Manager, Marketing Communications

1100 Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Industrial Technologies is seeking a Marketing Communications Manager to lead corporate communications, brand messaging, and creative services across channels. You will guide strategy, oversee a team of project managers and designers, and ensure messaging aligns with business objectives and brand identity.

This role requires a Bachelor's in marketing or related field, 8+ years of experience, and a proven ability to develop consistent messaging, storytelling, and cross‑functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field.
• 8+ years in corporate or marketing communications.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Corporate Communications & Brand Management: Develop and execute corporate communications strategies that strengthen brand positioning, corporate reputation, and organizational alignment.
• Creative Strategy & Execution: Provide strategic and creative direction for corporate communications, branded content, and visual storytelling.
• Team Leadership & Operational Management: Lead, coach, and develop the team, set clear expectations, and manage budgets and workflows.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with leadership and stakeholders to align messaging with business objectives and brand standards.

Skills

Brand management

Corporate communications

Editing & storytelling

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business

Tools

CMS platforms

Job description

The Marketing Communications Manager leads corporate communications, brand messaging, and creative services across internal and external communication platforms. This role shapes and strengthens the company's corporate narrative, ensuring consistent, compelling, and impactful messaging that reinforces brand identity, competitive differentiation, and strategic priorities. Leading a team of Project Managers and Graphic Designers, this position provides strategic direction, creative oversight, and operational leadership to deliver high-quality communications that support business objectives and elevate the company's market presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Corporate Communications & Brand ManagementDevelop and execute corporate communications strategies that strengthen brand positioning, corporate reputation, and organizational alignment.Establish and maintain consistent corporate messaging, brand voice, and editorial standards across all communication platforms.Lead corporate storytelling initiatives that communicate business capabilities, competitive differentiation, innovation, and strategic priorities.Translate complex business information into clear, compelling, and audience-appropriate communications.Partner with business leaders to align corporate messaging with marketing initiatives, organizational objectives, and executive communications.
• Creative Strategy & ExecutionProvide strategic and creative direction for corporate communications, branded content, and visual storytelling.Oversee the development of high-quality written, visual, and digital communications that reinforce corporate identity and brand standards.Establish and uphold editorial, design, and quality standards to ensure consistent and professional brand expression.Guide the evolution of corporate communications and creative approaches to support changing business needs and market expectations.
• Team Leadership & Operational ManagementLead, coach, and develop the team while setting clear expectations and accountability.Direct team priorities, resource allocation, and project execution to ensure quality, efficiency, and timely delivery.Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on creativity, professional development, and continuous improvement.Oversee communications workflows, project management practices, vendor relationships, and applicable budgets.Identify opportunities to improve processes, leverage emerging technologies, and enhance communications effectiveness.
• Cross-Functional CollaborationServe as a trusted communications partner to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, providing guidance on corporate messaging, brand alignment, and creative direction.Collaborate across business functions to support strategic initiatives, organizational communications, and consistent brand expression.Build strong stakeholder relationships, align competing priorities, and ensure communications support broader business objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business, or a related field.
• Eight or more years of progressive experience in corporate communications, marketing communications, brand management, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing multidisciplinary creative or communications teams.
• Proven ability to develop corporate communications strategies and maintain brand consistency across multiple platforms and audiences.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to communicate complex business information clearly and effectively.
• Strong understanding of corporate branding, messaging strategy, visual communications, and creative direction.
• Demonstrated business acumen, project management expertise, and ability to collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, professional judgment, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a large, complex, publicly traded or multi-location B2B organization.
• Background in industrial distribution, manufacturing, engineering, or related technical industries.
• Experience leading an in-house creative services or corporate communications function.
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms, content management systems, and professional creative technologies.
• Experience overseeing agency relationships, vendor resources, and communications budgets.

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Ind