RBI is seeking an exceptional Senior Director of Corporate Communications to serve as a strategic communications leader and trusted advisor to the company’s most senior executives. This high‑impact role sits at the intersection of media relations, executive communications, and corporate reputation, requiring someone equally comfortable crafting a CEO narrative for a major earnings event while managing a variety of global reputational issues.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Chief Corporate Officer, this leader will be the primary communications partner to the CEO, Executive Chairman, and other members of the C‑suite, while also serving as a strategic thought partner to the Corporate Communications Officer and collaborating closely with the People team on culture and employer brand communications. The role will lead RBI’s external corporate communications function—shaping how the company is perceived by media, investors, partners, policymakers, and the public.
Key Responsibilities
- Executive Advisory & C‑Suite Partnership: Serve as the communications advisor to the CEO, Executive Chairman, and other senior leaders on all matters related to corporate reputation, external messaging, and stakeholder communications. Develop executive narratives, speeches, op‑eds, and written communications that reflect each leader’s voice and advance company priorities. Prepare executives for high‑stakes media interviews, analyst calls, and public appearances, including briefing books and coaching on message delivery. Be available and responsive to senior leadership during fast‑moving situations.
- External Communications & Media Relations: Own and drive RBI’s external corporate communications strategy, employing a modern mix of channels—long‑form content, corporate social platforms, podcasts, and earned media. Lead media relations, cultivating relationships with journalists and editors across top‑tier business, financial, trade, and consumer outlets. Develop and execute a proactive earned media strategy that amplifies RBI’s business momentum and brand portfolio worldwide. Manage reactive media inquiries, issues management, and crisis communications. Develop and maintain RBI’s corporate communications infrastructure: press releases, media kits, fact sheets, and internal/external websites. Own RBI’s external social media presence, including LinkedIn strategy (content calendar, measurement, paid programs, and executive amplification).
- Reputation Management & Issues/Crisis Communications: Identify and monitor potential reputational risks, providing early warning and strategic guidance. Lead communications for sensitive business issues such as major announcements, leadership transitions, restructurings, and industry controversies. Partner with Legal and Investor Relations to ensure communications are coordinated, compliant, and consistent. Develop and maintain crisis communications playbooks and protocols.
- Major Events & Flagship Experiences: Own planning and logistics for RBI’s major corporate events, ensuring flagship moments are executed seamlessly and reinforce strategic priorities. Lead planning for brand conventions across all four RBI brands, partnering with brand communications teams on content and audience experience. Manage brand roadshow events, coordinating across functions to ensure execution excellence. Establish event standards, measurement frameworks, and post‑event reporting to improve quality, engagement, and impact.
- Earnings, Investor & Financial Communications: Partner closely with Investor Relations to align corporate narrative with investor messaging. Support quarterly earnings communications, including CEO and leadership talking points and media strategy. Manage RBI’s corporate reputation with the financial media and broader analyst community.
- People & Culture Communications Partnership: Serve as the communications bridge between Corporate Affairs and the People team, ensuring employer brand, culture, and talent narratives are integrated into external strategy. Collaborate on communications around major people initiatives—culture, leadership announcements, and ownership culture—and support the development of RBI’s employer brand presence in the external market.
- Brand & Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with communications leads across Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs to ensure corporate and brand narratives reinforce each other. Partner with Marketing, Operations, Government Affairs, and Legal to ensure integrated, cross‑functional communications on key initiatives. Support communications for major company milestones: brand expansions, partnerships, acquisitions, product launches, and corporate announcements.
- Team Leadership & Operating Excellence: Manage and mentor a team of communications professionals, setting high standards for quality, speed, and strategic thinking. Establish clear workflows, processes, and measurement frameworks. Produce and report on communications results (media coverage, share of voice, executive profile metrics, engagement) to inform planning and demonstrate impact. Manage external agency and vendor relationships effectively and within budget.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or a related field, including senior in‑house corporate roles.
- Exceptional writer and editor, able to craft everything from a tight press statement to a long‑form CEO op‑ed, matching executive voices authentically.
- Strong, established relationships with business, financial, and consumer media; track record of earning coverage that matters.
- Proven experience advising C‑suite executives and operating as a trusted strategic partner at the highest organizational levels.
- Deep experience in issues and crisis communications, with quick, steady judgment in uncertain situations.
- Collaborative, cross‑functional nature; comfortable navigating matrixed organizations and building relationships across Legal, Investor Relations, People, Marketing, and brand teams.
- Experience in financial communications and investor relations is a strong asset.
- Experience in the quick‑service restaurant, CPG, or retail industry is an asset but not required.
- Demonstrated ability to advise top executives and earn their trust at the most senior levels.
- Strong financial acumen; comfortable with earnings materials, investor communications, and business performance narratives.
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
- Ability to travel as needed to support executive events, media opportunities, and key company moments.
Key Competencies
- Strategic communications leadership
- Executive influence & trusted advisor instincts
- Exceptional writing & editorial judgment
- Media relations depth & instincts
- Crisis & issues management
- Cross‑functional collaboration
- High‑pressure composure & judgment
- Team building & talent development
Benefits & Employment Information
RBI follows a five‑day, in‑office work schedule to support collaboration. Successful candidates will be expected to work onsite five days per week.
Benefits focus on physical, mental, and financial wellness. The company offers a comprehensive global paid parental leave program, free telemedicine, and mental wellness support.
Restaurant Brands International and all of its affiliated companies are equal‑opportunity and affirmative action employers. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request.
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