Job Description
Job Description
This position is based out of our Louisville, KY office.
What the Role Is
The Senior Manager, Brand Public Relations (PR) leads the development and execution of PR strategies that elevate the visibility, storytelling, and reputation of the Heaven Hill portfolio of brands. This role partners closely with Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications to ensure brand PR aligns with business priorities, product launches, and long-term brand-building efforts. While day-to-day focus will flex based on portfolio priorities, the role includes oversight of PR strategy across all categories and tiers.
The Senior Manager will manage a small team of PR professionals and external agencies, foster strong relationships with media and industry partners, and serves as a key thought partner in bringing brand narratives to life.
How You Will Spend Your Time?
Brand-Focused PR Strategy & Thought Partnership
- Develop and lead PR strategies that support brand marketing plans, innovation, and long-term equity.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to Brand Marketing, translating business goals into compelling, media-worthy storytelling.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate PR into digital, experiential, and influencer campaigns.
- Partner with Corporate Communications on message alignment, brand reputation, and crisis response.
- Monitor industry trends and media sentiment to proactively shape strategy and advise leadership.
Media Relations, Agency & Partnership Management
- Cultivate strong relationships with spirits, lifestyle, and trade media to secure high-impact, positive coverage.
- Proactively pitch stories, manage media outreach, and act as a spokesperson when appropriate.
- Oversee external PR agencies to ensure alignment on messaging, media strategy, and campaign execution.
- Collaborate on brand participation in partnerships, sponsorships, and industry activations to elevate visibility and thought leadership.
- Support executive and ambassador media engagements, including preparation, messaging, and media training.
Team Leadership & Execution
- Lead and develop a high-performing PR team, fostering relationship-building, collaboration, creativity, and accountability.
- Oversee daily execution and prioritization across multiple brand initiatives to ensure timely, strategic delivery.
- Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, providing coaching and professional development.
- Ensure consistent, high-quality execution across all PR activities in alignment with brand and business goals.
Who You Are…
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or related field
- Minimum 7 years of experience in public relations, ideally within spirits, lifestyle, or consumer goods industries
- Demonstrated leadership of both internal teams and external agency partners
- Deep understanding of media relations, brand storytelling, and strategic communication planning
- Strong writing and presentation skills; confident, clear communicator across audiences
- Experience coaching executives and brand spokespeople for media
- Familiarity with social media, influencer engagement, and brand partnerships
- Strong project management and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to analyze data and insights to inform strategy and performance
- Ability and willingness to travel occasionally for media events, activations, and industry engagements
- Flexibility required during product launches and high-priority campaigns
Physical Requirements
While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, and use of computer; reach with hands and arms. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Benefits
- Paid Vacation
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Health, Dental & Vision eligibility from day one
- FSA/HSA
- 401K match
- EAP
- Maternity/Paternity Leave
Heaven Hill and its affiliates are committed to fostering a diverse workforce as an Equal Employment Opportunity company. We invite applications from candidates of all backgrounds, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, natural origin, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic.