CAN – Senior Director – Communications

CAN – Senior Director – Communications

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing a team.
• Proven experience in crisis and issue management.
• Strong understanding of digital communications and social media platforms.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in communication tools and software, including AI.
• Experience with media relations and serving as a company spokesperson.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team.
• Strong organizational skills, especially in creating structure and formality.
• Executive presence and the ability to manage up.
• Growth mentality and a proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a key senior advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and Canadian Leadership Team, taking the lead in reputation management and serving as a company spokesperson as needed and as appropriate, ensuring overall consistency of strategic direction, positioning, and messaging.
• Responsible for the development, implementation, and measurement of a broad range of public relations and thought leadership activities to support the strategic direction and positioning of Walmart Canada and the Walmart Canada Leadership Team.
• Develops, manages, and leads corporate response to the broad range of contentious and sensitive issues which impact Walmart Canada’s reputation nationwide. Develops and leads strategies to avert issues when possible. Leads the internal communication response as part of a cross-functional team related to crisis and business continuity.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive suite of best-in-class communications programs and strategies in alignment with Walmart Canada’s goals and major internal and external events and initiatives (Store and Facility Manager meetings; store/distribution centre openings; product launches).
• Oversees the strategy and delivery of key corporate communication initiatives and announcements (earnings, thought leadership, supporting government relations and lobbying, community investments, impact reports, executive speeches, and thought leadership) to help strengthen Walmart Canada’s reputation as a leading Canadian retailer, top employer, community investor, and regenerative business and ensure alignment with Walmart Inc.
• Conducts regular reviews of communication programs and channels to ensure activities deliver on objectives. Refines programs as needed to ensure they remain effective. Stays active on the latest trends and best practices, identifying opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Corporate communications and agency experience preferred.
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or similar certification is a plus.