📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Vice President, Brand Communications & Public Relations - Kay & Zales Brands
🔹 Company: Signet Jewelers
🔹 Location: Support Center - Akron, OH (with flexibility for remote work)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Brand Communications & Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with flexibility for remote work
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading brand communication strategies for Kay & Zales brands
- Driving execution of communication strategies across platforms and channels
- Serving as primary contact for Presidents of Kay & Zales, providing communications counsel
- Collaborating with Signet's Corporate Communications team for non-product topics
- Partnering with marketing teams to grow Kay & Zales creator community
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in brand communications and public relations, capable of managing high-profile media campaigns and events.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute strategic intent and framework for romantic gifting and fashion-first communications across all platforms and customer touchpoints
✅ Drive execution of communication strategies and provide strategic counsel to executives
✅ Plan, coordinate, and execute on-brand events that encourage viral moments and creator engagement
✅ Oversee creation and distribution of press releases, briefing books, and other communications materials
✅ Track, analyze, and report on the performance of brand communications and PR strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing multiple projects and stakeholders, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to balance priorities under tight deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field
Experience: Minimum 20+ years of experience in communications/public relations, with at least 15 years in a management/leadership role
Required Skills:
- Proven record of accomplishment in managing progressively complex projects
- Strong writing and verbal communication skills
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Ability to excel despite uncertainty or ambiguity
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working directly with C-suite executives
- Experience managing external public relations agencies and resources
- Strong relationships with consumer press
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the retail and consumer products industries, as well as those with a proven track record in managing high-profile media campaigns, will be strongly considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $200,000 - $250,000 (based on industry standards for a role of this level and location)
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts on jewelry purchases
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Signet Jewelers is the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry, operating over 2,800 stores worldwide under iconic brands such as Kay Jewelers, Zales, and Jared. The company is a leader in the romantic gifting and fashion-first jewelry space.
Company Size: Signet Jewelers has over 10,000 employees globally, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: 1910, with a rich history in the jewelry industry and a commitment to operating responsibly.
Company Description:
- Signet Jewelers is a people-first company, focusing on empowering team members, collaborating with customers, and fostering communities
- The company is committed to inspiring love through its products and actions, both inside and outside its walls
- Signet Jewelers offers dynamic career paths and rewarding opportunities to impact the lives of others
Company Specialties:
- Retail and jewelry
- Brand management
- Public relations and communications
Company Website: www.signetjewelers.com
ASSUMPTION: Signet Jewelers' commitment to its people and communities makes it an attractive employer for those seeking a fulfilling and impactful career in the retail and jewelry industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive-level role, reporting directly to the Presidents of Kay & Zales brands
Reporting Structure: This role is responsible for managing junior brand and PR professionals, serving as a mentor and providing guidance where necessary
Work Arrangement: On-site with flexibility for remote work, allowing for a balance between office and home-based work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand influence and impact across the broader Signet Jewelers organization
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and events, gaining valuable experience and exposure
- Possibility to mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a positive work environment
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their impact and influence within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Support Center - Akron, OH, with flexible remote work arrangements
Office Location(s): Akron, OH (with flexibility for remote work)
Geographic Context:
- Akron, OH is located in northeastern Ohio, approximately 40 miles south of Cleveland
- The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of neighborhoods and amenities
- Akron is home to several universities and colleges, providing a vibrant and educated workforce
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The flexible work arrangement for this role allows for a better work-life balance, enabling employees to manage their personal and professional responsibilities more effectively.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Presidents of Kay & Zales brands
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and strategic thinking
- Experience managing high-profile media campaigns and events
- Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with stakeholders
- Cultural fit and alignment with Signet Jewelers' values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage high-profile media campaigns and events
- Research Signet Jewelers and the Kay & Zales brands to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the company and its products
ATS Keywords: Brand Communications, Public Relations, Media Relations, Event Planning, Strategic Thinking, Executive Communications, Mentoring, Retail, Jewelry, Kay & Zales, Signet Jewelers
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their relevant experience and skills, as well as their cultural fit and alignment with Signet Jewelers' values, to increase their chances of success in the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Crisis communication tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they enable effective communication, collaboration, and project management.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- People-first approach
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Inspiring love through actions
Work Style:
- Strategic and forward-thinking
- Adaptable and resilient
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Signet Jewelers' people-first approach in your daily work?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change or challenge in a previous role
- How do you balance your own point of view with that of others, and how do you build credibility and influence an audience?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with Signet Jewelers' values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's mission and culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and stakeholders with competing priorities
- Balancing the needs and expectations of both internal and external stakeholders
- Adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced retail environment
- Navigating a large, global organization with a diverse range of brands and products
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a complex and dynamic work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on brand communications and public relations for the Kay & Zales brands within the broader Signet Jewelers organization
- Similar roles in other organizations may have a broader or more narrow focus, depending on the size and structure of the company
- Career paths in this field may lead to roles such as Senior Director, Vice President, or Chief Communications Officer, with increasing responsibility and influence
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles in other organizations to better understand the unique aspects of this role and how it fits within the broader communications and public relations landscape.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic communications plan for a high-profile product launch or event
- Managing a crisis communication situation, such as a product recall or negative media attention
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key media contacts and influencers in the jewelry and retail industries
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they have successfully managed them in previous roles.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader communications and public relations strategy for Signet Jewelers and its brands?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Signet Jewelers support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in a large, global retail organization like Signet Jewelers?
- How does Signet Jewelers approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its communications and public relations efforts?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the company, and its culture, as well as to demonstrate their fit for the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage high-profile media campaigns and events
- Research Signet Jewelers and the Kay & Zales brands to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the company and its products
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to reiterate your interest in the role and ask about next steps in the process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
