Marketing and Communications Manager

Salary Range: 134,000.00-175,000.00

Company Description

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible. At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital, G-Technology, SanDisk and WD brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Job Description

Summary: We are seeking an experienced Marketing and Communications Manager to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned communications professional capable of developing and implementing a comprehensive reputation management strategy. Working closely with ecosystem partners and cross-functional teams, this individual will lead the creation of thought leadership content and messaging, aiming to position the company as an industry leader in crisis response. The consumer reputation manager will be instrumental in guiding and orchestrating teams focused on communications responses, dedicated to formulating strategic plans that not only address reputation but also manage public issues effectively, ultimately aiming to strengthen and restore consumer trust.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

1. Design and implement the consumer product brand and reputation management programs in close collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders such as product marketing, engineering, PR, and Legal.
2. Establish clear protocols and procedures for identifying, assessing, and responding to crises and issues which could impact on the company’s reputation.
3. Create industry-leading thought leadership content and messaging and work closely with the communications team to ensure its successful uptake in the media.
4. Lead and coordinate cross-functional crisis response project teams when applicable. Provide direction and guidance to team members, fostering collaboration and a unified approach.
5. Develop consistent and effective messaging platforms and communicate cross functionally across various channels during crisis situations.
6. Design and implement communication strategies to establish and maintain trustworthy consumer brands.
7. Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key players in the data recovery and quality assurance space to enhance the company's position within the industry.
8. Drive initiatives to participate in industry events, conferences, and quality summits to stay abreast of market trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.
9. Monitor and assess brand sentiments and development of response in coordination of cross-functional team.
10. Regularly review and update crisis management plans to reflect evolving risks and industry best practices.
11. Engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand concerns and expectations during crisis situations.
12. Establish and maintain relationships with relevant industry experts and crisis management networks.
13. Creation and implementation of proactive and reactive communication campaigns aimed at enhancing the public image of our consumer products.

The Ideal Person

1. A Proven Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in brand reputation management, or a related field.
2. A proven track record of successfully handling complex crises in a corporate environment. Consumer electronics or technology field experience is a plus.
3. Deep knowledge of the media landscape and reputation management communications, and resulting response strategies.
4. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently.
5. A strong leader with the ability to influence with an inclusive approach to working with cross-functional teams, team management skills a plus.
6. In-depth knowledge of the industry and awareness of emerging trends and issues that may pose reputational risks.
7. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with a proactive and adaptable approach to crisis situations.
8. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, communications or related field, Master’s degree is a plus.
2. 10 years of experience in crisis management or a related field.
3. Proven experience in leading successful crisis response efforts and reputation management.
4. Familiarity with crisis management tools, technologies, and best practices.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for ensuring industry leading brand reputation management and have a proven track record of success in navigating complex situations, we invite you to apply and join our team at Western Digital.

Additional Information

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Based on our experience, we anticipate that this job will close on or before 04/03/2024. If we have not closed our search by this date, we will update this posting with a new anticipated close date.