The primary purpose of the Lead, Brand & Product Communications – Auto role is to develop and execute strategic external communications programs that support Honda and Acura vehicle brands, products, technologies and corporate priorities. The role leads media relations, press fleet management, product launch communications, influencer engagement, issues management and agency oversight to strengthen brand reputation, generate positive media coverage and support business objectives. Success is measured through media performance, brand reputation metrics, launch results and effective management of product-related communications issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop annual Honda and Acura product communications strategies and launch plans

• Comprehensive communications plans, workbacks, key messaging, launch programs and measurable KPIs

• Lead media relations activities including proactive pitching, press fleet management, media inquiries and relationship management

• Positive media coverage, strengthened journalist relationships and improved share of voice

• Influencer engagement and third-party content development

• Increased earned media exposure and digital engagement through influencer programs

• Lead product issues management and support crisis communications activities

• Timely issue escalation, risk mitigation and consistent messaging

• Budget management, PDCA reporting and performance measurement

• Budget adherence, KPI tracking and management reporting

• Communicate vehicle information, coordinate interviews, respond to inquiries and generate media coverage

• Align communications strategies with business and marketing objectives

• Align messaging, leverage resources and ensure consistency of communication across North America

• Manage communications plans, media outreach, reporting and launch activities

• Obtain product information, launch timing and business objectives

• Provide updates, approvals and reporting on communications initiatives and issues

• Develop and execute earned-media and content opportunities

• Other Duties as assigned by Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS

• College or University Diploma in Public Relations or Communications

• 5+ years in a relevant internal or external position

• Product communications planning and execution, Media relations and journalist engagement, vehicle launch planning and event execution, issues management and crisis communications support, agency management and vendor oversight, influencing cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority, and automotive industry experience preferred. Social media experience and fluency in English and French also an asset.

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, strong presentation and storytelling abilities, media relations expertise, strategic communications planning, project management and workback development, issues management and crisis response capability, budget management and reporting, strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, high attention to detail, ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Develops and maintains good working relationships with all members of the team

• Develops and maintains good working relationships within Honda North America as well as all other internal and external stakeholders

• Develop, establish and maintain good working relationship with Honda North America suppliers, partners, consultants, stakeholders and other network contacts

• Enjoys team-building approach of management and department - shares results

HIRING PRACTICES