Vice President, External Communications

Vice President, External Communications

New York, NY

Position Title: Vice President, External Communications

Join the world of Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the worldwide co-leader in the global wines and spirits industry and the number one in prestige globally. Our portfolio of prestigious brands includes ABSOLUT® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, and Avión™ Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avión); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

At Pernod Ricard, we are creators of conviviality. It means working with great people from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about our brands, our industry, and spirit: in the words of our founder, “make a new friend every day”. Our success is the result of the passion and creativity of our people, our exceptional portfolio of leading premium brands, and a shared commitment to our values of entrepreneurship, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard USA rewards both individual initiative and a spirit of collaboration, and encourages ongoing professional development.

We believe in championing an inclusive culture that embraces differences and encourages employees to challenge themselves and their colleagues. With an agile work environment and 5 employee resource groups (Women, LGBT, Asian Pacific, Hispanics, African-American), we provide our employees with an environment where they can thrive and succeed in.

Learn more about our history, values, strategies and organization by visiting us at http://www.pernod-ricard-usa.com/

Position Summary

Reporting to the SVP, Communications and S&R, the VP of External Communications is responsible for building outsized awareness and reputation for Pernod Ricard USA and its portfolio with key stakeholders (including consumers/general public, customers, investors, local communities, government officials and regulators) through impactful coverage in media, as well as digital and social media amplification.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Brand & Media

Partner with the Global Communications team and PR agency to develop and implement an external communications strategy for the Pernod Ricard corporate brand with key stakeholders.

Work closely with various PR USA departments to identify story angles illustrating key themes, and then generate coverage in traditional and nontraditional media.

Develop key messages and press materials for key business and corporate trade press outreach

Prepare Pernod Ricard executives for interviews with business/key corporate trade media

Build relationships with key drinks industry media and influencer contacts to keep abreast of industry trends and competitive information.

Stay current on key industry and policy issues and shape the strategy for communicating on them

Lead various media events and trips for US-based media

Brand Communications

Collaborate with the brand marketing teams to create earned media strategies that achieve volume profits goals and are aligned with local and global marketing direction.

Act as advisor to guide the strategies, programs and execution for each brand’s public relations, events, and influencers programs to ensure impactful execution and timely evaluation.

Create communication plans and programs to amplify brand initiatives to all relevant stakeholders (media, distributors, headquarters, employees, etc.).

Liaise with and among brand owner group, to glean key information for local programming, and to support global initiatives that will/could impact local activities.

Digital Media

Lead the creation and execution of social media plans to build awareness and positive reputation of Pernod Ricard USA among key stakeholders.

Lead content development and monitor conversations on PR USA corporate external social media channels.

Leverage innovative storytelling and emerging platforms to identify and engage with known and new audiences.

Maintain relationships with Digital Influencers across social platforms to leverage corporate brand messaging and enhance earned reach.

Maintain the Pernod Ricard USA website as a focused and dynamic resource.

Customer Communications

Lead the ongoing development of our Customer Communication strategy, partnering with the Sales team, distributors and retailers.

Execute relevant programs supporting our business priorities through our customer communications suite of tools (podcasts, webinars, newsletters, etc.).

Other Areas of Responsibility

Measure on an ongoing basis the effectiveness of programs to adapt strategy and execution where relevant.

Support the planning and execution of external communications activities (e.g.: Sustainability and Responsibility initiatives, presentations at industry events, analyst meetings) for Pernod Ricard USA management, as needed.

Manage external crisis communications and serve as liaison with consumer complaint handling process and work closely with the Legal department to ensure crisis preparedness.

Act as liaison and/or lead on new corporate services and experiences opportunities

Manage and develop direct reports.

Required Skills & Abilities

Technical Expertise

Strong track record of creating consistently successful brand awareness programs for corporate brands and large brands

Strong knowledge and understanding of the US media landscape

Significant experience in shaping/developing social media strategy resulting in community growth

Significant experience with developing and implementing digital campaigns

Ability to build and continually strengthen relationships with key media and influencers

Proficiency at PowerPoint and other Microsoft tools.

Profile

Strategic Thinker

Ability to prioritize for business-impact

Effective Collaborator

Self-starter

Enthusiastic team player that can work both autonomously and with others

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Calm under pressure

Attention to detail

Enjoys being convivial and meeting new people

Experience

Required: 15 years corporate or agency public relations experience.

Preferred: Alcohol, Tech, CPG or Lifestyle-brand experience is a plus

Previous experience working with and supporting commercial/sales teams is a plus

Education

Required: Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred: Graduate Degree in communications or related field

Who are we?

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S. The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as ABSOLUT® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, and Avión™ Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avión); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines. Learn more about our history, values, strategies and organization by visiting us at http://www.pernod-ricard-usa.com/

Working at Pernod Ricard

Working for Pernod Ricard USA means working for the co-leader in the global wines and spirits industry – and having the opportunity to work with great people and great brands in diverse and challenging roles. Our success is the result of the passion and creativity of our people, our exceptional portfolio of leading premium brands, and a shared commitment to our values of entrepreneurship, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard USA rewards both individual initiative and a spirit of collaboration, and encourages ongoing professional development. Pernod Ricard USA recognizes the importance of continuously building upon our diverse workforce and inclusive culture. We believe in championing an inclusive culture that embraces differences and encourages employees to challenge themselves and their colleagues.

Benefits

Pernod Ricard USA offers competitive compensation, performance bonuses and domestic & international career development opportunities.

* Pernod Ricard USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

* Offers will be subject to United States local terms.