Manager Store Communications

Talbots is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, the company is known for modern classic style that's both timeless and timely, fine quality craftsmanship and gracious service. At Talbots relationships are the key to our business, we hire individuals who bring new ideas to the table, understand smart risk taking and can enhance an already thriving culture. With a commitment to offer modern classic style for every body type, through a full range of sizes, inclusive to every woman in your life.

Basic Purpose

The Manager, Store Communications leads strategic communication of the vision, purpose, and goals of all store initiatives to optimize adoption and outcomes. This role curates and prioritizes communication from functional business partners to establish a singular brand voice across all channels. Highly detail-oriented, organized, and strategic, the Manager ensures that all messaging is consistent and impactful. Superior written and verbal communication skills are essential, enabling clear and effective articulation of information to store teams and field leadership.

Principal Accountabilities

• Lead the strategy, development and implementation of all store and field leader communication programs and initiatives, partnering with the Store Support Team and business partners throughout the organization to determine optimal timing, format and delivery of information.
• Compose messaging for daily, weekly and monthly communications; proofread and edit submissions from business partners to ensure conciseness, clarity and consistent brand voice, and conduct further research of content as needed to maximize understanding and adoption.
• Work with functional partners to manage daily communication of promotional events and activities, including updates of posted details and maintenance of planning calendars.
• Manage stores' intranet with the goal of maximizing engagement and optimizing user experience through intuitive placement of content, engaging design and navigation, and diligent maintenance of documents and links.
• Maintain strong quality assurance and high level of accuracy across all communication deliverables and channels.
• Continually evaluate communication methods and vehicles and recommend solutions for refining, streamlining, and automating delivery of communication to the field.
• Function as an advocate for stores in meetings and interactions with business partners to ensure store teams' priorities are considered and their ability to focus on business is protected.
• Research and understand key business needs and challenges to inform decisions around content, timing and delivery of communication.
• Leverage all sources of store and field feedback, including roundtables, surveys and discussion boards, to identify global trends and issues and assess needs for further communication or education.

Internal and External Relationships

Internal

• Store Operations & Systems
• Visual
• Merchandising
• Marketing
• Company Planning
• Inventory Planning
• Human Resources
• Loss Prevention
• Finance
• Senior Leadership

External

• Functional business partners at all KnitWell Group brands
• Vendors and service providers

Education/Experience/Knowledge

• Bachelor's degree
• 8+ years of experience in a fast-paced retail or hospitality environment with exposure to both communications and operations
• Proven success designing and executing successful communications strategies and campaigns
• Exceptional writing, proofreading and editing skills; ability to write compelling content and edit content from multiple sources to convey a singular brand voice
• Operational mindset with excellent organizational and planning skills and ability to think analytically and strategically
• Excellent project management and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and adapt to changing priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to foster and maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with partners at all levels throughout the organization
• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office applications including Outlook and Teams; experience with Adobe InDesign preferred
• Functional knowledge of, interest in, and adaptability to emerging office and communication technologies

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel assigned to this job .

Talbots is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category protected by applicable law. Talbots is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process please contact [email protected]. Talbots will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company's business.