Manager, Public Relations - Spirits

Job Description

COMPANY SUMMARY:

Constellation Brands is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. Our mission is to build brands that people love, pushing boundaries to think beyond today because we believe that elevating human connections is Worth Reaching For. Our Wine & Spirits Division strives to lead the high-end market with a world-class portfolio of premium and fine wines and craft spirits that reflect authenticity, passion, and uncompromising standards—from soil to glass. Our success is powered by a high-performing, entrepreneurial team that moves with agility, works collaboratively, and is driven to win while growing their careers in a dynamic, rewarding environment.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Manager, Public Relations will support Constellation Brands’ Wine and Spirits brand team and be responsible for developing and executing programs that elevate perception, increase awareness and drive strategic messaging for Constellation’s portfolio of brands. Responsibilities include brand public relations and media and critic relations  for our brands.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with internal Brand Marketing team and agency partners to develop and implement compelling brand narratives to be executed across consumer channels.

• Collaborate with internal Brand Marketing teammates and external PR agency partners to develop and execute comprehensive Brand PR programs that increase consumer awareness and trade perception, stimulate trial, drive tourism, and drive revenue growth for brands within the company’s portfolio, as well as new product innovations. 

• Develop and oversee PR and media/critic relations strategies that drive awareness, credibility, tourism and consumer acquisition for our distilleries and visitor centers.

• Manage PR agencies that support in building / executing Brand PR programs and delivering results on time and on budget that help drive the company’s success, including PR Events & Partnerships

• Engage in effective media relations by maintaining/building relationships with key trade, consumer and business media outlets / reporters; identify opportunities to garner positive media coverage and working with PR agencies to plan, pitch and target media outlets / reporters; prepare company spokespeople for media interviews; serve as a company spokesperson where needed; and develop press releases, talking points and media lists as needed.

• Maintain relations with industry critics to grow credibility and overall trade and industry perception for our spirits brands

• Partner with distilling, brand partners and agency partners to develop scores and accolades strategy

• Effectively measure and communicate the impact of Brand PR activities on company results to key internal stakeholders.

• Ensure message consistency and alignment with Constellation’s overall communications program and strategic direction.

• Cultivate strong working relationships with cross-functional teams (e.g. Sales, Marketing, Media & Influencer, Content, Operations, HR, Growth, Event Marketing, etc.) to provide strategic advice and communications support. Manage budgets, vendor relations, and monthly forecasting.

• Collaborate with Communications team to develop content for the company’s internal communication channels to drive employee awareness and understanding around high-end leadership, portfolio and brand news and key initiatives aligned with the company’s business strategy.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Understanding of the Luxury space and Luxury marketing and Public Relations

• Understanding of the craft spirits consumer as well as demographic segments.

• Understanding of the industry trade/critic landscape and key influential personalities

• Ability to think strategically and develop measurable plans that support the company’s business objectives

• Ability to effectively manage PR agencies in the building and execution of strategic PR programs that deliver results on time and on budget

• Leadership skills, professional maturity, executive presence, and ability to influence without authority

• Ability to interact effectively with leaders at all levels of the organization and serve as a brand ambassador for both the Communications team and the company

• Superior writing, editing, oral and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to serve as a strategic advisor / coach that maximizes leaders’ effectiveness as communicators

• Business and financial acumen

• Positive, optimistic attitude, even in the face of adversity

• Operate with the highest level of ethics and integrity

• Ability to appropriately handle confidential / proprietary information

• Ability to prioritize, juggle multiple priorities, and meet deadlines while delivering high quality work

• Results-oriented, with the ability to deliver results that impact business performance

• Superior organizational, planning, project and time management skills

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage change

• Self-starter who takes initiative to proactively drive efforts

• Thorough proficiency in Microsoft Excel; MS Word, MS PowerPoint required

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS/BA degree in communications, public relations or journalism or some related field

• 6-8 years’ experience in public relations, industry critic relations, marketing or related function

• High level knowledge and experience in the spirits category (WSET 2 or equivalent required, 3 preferred)

• Event production / management experience a plus

• Proven experience managing / maximizing effectiveness of external agencies

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/OTHER:

• Ability to lift approximately 45lbs on occasion

• Work in a normal office environment. Sit at a workstation for up to 2 hour intervals.

• Must be flexible in work style and schedule: travel up to 15%

• Weekend and evening availability at times. Some travel required between distillery sites, to off-site meetings and events and out-of-area events.

Location

Additional Locations

Job Type

Job Area

The salary range for this role is:

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  Our compensation is based on cost of labor. For remote locations or positions open to multiple locations, the pay range may reflect several US geographic markets, including the lowest geographic market minimum to the highest geographic market maximum. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, the prevailing minimum wage for the location, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, any collective bargaining agreements, and business or organizational needs.  At Constellation Brands, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and any other benefits to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Equal Opportunity

Constellation Brands is committed to a continuing program of equal employment opportunity. All persons have equal employment opportunities with Constellation Brands, regardless of their sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), marital status, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), familial status, military or veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions (or any other group or category within the framework of the applicable discrimination laws and regulations).