Communications Manager - Benefits and HR

The Communications Manager, Benefits & HR Communications is responsible for developing, managing, and executing communication strategies that enhance AutoZoners' understanding, engagement, and utilization of benefits, compensation, and other human resources programs. This role serves as the primary communications liaison between HR, vendors, and internal stakeholders, ensuring all communications are clear, accurate, timely, and aligned with AutoZone's culture, brand, and communication standards.
The role oversees benefits communications as its primary focus while supporting broader HR initiatives including compensation programs, HR systems implementations, talent initiatives, policy updates, benefits compliance communications, and enterprise change management efforts. The Communications Manager is responsible for maintaining communication governance, coordinating vendor communications, improving the digital AutoZoner experience, and driving awareness of HR programs across the organization. The position also serves as a key partner in Annual Enrollment, vendor management, AutoZoners App communications, and major HR initiatives. This role aligns with AutoZone's established benefits communication programs, Annual Enrollment activities, and AutoZoners App engagement efforts.
Benefits Communications Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute comprehensive annual benefits communication strategies and communication calendars.
• Partner with Benefits Managers and external vendors to identify communication opportunities and coordinate messaging throughout the year.
• Draft and distribute weekly benefits communications and updates to AutoZoners.
• Ensure communications are delivered with appropriate cadence and avoid communication saturation.
• Develop targeted communication campaigns to drive awareness and utilization of benefit programs.
• Create communication plans for wellness initiatives, benefit enhancements, and vendor launches.
• Review all communications for accuracy, compliance, readability, and alignment with AutoZone communication standards.

Vendor Communications & Relationship Management

• Serve as communications lead on vendor meetings and communication planning discussions.
• Provide strategic guidance to vendors regarding AutoZone communication expectations, branding, and employee experience standards.
• Review, approve, and coordinate all vendor-generated communications, mailings, microsites, and collateral materials.
• Audit vendor websites, communication portals, and digital experiences for accuracy and ease of use.
• Monitor communications performance and vendor communication metrics, providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Act as a primary communications liaison for HR and benefits technology vendors.

Annual Enrollment Leadership

• Lead development and execution of the Annual Enrollment communications strategy.
• Coordinate production and review of all Annual Enrollment communication materials, including benefits guides, microsites, videos, presentations, FAQs, and digital content.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and communication vendors to ensure successful Annual Enrollment delivery.
• Review enrollment platforms and communications for accuracy, AutoZone branding, and employee experience.
• Facilitate employee education sessions, open forums, webinars, and presentations related to Annual Enrollment.

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Manage communication timelines, approvals, and stakeholder reviews to ensure timely execution.
AutoZoners App & Digital Experience

• Serve as a key business partner supporting communication and content within the AutoZoners App.
• Monitor and respond to feedback, comments, and communication-related issues within digital channels.
• Identify opportunities to improve the AutoZoner digital experience through enhanced content, navigation, and communication effectiveness.
• Coordinate app content updates related to benefits, HR programs, and employee resources.

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Assist with troubleshooting communication and content issues impacting the user experience.
HR Communications Support

• Support communications related to compensation programs, pay initiatives, incentive plans, and total rewards strategies.
• Assist with communication planning and execution for HRIS implementations, system enhancements, and technology changes.
• Develop communication materials supporting talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, learning and development, and other HR programs.
• Partner with HR leadership on enterprise-wide change management initiatives.

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Draft executive-level presentations, FAQs, talking points, employee communications, and leadership communication materials.
Compliance & Governance

• Develop and distribute required compliance communications related to benefits, employment regulations, and state-specific requirements.
• Ensure all communications comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Maintain benefit communication archives and required plan document postings.
• Review Benefits Center, DOC, AutoZoners App, and other communication platforms for accuracy and currency.

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Coordinate communication approvals through established company processes.
Events & Employee Engagement

• Lead communication planning and coordination for benefits fairs, National Sales Meeting (NSM), wellness campaigns, and employee engagement events.
• Create custom event content, presentations, promotional materials, and educational resources.
• Coordinate benefit vendors and communication materials for HR-related events.
• Support employee education initiatives regarding benefits, retirement programs, wellness resources, and total rewards offerings.

Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor communication effectiveness, engagement metrics, participation rates, and employee feedback.
• Analyze communication performance and recommend improvements to increase awareness and engagement.
• Develop reporting and dashboards to measure communication outcomes and ROI.
• Utilize employee feedback and communication analytics to enhance future communication strategies.

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In everything ensure communications maintain AutoZone brand

• Other duties as assigned

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Human Resources, Public Relations, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of communications, employee communications, HR communications, benefits communications, or related experience.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and editing skills.
• Experience managing complex communication campaigns and communication calendars.
• Strong project management, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working cross-functionally with vendors, business leaders, and HR partners.

Preferred

• Experience supporting benefits, compensation, total rewards, HRIS, or other HR functions.
• Experience leading Annual Enrollment communications.
• Knowledge of employee benefits and HR programs.
• Experience with communication platforms, content management systems, intranets, mobile applications, and digital communication tools.
• Change management and employee engagement communication experience.