Head of Associate Experience Communications

Develop and lead associate communications and engagement strategies that support the company's Purpose and Promise, our people strategy and Human Resources functional areas, overall business priorities, and the behavior changes needed to achieve them. Advise and counsel the chief people officer and HR leadership team and ultimately enhance Kroger's reputation as a great place to work and build a career. Demonstrate company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.RESPONSIBILITIES

- Create/lead associate communication plans that improve associates' connection to Kroger's business priorities and how we support our associates- Develop/execute communication for the People strategy (hiring/retention, training/development, engagement, and benefits/comp)- Lead internal employer of choice communications across the company to build teamwork, foster alignment and improve performance- Develop/execute leadership communication strategy; provide direct support to chief people officer/HR leadership team; advise/counsel leaders on issues/opportunities- Create/maintain a recognizable employer brand to share our unique story as an employer of choice and recognize our associates in a way that connects with current associates, candidates and alumni- Ensure quality control of all communications; serve as brand ambassador and consult with key stakeholders to foster alignment- Establish metrics/key performance indicators to support business strategy and measure effectiveness; regularly report findings to stakeholders/leaders- Develop/implement systems, governance, and best practices for communication through data analytics, competitive market analysis, and collaboration/feedback- Lead development of compelling content across multiple channels to demonstrate the value of being part of the Kroger family and furthers our reputation as an employer of choice- Lead weekly executive announcement process, working with senior leaders on confidential communications- Develop/execute communication to support leaders and executives in understanding their role as a leader- Evaluate/measure effectiveness of communications programs using results to strengthen planning/execution of future communications- Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews/provide feedback to direct reports- Travel independently up to 30% to divisions or conferences- Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodationQUALIFICATIONS *Minimum*Bachelors Degree journalism, communications or related fieldAny prior experience managing agency resources7+ years corporate communications or public relations experienceConsulting and influencing skills; strong listening skillsProven ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive information appropriatelyAbility to interact and influence at all levels of an organization including senior managementAbility to coordinate multiple priority projects involving different functional areas of the corporationProficient in Microsoft Office SuiteProven track record of teamwork, innovation and delivery of business communication results*Desired*7+ years corporate communications experience including internal communicationsAny experience in a retail environmentAny experience communicating with a unionized workforceAny experience writing materials on associate engagement, HR policy, health care, organizational change, compensation and benefitsAny HR or benefits experience