East and Africa.

The commercial organisation is responsible for the marketing and sales of Ornuas consumer brands including Irelands most successful food export: Kerrygold. Consumer markets are served by production facilities in Ireland Germany and the UK and by in-market Sales & Marketing Teams in Asia Germany Ireland MEA Poland Spain rest of Europe and North and Latin America.

It also manages the procurement of Irish and non-Irish dairy products the sale of dairy ingredients to food manufacturing and foodservice customers globally and the implementation of de-risking and trading strategies to manage market volatility. These activities are supported by production facilities and in-market teams in Europe North America the Middle East and Africa.

The Kerrygold business in North America is a powerhouse within Ornua with an iconic and beloved brand and a highly engaged highly inclusive and high-performing team that together have delivered double-digit profitable growth on the business for the last twenty years.

Qualifications

• Director level with 15 years of progressive experience in integrated marketing with a blend of agency and CPG brand-side roles.
• Proven expertise in media strategy digital marketing and communications.
• Strong understanding of the evolving media landscape including social digital and emerging platforms.
• Experience managing large-scale media budgets and agency relationships.
• Exceptional leadership communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Data-driven mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Bachelors degree in Marketing Communications or related field; MBA preferred.

Total Rewards at Ornua Foods North America Inc will include a competitive salary and annual bonus scheme. The following are a list of other benefits you can avail of: low employee contribution for Medical Vision and Dental benefits cover; 401k; Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; Flexible working; Fitness Reimbursement; Charity Donation; Complimentary Kerrygold products; Free car parking and secure bicycle storage; Free healthy snacks and drinks in the office; Reward & Recognition program; Volunteering opportunities; Long Service Awards. The salary range for this role is $160k to $206k and the candidate will be offered a salary commensurate with their level of experience.

Ornua Foods North America Inc isan equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employmentwithout regard to race colour religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process please contact Ornua People Services at or.