Associate Director, Corporate Media & External Engagement

Job Description

Associate Director, Corporate Media & External Engagement

Our Company

As a global food and beverage powerhouse, KraftHeinz represents over $26 billion in revenue and is the 3rd largest food and beverage company in North America and 5th largest in the world. At KraftHeinz, to be the BEST food company, growing a BETTER world is more than a dream – it is our GLOBAL VISION.  To be the best, we want the best – best brands, best practices and, most importantly, the best people. 

Role Overview

The Associate Director of Corporate Media & External Engagement is a is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and advancing KraftHeinz’s corporate reputation through the media and strategic external engagements. The role drives proactive and reactive storytelling, protects and enhances our corporate reputation, and elevates executive visibility in alignment with business priorities.

This individual is an externally oriented communicator with strong executive presence, sharp storytelling instincts, and the ability to operate with speed, ownership, and influence in a complex, fast-moving environment.

Role Responsibilities

• Own and advance the corporate media strategy, aligning closely with enterprise priorities
• Identify whitespace opportunities to position Kraft Heinz in broader culture and business conversations (e.g. affordability, innovation, consumer behavior)
• Identify and drive high-impact storytelling opportunities about our business, purpose and people
• Translate internal strategies, data and initiatives into clear, differentiated storylines that resonate externally
• Lead executive engagements end-to-end, including media interviews and speaking opportunities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier business and trade media
• Collaborate across marketing, investor relations, legal, HR and brand teams to align messaging and maximize impact
• Act as a strategic adviser to internal stakeholders, ensuring communications support business outcomes
• Drive best practices in media relations, measurement, and communications tools (including data and AI)
• Manage external PR agencies, setting clear strategy, expectations, and performance metrics
• Define and track success metrics tied to business and reputational outcomes (not just volume of coverage)
• Ensure that all communications and activity reflect the Company’s core values and advance Kraft Heinz’s business strategy

Personal Skills

• Ability to quickly assess complex situations and make sound decisions
• Strong instinct for what is – and isn’t – a story, with a clear understanding of reputational risk vs. opportunity
• Balances short-term media needs with long-term brand and corporate narrative
• Confident, credible advisor to senior leaders; able to challenge constructively and influence decisions
• Naturally curious with a sharp editorial mindset
• Ability to distill complex business strategies into clear, compelling narratives
• Deep understanding of how media ecosystems operate today (traditional + digital + social)
• Strong understanding of how earned media influences the information large language models learn from and surface in responses

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$164,200.00 - $205,200.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Chicago/Aon Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.