Internal Communications Manager

About us- Cognex is the largest, most successful and recognized global player in industrial machine vision! We are a financially strong, international company with no debt and have been in business for over 40 years. Using advanced optics, image sensors and artificial intelligence software Cognex vision and ID systems capture an image then analyze it to make sense of what’s being seen. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment, guided by our "Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast" culture, which celebrates employee innovation, determination, and dedication in a dynamic, fun, and distinctive atmosphere.

We are working on a hybrid schedule: 3 days in the office, 2 at home.

Position Summary

The Internal Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing communication programs that keep Cognex employees (“Cognoids”) informed, engaged, and aligned with Cognex's strategy, culture, and business priorities.

This role serves as a strategic communications partner to leaders across the company, helping translate complex business initiatives into clear, relevant, and engaging employee communications. The Employee Communications Manager oversees key communication channels, including the employee intranet, digital signage, leadership communications, and companywide meetings, while helping drive employee understanding, connection, and engagement across a global workforce.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer, strong project manager, and collaborative partner who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys balancing strategic communications with hands-on execution.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Communications Strategy

• Develop and execute employee communications plans that support business priorities, organizational initiatives, and company culture.
• Partner with leaders across Employee Services, Finance, IT, Product, Operations, Engineering, Customer Success, Sales, and Marketing to deliver clear and effective communications.
• Provide strategic communications counsel on organizational changes, new programs, leadership announcements, and employee initiatives.
• Help ensure consistent messaging and a positive employee experience across communication channels.

Employee Meetings & Leadership Communications

• Lead communications planning and execution for companywide and leadership meetings, including quarterly meetings, annual meetings, employee town halls, Ask the President, and Ask the VP programs.
• Draft executive messages, talking points, scripts, presentations, FAQs, and supporting communication materials.
• Coordinate meeting communications, surveys, reminders, and follow-up activities.
• Partner with executives and stakeholders to develop compelling content that reinforces company priorities and strategy.

Content Creation & Storytelling

• Create engaging content for employees across multiple channels, including:
• Intranet articles
• Leadership messages
• Organizational announcements
• Digital signage
• Internal campaigns
• Translate complex business topics into clear, concise, and relevant communications.
• Identify and develop stories that showcase employees, innovation, business progress, and company culture.
• Plan, produce, and edit video content that supports leadership communications, employee engagement, and company-wide communication initiatives.

Intranet & Digital Channel Management

• Serve as editor and administrator for the Cognex employee intranet.
• Maintain the intranet homepage and information architecture.
• Partner with stakeholders across the business to create and publish content.
• Manage digital signage content and coordinate company announcements.
• Continuously improve channel effectiveness and user experience.

Employee Engagement & Change Communications

• Support communication efforts related to organizational change, business transformation, technology rollouts, policy updates, and strategic initiatives.
• Partner with Employee Services leaders to support employee engagement programs and campaigns.
• Help ensure employees understand not only what is changing, but why it matters.

Measurement & Insights

• Track and report communication effectiveness using employee surveys, meeting feedback, intranet analytics, email engagement, and other metrics.
• Use data and employee feedback to improve communication strategies and channels.
• Develop regular reporting dashboards for leadership.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or a related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in employee, internal, corporate, or executive communications.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience supporting communications for senior leaders and business initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365, including PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, and Forms.
• Experience creating communication materials using Canva or similar design tools.
• Experience with video editing.

Preferred

• Experience managing corporate intranets and digital communication channels.
• Experience supporting companywide meetings, town halls, and executive communications.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Viva, SharePoint administration, digital signage, and video production tools.
• Experience in technology, manufacturing, industrial automation, or B2B environments.

What You'll Bring

• Exceptional judgment and attention to detail.
• Strong business curiosity and desire to understand how the company operates.
• A proactive, ownership-oriented mindset.
• Ability to simplify complexity and create clarity.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to work directly with leaders.
• Passion for helping employees feel informed, connected, and aligned.

Success in This Role

Success in this role is demonstrated through:

• Increased employee understanding of company priorities and strategy.
• High-quality communications that are timely, clear, and engaging.
• Strong engagement with communication channels and company meetings.
• Successful execution of major communication initiatives and organizational announcements.
• A modern, effective employee communications experience that strengthens alignment, trust, and culture.

A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is 117,000 USD - 150,000 USD. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. In addition to base salary, employees will participate in either an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance or a sales incentive plan.

This position provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching; employer-paid disability, family leave, life insurance, paid time off (including holidays), optional voluntary benefits, and recognition and wellness programs.