Panera Bread is hiring: Manager, Public Relations in West Newton

Manager, Public Relations

Summary:

The Public Relations Manager plays a key role in shaping and executing Panera's communications strategy. This dynamic position involves collaborating with cross-functional teams and agency partners to drive brand visibility and relevance, manage media relations and monitoring, and support strategic marketing initiatives. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, proactive communicator and possesses excellent media relations skills.

This is a hybrid role. Candidates must be able to work out of our Newton, MA offices three days per week.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications Planning:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Panera's communications strategy as part of the Corporate Affairs team.
• Collaborate with internal marketing teams and agency partners to create integrated consumer communication plans aligned with Panera's initiatives.
• Support the ideation and execution of key brand moments, coordinating with legal, operations, marketing, and other relevant departments.
• Work to ensure brand consistency across all communication platforms.

Media Relations:

• Manage the press inbox daily, ensuring timely and accurate responses to media inquiries.
• Manage the Panera press page, ensuring all coverage and press materials are up-to-date weekly.
• Stay up-to-date with industry news and national trends
• Research, draft, and refine press materials, Q&As, and key messaging for various company consumer and corporate announcements.
• Prepare comprehensive press recaps for stakeholders, including quarterly and annual performance measurement.
• Assist in developing and executing proactive consumer media strategies for major brand campaigns and product launches.
• Act as a member of Panera's crisis team, responding to issues management needs in coordination with the Corporate Affairs team.

Qualifications:

• 4-6 years of experience in the public relations field
• Agency experience required
• High energy self-starter with an unapologetic bias for action
• Must be able to work autonomously with people at multiple levels within the organization
• Experience managing or working with agency resources a plus
• Ability to multi-task, work successfully with teams, and work under pressure
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional project management skills with strong attention to detail
• Bachelor's degree, preferably with a concentration in public relations, marketing or communications
• Flexibility to respond to issues outside of standard working hours required
• Occasional travel required

Competitive Pay $104,942 to $146,918 annually.

The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

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