Senior Communications Manager
Zoro US
Company Summary
Zoro.com is a leading eCommerce platform offering nearly 15 million tools, parts and supplies for our business customers. Launched in 2011, we brought a B2C-like experience to the B2B industry, and continue to be at the forefront of digital innovation at the intersection of technology and distribution. We have rapidly grown to over $1 billion in annual revenue and we’re just getting started!
Job Summary
Zoro is seeking a strategic, creative, and action-oriented Senior Manager of Communications to build and lead our internal and external communications program. As a key partner to the President and leadership team, this individual will define Zoro’s voice - shaping how we engage team members, customers, suppliers, and the broader industry.
This leader will design and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that supports Zoro’s growth, reinforces our unique culture, and keeps our customer at the center of every message. The role blends hands-on execution with high-level strategy, offering the opportunity to make an outsized impact in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
This role will be based out of our Chicago HQ with an onsite requirement of 2 days a week.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead Zoro’s communication strategy, including internal messaging, executive communications, external engagement, media relations, and brand storytelling.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to Zoro’s leadership team, helping cascade strategy and context through clear, transparent, and engaging communications.
- Create scalable communications processes and rhythms that align with Zoro’s culture, ensuring team members stay informed, connected, and inspired.
- Lead cross-functional coordination of all communications, ensuring alignment across functions, channels, and audiences.
- Champion customer-obsessed, culturally resonant messaging that reinforces Zoro’s values and strategic priorities.
- Drive external visibility through earned media, organic social, awards, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships.
- Identify potential reputational risks and support crisis communication planning and response as needed.
- Use data and insights to assess communication effectiveness and continuously improve impact.
What We’re Looking For
- 7+ years of experience leading internal and external communications for high-growth or large-scale organizations, preferably in eCommerce, tech, or B2B environments.
- Proven ability to craft clear, compelling, and aligned messaging across diverse audiences.
- Experience supporting senior executives with strategic communications, messaging development, and high-impact storytelling.
- Strong business acumen and the ability to operate as a communications expert and strategic business partner.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience building media relationships and managing public-facing narratives.
- Confidence and discretion in managing confidential, sensitive, or high-stakes communication needs.
- Track record of building and scaling communication programs and processes in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence at all levels of an organization.
- Bias for action, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for culture-building and storytelling.
Total Rewards
Zoro’s total compensation plan includes our Zoro Incentive Plan (ZIP) that is designed to foster and reward our team members for strong performance. Total compensation will be highly competitive.
In addition to competitive compensation, Zoro offers comprehensive benefits and perks including:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment
- Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents. We also support growing your family through access to adoption assistance program
- 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist and Wellhub portal membership to support your mental and emotional wellbeing
- At least 18 paid time off days annually for full-time employees and 6 company holidays per year
- 6% company contribution to a 401K Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required
- Tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and access to financial counseling, education, and tools
- Charitable Gift Program - match gift to an eligible educational, cultural, community health, and human service organizations
- Employee discounts and admission to various civic and cultural institutions around Chicago
- Zoro office perks including coffee bar, beer on tap, unlimited snacks, access to the onsite gym, and incredible city skyline views
For additional information and details regarding our benefits and our parent company, W. W. Grainger, please click on the link here.
Our Culture
Zoro was founded in 2011 with a simple idea: make it easy for businesses to get the tools, parts, and supplies they need to keep things running. We've grown by staying curious, moving quickly, and solving everyday challenges in smart, practical ways. Backed by W.W. Grainger and inspired by our endless assortment business model, we’re on a clear path toward our next big milestone: $2 billion in revenue—and beyond.
At Zoro, we don’t just follow a playbook—we help build it. You’ll get to work on real problems with a supportive team that shares ideas freely, learns from each other, and celebrates wins together. Our culture is grounded in values that guide how we show up every day: Winning & Learning Together, Being Customer Obsessed, Being Transparent, and Taking Ownership. We don’t have all the answers, but we’re always asking good questions.
Zoro’s culture has been recognized by Fortune, Best Places to Work, and Built In Chicago—but the recognition we care about most comes from our team members, who make this place what it is.
We also know that flexibility matters. Our hybrid work model gives you space to focus and the flexibility to live your life — asking team members to be onsite at least two days a week. Our Chicago HQ (right above Ogilvie Transportation Center in the Accenture Tower) is always open and ready for connection, collaboration, or just a good cup of coffee.
At Zoro, we’re growing fast toward big aspirations — and we’re continuously excited about the new challenges we get to solve together.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are also committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment. Should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview, or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.