Manager, Marketing Communications

Applied Industrial Technologies; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Industrial Technologies is seeking a Marketing Communications Manager in Cleveland to lead corporate communications, brand messaging, and creative services. You will shape the company narrative and ensure consistent, compelling messaging that differentiates the brand across platforms.

You will lead a team of project managers and designers, providing strategic direction and operational leadership to deliver high-quality communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.
• Eight+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications or marketing.
• Experience leading 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute corporate communications strategies to strengthen brand positioning.
• 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.
• Provide strategic and creative direction for corporate communications, branded content, and visual storytelling.
• Oversee communications workflows, project management practices, vendor relationships, and applicable budgets.
• Coach and develop the team while setting clear expectations and accountability.
• Collaborate across business functions to support strategic initiatives and consistent brand expression.

Skills

Brand management

Corporate communications

Leadership

Strategic storytelling

Editing/writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Editorial standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field

Tools

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

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 Management

• Develop 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 & Execution

• Provide 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 Management

• Lead, 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 Collaboration

• Serve 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 Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.