Job Description

Company Overview

CES is a family-owned electrical wholesaler with the benefits of a worldwide service network and the personal service of a neighbourhood store. Our "customer service first" core value has allowed us to grow continually for over 65 years while keeping our founding principle of empowering people to make local business decisions. CES now employs more than 7,400 people at over 1,000 branches world-wide of which there are over 700 branches across North America. Our plan is to add 30-35 branches a year, while staying true to our company values.

Summary

The Communications team at CES is a highly collaborative group that is passionate about advising, engaging, and inspiring through strategic messaging and storytelling. The team works with company stakeholders to develop and execute external communications strategies, deliver projects, and build and maintain important relationships.

The External Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting external communication strategies for the Canadian business as well as assisting with public relations activities across North America. The ideal candidate has strong writing, relational, organizational, and project management skills. In addition to being passionate about generating human engagement and finding compelling stories, this employee is a go-getter who will build meaningful relationships with company employees and media professionals in communities across the U.S. and Canada to effectively pitch local stories and company updates.

Essential Job Functions

External Communications Support (Canada) 50%

Provide communications support in Canada by creating and sharing clear, engaging, and culture-appropriate content on branch and company activities across relevant external channels. Assist with content creation and planning for emails, presentations, newsletters, social media, digital signage, flyers, and more to effectively share communications with the intended audience. Support local events as needed, including attending, capturing photos and videos, and coordinating with branch teams on any support they need. Work with speed, discretion, creativity, and responsiveness to stakeholder needs.

Public Relations (North America) - 50%

Identify and develop newsworthy stories that highlight City Electric Supply in communities across the U.S. and Canada. Help create and execute local PR plans to support new branch openings, anniversaries, community projects, events, and more across North America, with the U.S. representing approximately 50% of the business. Work closely with the Marketing Communications Manager to identify and implement both organic and paid PR opportunities tailored to the needs of CES branches. Draft and pitch compelling press releases to media outlets through Cision software, and track and share media mentions. Support public-facing initiatives, including events and social media campaigns, to strengthen brand visibility and engagement. Assist with award submissions that highlight company achievements and recognize individual employees across the network. Build monthly, quarterly, and annual PR reports to provide insights and highlight successes. Provide media training for branch teams to prepare them for interviews and other media opportunities, ensuring consistent and professional representation of CES. Manage the CES news email, filtering through story ideas submitted by branch teams. Schedule and conduct interviews with branch teams to identify timely and relevant public relations opportunities.

Education/Experience

One to two years' previous experience preferred College degree or equivalent education preferred Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Competencies

Excellent written and spoken communication skills Proven ability to identify and develop newsworthy stories Comfortable engaging with media professionals, including making follow-up calls and coordinating interviews with reporters Ability to quickly learn and effectively use PR tools such as Cision Skilled storyteller with a solid understanding of AP Stylebook guidelines Superior time management skills High level of attention to detail Self-motivated with a positive and flexible attitude Ability to remain composed under pressure A team-player who can establish positive relationships and work effectively and collaboratively with individuals across the organization and at all levels Ability to work overtime as necessary (crisis and time sensitive related communications)

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

If you are passionate about communication and eager to make an impact within a dynamic team, we invite you to apply today for the Communication Specialist position at City Electric Supply!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Disability insurance Extended health care Life insurance Paid time off RRSP match Vision care
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Experience:

Communication skills: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person